How much to tip
Short answer: 15–20% for most personal services in the US, 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, and set dollar amounts for bars, hotels and movers.
US tipping chart
| Who | Typical tip |
|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant server | 18–20% (pre-tax) |
| Buffet | 10% |
| Counter service / coffee | Optional, 0–15% |
| Takeout | Optional, 0–10% |
| Bartender | $1–$2 per drink or 18–20% |
| Food delivery | 15–20%, min $3–$5 |
| Grocery delivery | 10–20%, min $5 |
| Uber / Lyft / taxi | 15–20% |
| Hairdresser / barber | 15–20% |
| Nail salon | 15–20%, min $5 |
| Massage (spa) | 18–20% |
| Tattoo artist | 15–25% |
| Movers | $4–$6 per mover per hour |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–$5 per night |
| Hotel bellhop | $1–$2 per bag |
| Valet | $2–$5 when car is returned |
| Tour guide | 10–20% of tour price |
| Wedding vendors | Varies by vendor |
Not sure what to tip? Ask.
Describe the situation and get a straight answer. AI-generated from common US norms: a guide, not a rule.
Guides by service
- How much to tip at a restaurant18–20% of the pre-tax bill for table service
- How much to tip movers$4–$6 per mover, per hour (about $40–$80 each for a full day)
- How much to tip a hairdresser15–20% of the service price; 20–25% for color or long appointments
- How much to tip a tattoo artist15–25% of the tattoo price, with 20% the usual default
- How much to tip an Uber or Lyft driver15–20% of the fare, with a $2–$5 minimum on short rides
- How much to tip a delivery driver15–20% of the order, never less than $3–$5
- How much to tip for a massage18–20% of the full, undiscounted price
- How much to tip at a nail salon15–20% of the service, at least $5
- How much to tip wedding vendorsVaries by vendor: 15–20% for service staff, $50–$200 flat for most others
- How much to tip a bartender$1–$2 per drink, or 18–20% of the tab
The tipping etiquette that applies everywhere
- Tip on the pre-tax amount, and on the full price before coupons, gift cards or member discounts.
- Check for a service charge or automatic gratuity first; if it's there, no second tip is needed.
- Cash reaches the worker directly and fastest, but card tips are fine.
- Counter tip screens are optional. Tip when someone actually served you or made something to order.
- Bad service? Tell a manager. Cutting the tip to about 10% signals a problem; leaving nothing at a sit-down restaurant is usually reserved for serious issues.
Traveling? Customs vary a lot abroad: see tipping around the world. For what people actually leave, see the average tip percentage.
Questions people ask
How much should you tip in general?
For most personal services in the US (restaurants, salons, rideshare, delivery), 15–20% is the normal range, with 20% the most common "good service" tip. Flat-rate customs apply to bartenders, hotel staff, valets and movers.
Is tipping mandatory in the US?
No, it's voluntary, except for automatic gratuities stated on the bill. But many service workers are paid a tipped minimum wage (federally $2.13 an hour) and rely on tips for most of their income.
Do I have to tip when a tip screen appears at a counter?
No. Tipping for counter service, takeout and self-serve is optional. Choosing "No tip" or a custom amount is completely acceptable.
Do you tip business owners?
Traditionally owners weren't tipped, but in salons, tattoo shops and similar businesses most owners who do the work now accept tips. Tip them as you would an employee.