Complete US Tipping Guide 2025

Understanding US Tipping Culture

In the United States, tipping is a deeply ingrained part of the service industry culture. Unlike many other countries where service charges are included or tipping is minimal, US service workers often depend on tips as a significant portion of their income.

The federal minimum wage for tipped workers is just $2.13 per hour (as of 2025), with the expectation that tips will make up the difference to regular minimum wage and beyond. This makes tipping not just a courtesy, but an essential part of workers' compensation.

Beauty & Personal Care

Beauty services typically warrant 15-20% tips, with 25% or more for exceptional service or complex work.

Delivery & Transportation

Delivery workers and drivers depend heavily on tips. Always tip at least $4-5 for food delivery, regardless of order size, and 15-20% for rideshares.

Hospitality & Travel

Hotels, restaurants, and travel services have well-established tipping customs. Always tip restaurant servers 18-20%, housekeeping $2-5 per night, and bellhops $1-2 per bag.

Home Services

Home service providers like movers, furniture delivery workers, and appliance installers appreciate tips based on the difficulty and quality of their work. Tip per person, typically $10-50 depending on the service.

When to Tip More

Consider tipping above standard rates when:

• Service was exceptional or went above expectations
• The worker handled a difficult situation well
• Weather conditions made the job harder (delivery in rain, moving in heat)
• During holidays when workers sacrifice time with family
• You're a regular customer and want to show appreciation
• The service involved extra difficulty (stairs for movers, complex hair color)

When Tipping Is Not Expected

There are some situations where tipping is not customary:

• Fast food and counter service restaurants
• Self-service businesses
• Medical professionals (doctors, dentists, nurses)
• Government employees (mail carriers during regular service)
• Business owners who set their own prices (though this is changing)

Cash vs. Card Tips

Cash tips are often preferred by service workers because they receive the full amount immediately without processing fees or tax implications. However, tipping through apps or on cards is perfectly acceptable and often more convenient.

Tipping on Pre-Tax vs. Post-Tax

Traditional etiquette says to tip on the pre-tax subtotal. However, tipping on the total (including tax) has become increasingly common and is perfectly acceptable. For simplicity, many people just tip on the total bill.