Tipping in the United States

The United States has one of the strongest tipping cultures in the world. Tips are not optional extras — they form a significant portion of service workers' income. In many states, employers can legally pay tipped workers a base wage as low as $2.13 per hour, with the expectation that tips will bring their earnings above the federal minimum wage. Understanding when, how, and how much to tip is essential for anyone living in or visiting the US.

Restaurants

Full-service, sit-down restaurants are where tipping expectations are highest.

Tip: 18 – 22% of the pre-tax bill

• Excellent service: 22 – 25%
• Good service: 18 – 20%
• Below average: 15%
• Buffet dining: 10 – 15% (a server still clears your plates and refills drinks)

Tips should be calculated on the pre-tax subtotal. If you used a coupon or discount, tip on the original price. Large parties of six or more often have an automatic 18 – 20% gratuity added — check your bill before doubling up.

For takeout orders, 10 – 15% is increasingly expected, especially at restaurants where staff carefully package your food and include condiments.

Bars and Nightlife

Bartenders depend on tips just like restaurant servers.

• Draft beer or wine by the glass: $1 – $2 per drink
• Cocktails: $2 – $3 per drink
• Running a tab: 18 – 20% of the total

Cash tips are appreciated at bars and often lead to faster service. If you are at an open bar event, tipping $1 – $2 per drink is still a courteous gesture.

Food Delivery

Delivery drivers incur real costs — gas, vehicle wear, insurance — to bring food to your door.

Tip: 15 – 25%, with a $5 minimum

Tip more for long distances, large orders, bad weather, or if the driver had to navigate stairs or a difficult building. Most delivery apps show the tip amount to drivers before they accept the order, so a fair upfront tip helps ensure prompt delivery.

Rideshare

Tipping Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare drivers is now standard.

Tip: 15 – 20%

• Short rides: A flat $3 – $5 is fine
• Airport trips with luggage: Add $5 – $10
• Long rides or bad conditions: 20%+

Tip through the app immediately after the ride. Cash tips are also welcomed.

Hotels

Hotels involve several different tipping touchpoints:

| Service | Tip | |---------|-----| | Housekeeping | $3 – $7 per night (leave daily) | | Bellhop | $2 – $5 per bag | | Concierge | $5 – $20 depending on request complexity | | Valet | $3 – $7 when car is returned | | Room service | 18 – 20% (check for included gratuity) | | Shuttle driver | $2 – $5 per person |

Leave housekeeping tips daily with a note, since different staff may clean your room each day.

Salons and Spas

Tip: 18 – 22% of the service cost

This applies to haircuts, coloring, massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and waxing. If multiple people worked on you (stylist plus an assistant), tip each separately. Contrary to an old myth, you should tip the salon owner the same as any other stylist.

Coffee Shops

• Simple drip coffee: $1 or round up — optional
• Specialty drinks: $1 – $2, or 15 – 20%
• Large office orders: 15 – 20%

The tip-screen prompts at coffee counters can feel aggressive, but there is no obligation to select the highest option.

Other Services

• Tattoo artists: 20 – 25% (cash preferred)
• Movers: $20 – $40 per mover for a half-day; $40 – $80 for a full day
• Grocery delivery: 15 – 20%
• Pet groomer: 15 – 20%
• Furniture delivery: $5 – $20 per person

Tips for International Visitors

If you are visiting the US from a country where tipping is not customary, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Tipping is not optional at sit-down restaurants. Leaving no tip is interpreted as a statement that the service was unacceptable.
• Most bills do not include a service charge unless noted.
• Credit card terminals will prompt you to add a tip — this is normal, not a scam.
• Tailored Tip supports over 40 currencies, so you can quickly convert tip amounts into your home currency to understand what you are spending.

When Not to Tip

There are a few situations where tipping is not expected in the US:

• Fast food counter service (though tip jars exist)
• Retail store employees
• Medical professionals
• Government workers (tipping some government workers is actually illegal)
• Airline flight attendants

The Bottom Line

When in doubt, 20% is the safe default for any personal service in the United States. Service workers remember generous tippers — and they remember bad ones. A few extra dollars can make someone's day significantly better.

Need help with the math? Tailored Tip does the calculation instantly with color-coded service ratings and intelligent rounding, so you always leave the right amount without overthinking it.