Tipping in the United States is more complicated than it used to be. What was once a simple 15% at a restaurant now extends to food delivery apps, rideshares, hotel housekeeping, dog groomers, tattoo artists, and even self-checkout kiosks. The standard percentages people memorized years ago don't account for context — and context is everything.
The right tip for a DoorDash delivery depends on whether it was a short trip or a 30-minute drive, whether it's raining, and whether the driver had to climb three flights of stairs. The right tip for your hairstylist depends on whether they're a booth renter (who needs tips more) or a salon owner (where tipping norms differ). This guide accounts for all of that.
Use the calculator below to get an exact dollar amount based on your situation, then read the section guides for the context behind each recommendation.
Smart Tip Calculator
Adjust for service quality, situation, and split — get a real dollar amount.
🍽️ Restaurants & Dining
Restaurant tipping is the most established tipping norm in the US, and the one with the clearest expectations. Your server typically earns a base wage of $2.13/hour in many states — far below minimum wage — making tips the primary source of their income, not a bonus.
The standard today is 18–20% for good service, not the 15% that was common a decade ago. That shift reflects both rising costs of living and a broader awareness of service industry wages. For exceptional service — when a server remembered your preferences, handled a difficult situation gracefully, or went out of their way — 25% or more is genuinely warranted. For poor service, 10–15% is the appropriate signal: enough to acknowledge the norm, but clearly below standard. Leaving nothing at all is generally interpreted as forgetting, not protesting.
One common question: should you tip on the pre-tax total or the post-tax amount? Etiquette experts say pre-tax — the server's service didn't change based on your city's sales tax rate. In practice, most people tip on the full check and the difference is small (usually $1–2). Either approach is acceptable.
Sit-down restaurant
15% for poor service, 20% for good, 25%+ for exceptional. Tip on the pre-tax total if you prefer.
ExpectedBar / bartender
$1 per beer or simple drink, $2 for cocktails. 20% applies for a full tab or bottle service.
ExpectedBuffet
You serve yourself, but staff clear plates and refill drinks. 10% is fair; tip in cash if you can.
OptionalCafé / counter service
No obligation for drip coffee. For custom drinks (barista skill involved), $1 or 15% is appreciated.
OptionalTakeout (pickup)
No required tip for simple orders. 10–15% if the order is large, complex, or involves full prep.
OptionalWine sommelier
Tip on the wine separately or as part of the full bill. Many sommeliers share in tip pool.
Appreciated💡 The tipping screen dilemma
When a tablet prompts 18%, 20%, 25% at a counter, you're not obligated to tip at all. These screens are marketing — not a social contract. Use your judgment based on whether there's real service involved.
🛵 Delivery
Delivery tipping is one of the most misunderstood areas of tipping culture. When you order through DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub, the tip goes directly to the driver — not to the restaurant. Many platforms pay drivers a base rate as low as $2–3 per delivery before tips, and drivers can see the tip amount before deciding whether to accept an order. A low tip means longer wait times — drivers simply skip low-paying deliveries.
The $3–5 minimum rule exists because percentage-based tipping breaks down on small orders. A 15% tip on a $15 coffee order is $2.25 — not enough to compensate a driver who spent 20 minutes picking up and delivering it. For any delivery, $3 is the floor regardless of order size. For large orders, bad weather, stairs, or long distances, $5–8 is appropriate. Cash tip at the door is always appreciated in addition to the in-app tip, as it goes directly to the driver immediately rather than through the platform's payment cycle.
App delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub)
Never tip below $3–4 regardless of order size. 15–20% for normal. Add more for bad weather, stairs, or long distance.
ExpectedPizza / direct delivery
$3 minimum for a short trip, $5+ for distance, large orders, or bad weather. Cash is king here.
ExpectedGrocery delivery (Instacart, Shipt)
Shoppers do significant labor. $5 minimum for small orders, 15% for larger. Tip for same-day service.
ExpectedAmazon / package delivery
UPS, FedEx, and Amazon drivers are salaried. No tip expected. A holiday gift ($5–20) is a generous gesture.
