The Ultimate Tipping Guide: How Much to Leave in Every Situation
Tipping people who provide services — hairstylists, nail techs, movers, bartenders — is a common practice. It’s also something that elicits a lot of strong opinions.
Customers expected to leave the money often balk because they don’t like the idea that the extra payment is seemingly required. They argue that the expectation makes it almost meaningless as a token for a job well done. On the flip side, some service providers — especially restaurant waitstaff — depend on those tips to make a living wage.
There are not many financial topics that evoke such strong feelings as the idea of tipping. If you need proof, ask your Facebook friends their opinions on tipping. Expect lots of responses and maybe even a heated discussion.
Besides wondering why and if we have to tip, we also want to know how much to leave for all the people who provide different services. The Penny Hoarder’s Ultimate Guide to Tipping is here to help.
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Why Is Tipping a Thing in the U.S.?
Leaving tips in the United States has become standard and ubiquitous. We picked up tipping etiquette from European royalty in the 1800s, even though Europeans generally stopped leaving tips.
However, it has become part of the system here, especially in the service industry. Restaurants and bars can charge less for their food and drink because they don’t have to pay service workers that much (except in a handful of states).
Tipping customs vary from place to place. Our tipping guidelines will help you know the standard tip amount for service, and how to calculate extra to thank someone for excellent service.
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Understanding Tipping Etiquette
Tipping changed in the early days of the pandemic. As restaurants and other services scrambled to figure out how to survive, people tipped generously to try to help the businesses and workers make it through. Overall, expect to tip 15-20% for decent to good service. A 25% tip works for outstanding service. This has gone up a little over the last few decades.
You can tip on a credit card, with cash, or in some instances, through peer-to-peer sites such as Venmo. How you tip is up to you. Some businesses do tip sharing, where everyone gets a piece of the pie, such as cooks, dishwashers, and bussers in restaurants. Others require that their tipped employees tip the staff that helps them, such as the bartender tipping the barback.
While not a pandemic of a problem, there are cases of employers withholding tips from employees. If you find yourself questioning the integrity of an establishment, but you find that you really enjoyed your server at a restaurant, or perhaps your mover, it may be best to directly give them cash. If you are concerned with how your tips will be processed and if it will be done fairly, feel free to ask the person you will tip or their manager. You may find more honesty in one or the other to help guide your judgment with the intricacies of tipping.
Tipping can also be an investment in future service. If it is a place you frequent, being known as a pretty decent tipper is a great way to ensure ongoing good service. You might even simply like a particular business and wish to give a little more than what you need to pay for.
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How to Calculate Tips
Some folks cherish the opportunity to do math in their head. If that’s not you, calculating the tip doesn’t have to be difficult. You can choose your tipping amounts on the pre-tax or total bill, or if you have a special deal, on the original price.
Ten percent of that is just moving the decimal point over one space to the left. So, a $20 bill would mean a $2 tip at 10%. Twenty percent is double that amount; that $2 tip becomes $4. Fifteen percent is that amount and then half of it is added; $2 plus $1 so the tip is $3 on $20. And so on. Another reason why 20% is a great amount, easier math! Some people like to then round up to the nearest dollar, which is a nice gesture.
The Ultimate Tipping Guide
From restaurant servers to nail technicians and tattoo artists, leaving a tip is an expected part of the experience. The following guide will help you understand how to decide how much to leave.
Hospitality
Almost everyone knows that tipping is a standard practice when going out to eat and drink. The people serving you are typically paid much less than the federal minimum wage, often just over $2 an hour. Always put a few dollars in the going out budget for tips. You don’t have to tip at fast food restaurants, they are paid a regular wage, not a tipped wage. Many restaurants have their servers and bartenders tip out other staff too. This means servers are not getting all of the amount left by patrons.
How Much to Tip Bartender
Per drink, depending on the drink: $1-$3. Though, if you’re up for quick math, 20% of the cost of the drink is the accepted standard. You’ll tip less for a bottle of Bud Light with a twist-off bottle cap than a Cranberry Sour with six ingredients and a floating island of sugared cranberries at the top.
