Complete Tipping Guide for the USA

Everything you need to know about when, how much, and why to tip in America

📱 Need to calculate a tip quickly?

Use our instant tip calculator to figure out the exact amount in seconds.

Why Tipping Exists in America

Tipping is a fundamental part of American culture, but it often confuses visitors and even some locals. The practice stems from a unique labor system where many service workers earn a base wage below the federal minimum wage—sometimes as low as $2.13 per hour for restaurant servers. Tips aren't just a bonus; they're an essential part of workers' income.

This system means that when you dine out, get a haircut, or use many other services in the US, the advertised price doesn't include the full cost of service. Understanding this helps explain why tipping is expected rather than optional in most situations.

Standard Tipping Rates by Service

Restaurants & Dining

Full-Service Restaurants

  • Standard service: 15-18% of pre-tax bill
  • Good service: 18-20% (most common)
  • Excellent service: 20-25%+
  • Poor service: 10-15% (consider talking to manager if it's truly bad)

Pro tip: Calculate your tip on the pre-tax amount, though some people tip on the total including tax. Either is acceptable.

Bars & Bartenders

  • Per drink: $1-2 for simple drinks (beer, wine)
  • Cocktails: $2-3 per drink or 15-20% of tab
  • Running a tab: 15-20% of total at the end
  • Free drinks: Always tip—usually more generously (25%+)

Coffee Shops & Cafés

  • Counter service: $1-2 or 10-15% (optional but appreciated)
  • Table service: 15-20% like a regular restaurant
  • Tip jar: Spare change to $1 is standard

Note: Tipping at coffee shops is less mandatory than restaurants, but baristas rely on tips too.

Food Delivery

  • Standard delivery: 15-20% of order total
  • Minimum: $3-5 even for small orders
  • Bad weather: Add $2-5 extra
  • Large/complex orders: 20-25%
  • Far distance: Consider adding $5+ more

Important: Delivery fees charged by apps don't go to your driver—always tip separately.

Takeout & To-Go Orders

  • Standard: 0-10% (optional)
  • Complex orders: 10-15%
  • During COVID or busy times: 10-15% is appreciated

The debate: Tipping on takeout is debated. Many people tip 0%, others 10%. Do what feels right, but something is always appreciated.

Transportation

Taxi & Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

  • Standard ride: 15-20%
  • Short rides: Minimum $2-3
  • Help with luggage: Add $1-2 per bag
  • Exceptional service: 20-25%

Airport Shuttle

  • Shared shuttle: $2-3 per person
  • Private shuttle: $10-20 depending on distance
  • Help with bags: $1-2 per bag

Hotels

Hotel Staff

  • Bellhop/Porter: $1-2 per bag
  • Housekeeping: $2-5 per night (leave daily, not at end)
  • Doorman (hailing cab): $1-2
  • Concierge: $5-20 depending on service complexity
  • Valet parking: $2-5 when they return your car
  • Room service: 15-20% if not already included

Pro tip: Carry small bills for hotel tipping—it's awkward to ask for change.

Personal Services

Hair Salon & Barber

  • Haircut/styling: 15-20% of service cost
  • Color or complex services: 18-25%
  • Shampoo person: $3-5 separately
  • Owner/sole proprietor: Tipping is optional but appreciated (10-15%)

Spa Services

  • Massage: 15-20%
  • Facial/body treatment: 15-20%
  • Nail services: 15-20%

Note: Check if gratuity is already included in spa packages. If so, additional tipping is optional.

When NOT to Tip

While tipping is common, there are situations where it's not expected:

Common Tipping Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Don't make these mistakes:

  • Assuming delivery fees go to drivers - They don't. Always tip separately.
  • Tipping on the after-tax amount - Calculate on pre-tax (though post-tax is acceptable).
  • Not tipping because service is "included" - Check your bill. "Service charge" often means tip is already added.
  • Leaving a penny as a tip - This is seen as an insult. If service was truly terrible, speak to management instead.
  • Forgetting to tip delivery in bad weather - Drivers deserve extra for braving storms.
  • Not carrying cash for hotel staff - Many positions can't accept credit card tips easily.

Tipping Etiquette Tips

âś… Best practices:

  • Tip in cash when possible - Servers receive it immediately and it's often not reported for taxes (legally gray, but common).
  • Round up for simplicity - $7.43 tip? Make it $8. Easier for everyone.
  • Tip on the original price - If you have a coupon or discount, tip on what the bill would have been.
  • Be generous during holidays - Doubling your usual tip during Christmas/New Year is customary.
  • Tip even for free meals - Got a comped meal? Tip on what it would have cost.
  • Don't punish servers for kitchen mistakes - Slow food isn't your server's fault. Tip normally.

Tipping in Different US Regions

While tipping standards are fairly consistent across the US, there are some regional variations:

đź—˝ Northeast (NYC, Boston, Philadelphia)

Tipping culture is strongest here. 20% is the new standard minimum in major cities. Some upscale restaurants expect 22-25% for excellent service.

🌴 Southeast (Florida, Georgia, Carolinas)

Tourist areas (especially Miami, Orlando) have high expectations (18-20%+). Non-tourist areas may be slightly more relaxed (15-18% acceptable).

🎸 South (Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee)

Standard 15-20% applies. Southern hospitality means good service is common, and generous tipping is appreciated.

🌾 Midwest (Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland)

15-18% is common, though Chicago leans toward 18-20%. Generally less aggressive tipping culture than coasts.

🏔️ Mountain West (Colorado, Utah, Montana)

Ski resort towns expect NYC-level tips (20%+). Outside tourist areas, 15-18% is standard.

🌉 West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington)

California minimum wage for servers is higher than other states, but 18-20% is still expected. Oregon and Washington follow similar patterns.

How to Handle Bad Service

Receiving poor service is frustrating, but remember that servers rely on tips for their livelihood. Here's how to handle it:

  1. Identify the real problem: Is it the server's fault or the kitchen's? Slow food usually isn't on the server.
  2. Speak to a manager: Give feedback while you're there. This helps the restaurant improve and might get you a discount.
  3. Tip appropriately: For truly bad service, 10-12% is acceptable. Below that sends a strong message.
  4. Never leave zero: Unless the server was actively rude or negligent, always leave something. Zero can flag you as a difficult customer.
  5. Write a review: Constructive online reviews help other diners and motivate improvements.

Remember: one bad experience doesn't define a worker's entire career. Be fair, but also stand up for yourself when service is genuinely poor.

The Future of Tipping

The tipping system in America is increasingly controversial. Some restaurants are experimenting with "no tipping" models where servers earn a higher base wage and service is included in menu prices. However, these experiments have had mixed results:

For now, tipping remains deeply embedded in American service culture. Whether you agree with the system or not, understanding and participating in it appropriately ensures service workers receive fair compensation.

đź’ˇ Quick Tip Calculator

Need to calculate a tip right now? Use our instant tip calculator to figure out exactly how much to tip in seconds.

Features include: preset percentages, custom amounts, bill splitting, and real-time calculations—perfect for when you're at the table and need an answer fast.

Final Thoughts

Tipping in America can seem complicated, but it boils down to a few key principles:

By following these guidelines, you'll navigate American tipping culture with confidence, ensure service workers are fairly compensated, and avoid any awkward situations. And remember—our tip calculator is always here to help you get the math right, every time.

Related Tools & Resources