Optional🚗 Rides & Transportation
Rideshare tipping has become increasingly expected since Uber and Lyft introduced in-app tipping. Studies have found that the average rideshare driver earns less than $15/hour after accounting for gas, insurance, vehicle wear, and the time spent waiting for rides. Tips are how drivers make the math work.
The 15–20% standard applies to most rides. For a very short trip — under 5 minutes — a flat $1–2 tip is appropriate even if the percentage would be less. For premium services like Uber Black or XL, 20% is the floor: these drivers have higher vehicle costs and stricter quality requirements. If a driver helps with heavy luggage, takes an especially clean car, or navigates a difficult pickup spot professionally, tip toward the higher end. You can tip through the app up to 30 days after a ride, so there's no pressure to decide immediately.
Uber / Lyft (standard)
Tip via the app after the ride. $1–2 for short trips. Add more for a clean car, great conversation, or help with bags.
ExpectedUber / Lyft (Black / XL)
Premium service warrants premium tips. 20% is standard; these drivers have higher costs and wait times.
ExpectedTaxi / cab
Traditional taxis: 15–20% is expected. Cash preferred. Round up in cities where hailing is competitive.
ExpectedLimo / private car
Even if gratuity is "included," additional cash tips are appreciated for great service, especially for events.
AppreciatedAirport shuttle
$2 per person with luggage help. $3–5 for exceptional or private service.
ExpectedParking valet
$2 at drop-off and $2–5 at pickup (or just at pickup). More for a luxury vehicle or difficult lot.
Expected🏨 Hotels & Accommodations
Hotel tipping is the most overlooked category — surveys consistently show that fewer than 30% of hotel guests tip housekeeping, even though housekeeping staff are among the lowest-paid workers in the hospitality industry. Unlike restaurant servers, they typically work out of sight and rarely interact with guests face to face, which is exactly why tips are so easy to forget and so meaningful when given.
The most important rule for hotel tipping: leave the tip daily, not as a lump sum at checkout. Housekeeping staff rotate, and the person who cleans your room on Tuesday may not be the same person who cleaned it on Monday. A $3–5 bill left on the pillow or nightstand with a brief note saying "for housekeeping" ensures it reaches the right person. At upscale hotels, $5/night is the standard. At budget hotels, $2–3 is appropriate.
Housekeeper / maid
Leave daily (not at checkout) — staff rotates. $3–5 in upscale hotels, $2–3 budget hotels. Leave with a note.
AppreciatedBellhop / porter
$2 per bag is standard. $5 minimum for any service. More for heavy luggage or multiple trips.
ExpectedConcierge
$5 for basic recommendations. $10–20 for reservations, event tickets, or going well above and beyond.
SituationalRoom service
Check if a service charge is already added. If yes, no extra tip needed. If not, 15–20% applies.
ExpectedPool / beach attendant
$2–3 for setting up chairs. $5 if they go out of their way (towels, umbrellas, drink orders).
OptionalSpa / hotel massage
Even if a service charge is added, many therapists don't see it. 15–20% cash tip is generous.
Expected✂️ Beauty & Wellness
Beauty and wellness is one of the highest-tip-expectation categories, and one where the nuances matter most. Many hairstylists, nail technicians, and estheticians rent their booth or station from the salon owner — meaning they pay rent out of their own pocket and keep the remainder of what they earn. Tips are not supplemental income for them; they are a core part of what makes the economics of their work viable.
The traditional etiquette that you don't need to tip the salon owner has largely shifted. Many owners work the floor alongside their staff and depend on tips the same way their employees do. When in doubt, tip — they will decline if their policy is different, but it is never offensive to offer. For services involving multiple people (a colorist and a shampoo assistant, for example), tip each person separately in cash if possible, since pooled tips don't always distribute equally. If you got a discounted service through a coupon or Groupon, tip on the full regular price — discounting the service was the business's choice, not the technician's.
Haircut / styling
Even if the stylist is the owner. $20%+ for a good cut. Note: shampoo assistants deserve $2–5 separately.