How Much to Tip at Restaurant
Sit down restaurants: 15-25%. This might be the most contested of tipping areas and one where the servers depend on tips to make up for low hourly wages. The level of personal service is high at restaurants where service is good — and even when it’s not so good.
How Much to Tip for Takeout (When You Pick Up)
Here is one area definitely changed by the pandemic. Many people used to not put anything in the tip jar when picking up takeout. As restaurants scrambled to stay open, takeout was often the only option and folks tipped generously. Takeout involves a lot of the same prep work that eating in does, so go ahead and tip 5-10%.
How Much to Tip Food Delivery Driver
If you use a food delivery app, Glamour magazine suggests that you definitely tip if you want your food delivered quickly. Some drivers can see the tips ahead of time on the app and choose deliveries. You should anyway, since most drivers rely on tips to pay for their gas and vehicle wear and tear.
There could be a delivery charge on your order, but don’t assume that it goes to the driver (ask when ordering). You can tip $2-$5 for lower priced meals, then between 10-20% of the bill total for pricier meals. Tip on the higher end when the weather is bad!
Grocery delivery usually has a default delivery amount of 5% of the bill, or a minimum of a few dollars. You can change the amount or opt out.
How Much to Tip Pizza Delivery
Anyone bringing you delicious pizza should be generously rewarded! Basically plan on $2-$3 a pie, unless it is a big order and then more. Calculate 15-18% of the total bill.
How Much to Tip the Bathroom Attendant
For handing you a towel, feel free to tip 50 cents or a dollar if you don’t carry change. For mending hems, helping you with items, or fixing your things, give them $2-$3. Coming across a bathroom attendant when you’ve never seen one before can be a little awkward, but there’s usually a change dish on the sink counter to leave the money in.
Personal Appearance and Care
Trips to salons or barber shops give us a chance to slow down and relax, with the excellent result of feeling better about how we look or feel. Enjoying spa services is a lovely treat. When you are done and feeling good, add a tip to the bill for those who helped you. They might only make tips for pay (especially in nail salons), and are paying rent for their space.
How Much to Tip Hairdresser
It is pretty standard to tip your hairdresser 15-20% when you are pleased with the results. That is the usual amount for almost all self-care services. If a few people worked with you, such as a hairwasher, then it is proper to throw a couple of extra dollars in at the end for everyone.
How Much to Tip Barber
The same as with a hairdresser. Tip the guy who gives you the expert fade or flat top 15-20% of the bill. If you find yourself in a situation where you got a really cheap haircut and 15 to 20% of the bill is less than $5, it’d be kind and easier to simply tip the $5, especially if it was quick.
How Much to Tip at the Nail Salon
The technicians at the nail salons are doing all manner of pedicures and manicures, plus facials and waxings. The going rate for tipping is 15 to 20%.
How Much to Tip Facialist
That hourlong or more facial takes skill plus lots of emoluments and equipment. Leave an 18-20% tip as a token for making your skin glow.
How Much to Tip Tattoo Artist
Typically people tip their tattoo artists 20%, but that can change with the complexity of the tattoo and quality of the experience.
Should You Tip Massage Therapists?
Tipping etiquette with massage therapists depends on location. If you are visiting a spa or getting a massage through your hotel, then it is proper to tip 20%.
Scott Elliott, a licensed massage therapist in Gulfport, Florida, says that tipping “is OK. But in a clinic setting it is not expected. (However) all welcome it!”
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Travel
Include tip money in your travel plans. This tipping guide for travelers will help you whether you’re staying in a luxury hotel or one of our national parks. If you are traveling overseas, check to see tipping guidelines for the countries you are visiting. Always tip your tour guide!
How Much to Tip Rideshare Drivers
When various rideshare companies started, it was a cashless exchange. No longer! Tip drivers 10 to 20%, depending on how good the trip was; if they helped you with luggage; how long the trip is; and the cleanliness of the vehicle.
