Tipping in the United States
In the United States, tipping is expected for 12 of the 20 services we track. At a sit-down restaurant, 18–20% of the pre-tax bill (15% is the floor). Tipping is unusual for 1 service.
The United States has one of the strongest tipping cultures in the world. Many service workers earn a sub-minimum wage and rely on tips for most of their income.
Tipping in the United States at a glance
- Sit-down restaurant
- 18–20% of the pre-tax bill (15% is the floor)
- Taxi
- 15–20% of fare, $2 minimum
- Bar
- $1–$2 per drink, or 18–20% on a tab
- Housekeeping
- $1–$5 per night, left daily
- Concierge
- $5–$20 for reservations; $50+ for hard-to-get bookings
- Tour guide
- $5–$20 per person for group tours; 15–20% for private tours
- Café
- $0.50–$1 per drink, or skip the prompt
- Tattoo artist
- 20–25% of the total price
Tipping by service in the United States
| Service | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | Expected | 18–20% of the pre-tax bill (15% is the floor) |
| Counter / takeaway | Optional | Optional — $1–$2 or up to 10% if you tip |
| Café | Optional | $0.50–$1 per drink, or skip the prompt |
| Bar | Expected | $1–$2 per drink, or 18–20% on a tab |
| Housekeeping | Appreciated | $1–$5 per night, left daily |
| Porter | Expected | $2 per bag ($4–$5 heavy or oversized) |
| Concierge | Optional | $5–$20 for reservations; $50+ for hard-to-get bookings |
| Taxi | Expected | 15–20% of fare, $2 minimum |
| Rideshare | Appreciated | 15–20% of fare, $2–$3 minimum |
| Food delivery | Expected | 15–20% of subtotal, $5 minimum |
| Grocery delivery | Expected | 15–20% of subtotal, $5 minimum |
| Hairdresser | Expected | 18–20% of service cost |
| Spa | Expected | 18–20% of service cost |
| Tour guide | Expected | $5–$20 per person for group tours; 15–20% for private tours |
| Tattoo artist | Expected | 20–25% of the total price |
| Valet | Expected | $3–$5 at retrieval; $5–$10 at luxury hotels |
| Airport baggage | Expected | $2 per bag standard, $3–$5 for heavy/oversized |
| Busker | Appreciated | $1–$5 if you stopped to listen |
| Movers | Appreciated | $20–$60 per mover, or 15–20% of total bill |
| Tradesperson | Unusual | Not expected; $20–$50 cash for exceptional or emergency work |
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Compare the United States to other countries
Tipping in the United States: common questions
Do you tip in the United States?
Yes, for some services. Of the 20 services we track in the United States, tipping is expected for 12 and appreciated for 4. The United States has one of the strongest tipping cultures in the world. Many service workers earn a sub-minimum wage and rely on tips for most of their income.
How much do you tip at a restaurant in the United States?
18–20% of the pre-tax bill (15% is the floor). That works out to 15–20% of the bill. Servers in most US states earn a sub-minimum "tipped wage" (the federal floor is $2.13/hr, though many states require more), so tips are not a bonus — they are the bulk of income.
How much do you tip a taxi driver in the United States?
15–20% of fare, $2 minimum. That works out to 15–20% of the bill. Traditional metered taxi tipping mirrors restaurant norms: 15–20% of the fare, with a $2 minimum on short rides.
Do you tip hotel housekeeping in the United States?
$1–$5 per night, left daily. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) formally recommends $1–$5 per night for mid-range hotels and $2–$20 per night for luxury properties.
Which services should you tip in the United States?
A tip is genuinely expected for 12 services: sit-down restaurant, bar, porter, taxi, food delivery, grocery delivery, hairdresser, spa, tour guide, tattoo artist, valet, and airport baggage. For everything else it is optional or unusual.
Where is tipping not expected in the United States?
Tipping is unusual for 1 service: tradesperson. Leaving nothing is completely normal in these situations.
Should you tip in cash or by card in the United States?
Cash is preferred for 10 of the 20 services we track in the United States, because card tips do not always reach staff. Carrying small notes is worth it.