ExpectedBarber
$3–5 on a $25 cut is the norm. More for beard work or extra time. Cash preferred at traditional barbers.
ExpectedMassage therapist
$15–20% on the pre-discount price. If you got a Groupon, tip on the regular rate — don't penalize the therapist.
ExpectedNail tech (mani/pedi)
$5–10 on a $40–50 service. Cash tips are much preferred over card — often higher takeaway for the tech.
ExpectedTattoo artist
15% minimum, 20–25% for custom work. For a multi-session piece, tip at each session or give a lump sum at the end.
ExpectedEyebrow threading / waxing
$3–5 minimum on any service. Cash is much preferred and more likely to go directly to the technician.
Expected🏠 Home & Personal Services
Home and personal service tipping is the murkiest category — partly because there's no established cultural script the way there is for restaurants, and partly because the range of services is so wide. A plumber who bills $200/hour has very different financial circumstances than a house cleaner earning $15/hour. Understanding who actually needs the tip changes how you approach each situation.
For movers, tipping is expected and earned — moving is physically grueling, often involves navigating awkward stairwells and fragile items, and the crew typically works a full day for a flat rate that doesn't account for difficulty. $20–50 per person in cash, given at the end of the job, is the range. For a long, hard day with multiple flights of stairs or large items, $50/person is appropriate. Providing cold water, drinks, and snacks throughout the day is also customary and genuinely appreciated. For tradespeople like plumbers and electricians who set their own rates, tipping is not expected — their pricing already reflects their expertise.
Movers (local)
$20/person for a short easy move, $50+ for a full day of hard work. Provide water and snacks too. Pay cash.
ExpectedHouse cleaner (regular)
Tip weekly if recurring service ($10–20/visit), or 15% for a one-time cleaning. Holiday bonus = 1 week's rate.
SituationalDog groomer
$5 minimum, 20% for a challenging dog. Groomers often work on commission and tips matter a lot.
ExpectedDog walker
10–15% per walk for regular walkers. Holiday tip = 1 week's service. Extra for bad weather or emergencies.
OptionalPlumber / electrician / HVAC
Trade professionals set their own rates and generally don't expect tips. $20–50 cash for exceptional work is a kind gesture.
OptionalFurniture / appliance delivery
$10–20 per person who helps carry items in. More for heavy pieces, stairs, or assembly.
Appreciated✈️ Travel & Tourism
International norms vary — this section covers the US + common tourist scenarios.
Tour guides
$5–10/person per half-day tour, $10–20/person for a full day. Private guide: $20–50+ depending on the experience.
Cruise staff
Most cruises add a daily gratuity automatically ($15–25/day/person). Extra $5–10 cash for standout crew you interacted with.
Coat check
$1–2 per item. $1 minimum even if there's already a fee charged. Have it ready — fumbling looks awkward.
Casino dealers
Tipping is optional but common. Place a bet "for the dealer" or tip $1–5 chips periodically. Not mandatory.
Ski resort attendants
Ski valets: $5–10 for equipment storage/retrieval. Lessons: 10–20%. Ski-in/ski-out hotel staff: same as hotel norms.
Tipping abroad
Many countries (Japan, South Korea, parts of Europe) find tipping rude. Research your destination. Never tip in Japan.
📋 Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
The complete picture at a glance — bookmark or screenshot this table.