How Much to Tip Taxi Drivers
Tip your taxi driver the same as you would a rideshare: 10 to 20%.
How Much to Tip Hotel Housekeeping Staff
There are a couple of ways to tip housekeeping. If they are doing your room every day, then leave $1-$5 out on the dresser or by the bed for them. Or you can leave a tip at the end of your stay, equaling $1-$5 per day. It’s more likely that your housekeeper will be rotated through different areas each day, but feel free to check with the front desk if you want to tip your housekeeper more accurately. If you think your room is more trouble to clean than the average feel free to leave more money. A thank you note with the tip also goes a long way.
How Much to Tip Shuttle Driver
Either $5 for the trip or $1-$2 for each bag. Shuttle drivers taking you from airport terminals to car rental facilities or parking garages will usually help put your bags on and off the vehicle.
How Much to Tip Valet Parking
Between hotels and restaurants, especially in urban settings, self-parking parking is difficult. Pay the valet who parks your car and then runs for it when you’re down with your event $2-$5. If parking is notoriously expensive, you’re retrieving your car very often, or of course, find the service exceptional feel free to tip more.
How Much to Tip Bellhop
When you get to a hotel, there is often a bellhop who greets you, guides you to check-in and may carry your bags. If there’s no bag handling, tip the bellhop $1-$2. If the bellhop delivers luggage to the hotel room, the tip should be $1-$2 per bag.
How Much to Tip Room Service
Check the bill to see if gratuity has already been added. A 15% gratuity is an appropriate tip.
How Much to Tip on a Cruise
Cruise lines might have a service charge or automatic gratuities, to use the industry term, already added to the bill. As in other parts of the service industry, cruise line workers are not highly paid with the assumption that tips will make up the difference. Check your contract to see if tips are already included.
Even if they are, being generous to staff can help maximize the pleasure of your cruise. Overall, the 15-20% rule applies, especially to your room steward who leaves all those cute towel animals on your bed.
How Much to Tip Tour Guides
Tipping tour guides depends on a few factors. Private tours for a few people would elicit a 10 to 15% of the tour cost tip per day for the guide, and another 5 to 10% for the driver. Group tours where everyone is giving something would be 4 to 5% per person.
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Miscellaneous
There are other people who provide services that you might wonder about how or why to tip. Here are a few to add to your list.
How Much to Tip Movers
Your moving company probably hasn’t included gratuities in its budget proposal, but make sure you put the cash aside for it. Tipping isn’t required, but since it is hard work done for relatively low pay, it might be more surprising when people don’t tip.
Tipping movers has a few factors to keep in mind. Is this a short move or are you going a few states away? If you’re loading in one state and unloading in another, there is a good chance it is two different crews, and therefore two tips.
Did your humongous flat screen make it safely because it was carefully hand carried? Did they move a dozen or more boxes of hard-back books? Various sites suggest $4-$12 per mover per hour, or about 15% of the total bill.
If the movers worked in the rain, helped set up beds, or went above and beyond in other ways, go with the higher end of the range. You can also provide food and drinks to the movers if it is an all-day job. When it is a short move, easy and everything is packed up, then you can focus on the low end of the range.
You can tip the head person and have them distribute the tip, or you can give each person cash individually. Moving is an anxiety-producing time, and you will be pleasantly surprised how a nice gesture to your movers makes the ordeal go more smoothly.
How Much to Tip Dog Groomer
A reasonable tip for the dog groomer is 15-20%. Other pet-related services, such as pet sitting and pet walking, don’t require tips unless the person has done a little extra. If your pet has special needs, or the person was able to help out at the last minute, a 15-20% tip might ensure they are available when you need them.
How Much to Tip House Cleaner
You depend on this person to keep your house dust- and smudge-free so tip them 15-20% of the regular bill. Dependable and thorough house cleaners are in big demand. Tip them enough so that they stay with you.
