Unlike many other countries, tipping in America is not just a way to show appreciation for good service; it’s an essential part of the service industry. Servers, bartenders, and other service providers often rely on tips to make a living wage. Skipping out on a tip or tipping below a certain percentage can be seen as rude or inconsiderate.
To avoid awkward situations and ensure you follow proper etiquette, dive into our guide on tipping in America which is based on a Statista study.
Tipping is Expected at Sit-Down Restaurants
While technically voluntary, tipping is culturally expected at restaurants with table service. Unlike servers in many countries who earn a higher base salary, servers in the US typically make a lower hourly wage. This means they rely on customer tips to make up a significant portion of their income and can even fall below minimum wage without sufficient tips. The standard tip amount is 15-20% of the pre-tax bill.
If you receive exceptional service, going above 20% shows your appreciation. You can tip less for poor service, but it’s generally considered polite to leave at least a small tip (around 10%) to acknowledge their effort. However, skipping the tip entirely can be seen as rude and can negatively impact the server’s livelihood.
Tipping Goes Beyond Restaurants
While restaurants are the most common place to tip, tipping etiquette extends to other service providers who rely on gratuities to supplement their income. Hairstylists who provide a great cut and style, bartenders who craft your drinks with care, taxi drivers who navigate you through busy streets, and rideshare drivers who offer a convenient ride all expect tips.
The standard amount is not fixed and depends on what service you are getting, or where you are getting it from. For haircuts, 15-20% of the bill is customary, while bartenders often receive $1-2 per drink. Taxi drivers and rideshare drivers typically get 10-20% of the fare. By leaving a tip, you show your appreciation for their service and help ensure they are fairly compensated for their time and effort.
You Can Tip With Cards Too
Traditionally, tipping has been done in cash. This allows servers and other service providers to access their earnings immediately after their shift without waiting for a paycheck. Cash tips are also not subject to taxes, which can significantly benefit these workers. However, tipping on credit cards is becoming increasingly common, especially at restaurants. If you choose to tip on a credit card, there will usually be a designated line on the receipt for you to write in the amount. Just be sure to factor in the tip amount when calculating the total bill to avoid any confusion.
Factor in Quality of Service
The quality of service you receive is a major factor when deciding how much to tip. Attentive servers who are prompt with refills, knowledgeable about the menu, and friendly throughout your meal deserve a higher tip in the 18-20% range to show your appreciation for their efforts. On the other hand, servers who are slow, forgetful, or inattentive may warrant a lower tip, closer to 10-15%. It’s perfectly acceptable to adjust your tip based on your experience. If you have a major service issue, you can politely address it with the manager before leaving your tip.
Pre-Tipping for Special Services
Tipping etiquette goes beyond restaurants. Hair salons, spas, and tattoo parlors may have a different system. When paying for your haircut, massage, or tattoo, you might be presented with an envelope or be asked directly if you’d like to leave a tip for the service provider. This is perfectly acceptable and a way to show your appreciation for their work. The standard tip amount in these settings remains around 15-20% of the total service cost.
Automatic Gratuities for Large Groups
For larger parties, especially at restaurants with eight or more people, some establishments will automatically add a gratuity to your bill. This gratuity is typically a percentage, often 18% or 20%, and will be clearly marked on the menu or receipt to avoid confusion. Be sure to check the bill carefully before adding an additional tip to avoid accidentally overpaying for service. If the service is exceptional, you can add more to the automatic gratuity.
Tipping at Bars and Coffee Shops
Tipping at bars and coffee shops can be a bit more casual than restaurants. If you receive table service at a bar with a dedicated waitstaff, a 15-20% tip similar to restaurants is appropriate. However, at a crowded bar where you order directly from the bartender juggling multiple customers, tipping $1-$2 per drink is the norm. Coffee shops generally don’t require tipping, but many will have a tip jar on the counter if you wish to leave a small amount (around $1) to show appreciation for friendly service or a barista who went the extra mile to make your drink perfect.
Tax on Tips
It’s important to note that in some states, servers and other service providers must report their tips as income, and those tips may be subject to taxes. This is something to remember when calculating how much to tip, as the server may not receive the full amount you leave. For example, if you leave a 20% tip, the server might only see around 15-18% after deducting taxes.
Tipping Etiquette for Takeout and Delivery
Tipping etiquette extends to takeout and delivery orders as well. While not mandatory, a small tip (around 10-15% of the bill) is customary for takeout orders, especially if the service is friendly and efficient. For deliveries, a tip between $1-$5 is standard, with more for long distances or bad weather conditions.
Tipping Hotel Staff
Tipping is also appropriate for some hotel staff members who provide you with direct service. For housekeeping, tipping $2-$5 per night left in the room is the norm. For bellhops who assist with luggage, $1-$2 per bag is standard. Valet attendants typically receive $2-$5 per car retrieval.
Generational Tipping Trends
There’s a trend suggesting younger generations (Millennials and Gen Z) may tip slightly less than older generations (Baby Boomers and Gen X). This could be due to increased awareness of server wages, a preference for digital transactions, or differing dining habits. However, the difference is generally small, and good service is still rewarded with a fair tip across all age groups.
The Gender Gap in Tipping
There’s some evidence suggesting a slight gender gap in tipping. Studies have shown that on average, women may tip slightly more than men. This could be due to various factors, but it’s important to note that the gap is narrowing, and tipping behavior ultimately comes down to the individual.