| Service | Standard tip | Minimum | Generous | Expected? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 18–22% | 15% | 25%+ | Yes |
| Bartender | $1–2/drink | $1 | 20% | Yes |
| Café / coffee counter | $1 or 10–15% | $0 | 15% | Optional |
| Takeout | 0–10% | $0 | 15% | No |
| App delivery | 15–20% / $3–5 min | $3 | $7+ | Yes |
| Pizza delivery | $3–5 | $3 | $8+ | Yes |
| Grocery delivery | 10–15% | $5 | 20% | Yes |
| Uber / Lyft | 15–20% | $1 | 25% | Expected |
| Taxi / cab | 15–20% | 15% | 25% | Yes |
| Valet parking | $2–5 | $2 | $10 | Yes |
| Hotel housekeeper | $2–5/night | $2 | $8 | Rarely done |
| Bellhop | $1–2/bag | $2 total | $5 | Yes |
| Concierge | $5–20 | $0 | $25 | Situational |
| Haircut / salon | 20–25% | 15% | 30% | Yes |
| Barber | 15–20% | $3 | 25% | Yes |
| Massage therapist | 15–20% | 15% | 25% | Yes |
| Nail tech | 15–20% | $5 | 25% | Yes |
| Tattoo artist | 15–25% | 15% | 30% | Yes |
| Dog groomer | 15–20% | $5 | 25% | Yes |
| Movers | $20–50/person | $15 | $75 | Expected |
| House cleaner | 10–15% | $10 | 20% | Optional |
| Furniture delivery | $10–20/person | $5 | $25 | Appreciated |
| Tour guide | $10–20/person | $5 | $25 | Expected |
| Plumber / contractor | Not expected | — | $20 cash | No |
❓ Tipping FAQ
The questions about tipping that Americans search for most — answered directly and honestly.
Yes, but reduce the amount. Leaving 10–15% communicates dissatisfaction more clearly than leaving nothing at all — no tip looks like you forgot, not that you were unhappy. The exception is truly terrible service caused directly by the server's behavior (not the kitchen's mistake or a restaurant issue outside their control), in which case $0 is fair. If something went wrong, telling the server or manager is always more effective than silent non-tipping.
Pre-tax is technically correct — etiquette experts consistently recommend tipping on the pre-tax subtotal because the server's level of service didn't change based on your city's sales tax rate. In practice, most people tip on the full post-tax amount and the difference is rarely more than $1–2. Both approaches are widely accepted and neither will be noticed by your server.
Traditional etiquette said no — owners set their own prices and aren't expected to receive tips. That norm has meaningfully shifted. Many salon owners work the floor themselves and have the same financial pressures as their staff, particularly those who are also booth renters in a larger space. When in doubt, tip. Owners who have a personal policy against accepting tips will decline graciously — offering is never offensive.
If your receipt shows "service charge," "gratuity included," or "auto-gratuity" (common for parties of 6 or more), you are not obligated to add anything on top. However, it is worth being aware that in some restaurants, mandatory service charges are retained partially or fully by the restaurant rather than distributed to servers. If you received exceptional service and want to ensure the server benefits directly, a small additional cash tip is the safest approach. Ask if you're unsure about the restaurant's policy.
Cash is almost always better for the worker. Card tips are subject to credit card processing fees (typically 1.5–3%) which some employers deduct from the tip before paying it out. Card tips are also taxable, tracked by the employer, and may not be paid until the next payroll cycle. Cash tips are immediate, go directly to the person, and are the clear preference of most service workers. Carrying small bills — ones, fives, and tens — makes tipping easier and more precise across all situations.
For people who provide you with regular ongoing service — your regular house cleaner, dog walker, mail carrier, or garbage collectors — a one-time holiday gift equivalent to one week's pay or service cost is the widely recognized standard. For USPS mail carriers, the legal limit for gifts is $20 in cash or gift cards. For UPS and FedEx drivers, a small gift or gift card is appreciated (cash is acceptable but not required). For teachers, a personal gift or gift card is more appropriate than cash. The key principle: tip more generously toward the people whose service you rely on regularly, whose financial situations are more precarious.
Yes — significantly, and in multiple directions at once. The spread of digital point-of-sale systems has extended tip prompts to service contexts that never had them before: coffee counters, fast casual restaurants, self-checkout kiosks, and takeout windows. A 2025 Bankrate survey found that 63% of Americans hold at least one negative view of tipping culture, with 41% saying it has gotten out of control. At the same time, awareness of how little many service workers earn has increased tipping generosity in delivery and rideshare. The result is a system in genuine flux — where the norms are unclear, tipping toward the higher end is the safer choice for the worker.