How Much to Tip Car Wash
Basic car wash and towel drying is $2-$5, and the tipping amount goes up as more services are added. Detailing definitely deserves more money and takes more time, so 10-20% of the total package is good. Car wash attendant pay is low, so the tips really matter to the workers. At some car washes, the tips are gathered in a communal container and then disseminated by the crew chief at the end of the shift.
How Much to Tip Casino Workers
While going to the casino may not be on the top of the list of places to visit for the financially savvy, you may find yourself going on a trip to Atlantic City or Las Vegas sometime in your life. And you may be drawn to play a game like blackjack while you’re there. If you end up winning, whether it’s big or small, it is customary to tip your dealer at least $5. If you win big, you can tip more. Once you cash out, it’s also a good idea to tip the cashier between $5 for small wins and $100 for big wins. After all, the cashier is the person double-checking you’re getting the money you deserve.
How Much to Tip Musicians/DJs/Entertainers
We’ve all been out on the street in a big city, town square, or boardwalk and come across musicians and other entertainers performing. While tipping in these cases is not explicitly required, if you found yourself enjoying their work, it’s kind to tip them. We’ve all seen the open guitar case or tip jar street musicians have lying around. It’s very hard to place a value on being entertained, but parting with a $5 bill seems like a safe fallback in most circumstances. If you liked it, and $5 seems too much, just throw a few dollars their way. But if you find yourself enjoying a private concert for an hour, pass them a little more than $5. Of course, if you think they deserve more than that feel free to tip more.
How Much to Tip Golf Caddie
If you are an avid golfer, you might find yourself with a caddie companion quite often. Different clubs have different levels of caddie services from forecaddies to junior caddies to single and double-baggers or more. Don’t get too lost in all the variation. It’s safe to go with the standard 15-20% tip upon completion of your golfing outing.
How Much to Tip Gardener/Landscaper
Tipping a landscaper or gardener has some nuance. If it is one person or a regular crew keeping your place tidy, then you are already paying them for their service. But if it’s some one-off thing of extreme importance or difficulty, similar to hiring a mover for a day, consider the safety of tipping them 15-20% for their service.
How Much to Tip Recreational Instructors (Skiing, Surfing, Shooting, Diving)
Recreational activities can vary widely, but there are a couple of common ones where instructors provide lots of help for such a unique experience. These activities specified below are more niche than something like hiking, and a good instructor will keep you safe and enjoying the experience, so it is customary to tip them.
Ski and snowboarding instructors are typically tipped between 10-15%, for a private lesson up to a group lesson.
Surfing instructors are customarily tipped the same rate, at around 10-15% for lessons. Lots of surfing instructors are also lifeguards, so consider your tip as doing double duty.
There are some shooting ranges that suggest you tip your range safety officers. It’s their job to keep one of the potentially most dangerous places safe. They’re often kind enough to show you how to treat the equipment with respect and safety and even operate it properly should you need a quick tutorial. While it’s not customary to tip them everywhere, in ranges where it is, go with the safe bet of 10-20% if you found them particularly helpful.
While diving can be one of the coolest experiences out there, breathing in water is not. For a safe experience with a good diving instructor, a good guideline to tipping them is between 10-15% like other private recreational activities.
How Much to Tip Gas Station Attendants
Gas station attendants are either something you see every day if you’re from Oregon or New Jersey, or something you’ve never even heard of. While it is not customary to pay gas station attendants and they are not known for relying on tips, if they go out of their way to pump the gas, clean the windshield or help you in any exceptional way, it’d be kind to pass them a few bucks for the help.
How Much to Tip a Babysitter or Nanny
While babysitters are typically compensated, there may be times when a tip is appropriate. Besides going above and beyond, feel free to tip a babysitter 10-20% of their regular rate for flexibility, taking care of more children or sitting during the holidays.
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The Penny Hoarder contributor JoEllen Schilke writes on lifestyle and culture topics. She is the former owner of a coffee shop in St. Petersburg, Florida, and has hosted an arts show on WMNF community radio for nearly 30 years. Freelancer Dennis Lynch contributed to this post.
