How Much Does a Massage Cost in Calgary?
ATTENTION: I am currently updating the information in this blog. If you would like to participate in a survey for 2024, click here.
The short answer is approximately $104 for a 60 minute massage, but there are many variables to consider.
With inflation taking its course across Canada following the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve seen numerous massage therapists raising their hourly rates.
Curious if my rates were on par with other home-based massage therapists in Calgary, I began collecting data to help me decide whether or not it was time for a price increase for my own home-based massage therapy practice.
I collected publicly available data on rates of 60 and 90 minute massage therapy treatments as displayed on the websites of 25 different home-based, Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) practices across Calgary. The average cost of a 60 minute massage at a home-based practice in Calgary is 96 dollars, with rates ranging from as low as 80 dollars to as high as 120 dollars. The average cost of a 90 minute massage from the same home-based practitioners is 134 dollars, with prices ranging from as low as 120 dollars to as high as 170 dollars.
Next I collected data from 32 different spas and clinics around Calgary. The average cost of a 60 minute massage from a clinic or spa in Calgary is 112 dollars, with rates ranging from as low as 90 dollars to as high as 155 dollars. The average cost of a 90 minute massage from a clinic or spa in Calgary is 152 dollars, with rates ranging from as low as 120 dollars to as high as 210 dollars.
While this information may be useful for those of us contemplating a rate increase, I recognize that there are many factors not discussed here that might reasonably justify a higher or lower rate than average. For example, for my first three years of practice, I chose to offer my services at a reduced rate, which I was able to do comfortably because I was working from home with no substantial overhead. On the other hand of the spectrum, spa treatments often include the use of showers, saunas or steam rooms, welcome beverages and hot towels, and this is reflected in the seemingly excessive cost.
While it’s normal to be afraid to lose clients following a price increase, it’s also important not to discount your work. You deserve to be compensated fairly for your hard work as a RMT and without it you risk becoming resentful toward your clients, employer or the work itself. Assuming your rates are within a reasonable degree of average and a true reflection of your interpersonal and technical skills as a therapist, your clients should be understanding and supportive of your growth!
To see the raw data used for this study, click here.
The information is valid as of December 2022.
ATTENTION: I am currently updating the information in this blog. If you would like to participate in a survey for 2024, click here.
Written by Breanne Hamper, Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), Calgary, AB, active member with the Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Association (CMMOTA)