Glossary · Definition
US tipping norms
Standard US tipping in 2025: 18-22% at sit-down restaurants, $1-2/drink at bars, 15-20% for taxis/rideshare, $1-2/bag for hotel porters, $2-5/night for housekeeping, 15-20% for delivery (never under $5). The historical 15% standard has crept up to 20%+ over the past decade.
Definition
Standard US tipping in 2025: 18-22% at sit-down restaurants, $1-2/drink at bars, 15-20% for taxis/rideshare, $1-2/bag for hotel porters, $2-5/night for housekeeping, 15-20% for delivery (never under $5). The historical 15% standard has crept up to 20%+ over the past decade.
What it means
US tipping is unusual globally. Federal tipped minimum wage is $2.13/hour (most states higher; California $16, Washington $15.74, Oregon $14.20). The expectation is that tips bring servers to or above standard minimum wage. Result: tipping has shifted from “reward for great service” to “mandatory wage subsidy.” Counter-service tipping (coffee shops, fast-casual) has grown via iPad checkout screens prompting 18-25% — controversial but common. Some states (California, Washington, Oregon) eliminated tipped minimum wage; tipping there is gradually moving toward European norms (lower percentages, more service charges).
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Why it matters
Knowing the norms prevents both under-tipping (offending servers, signaling cheapness) and over-tipping (inflated bills add up). Sit-down restaurant: 18-22% standard, 22-25% for excellent service, 15% for poor service (signals dissatisfaction without stiffing). Counter service: skip tipping or $1-2 flat is acceptable. Delivery: 15-20% minimum on bill, never under $5. The most important rule: tip on pre-tax amount; iPad screens often calculate on post-tax including service charges, which inflates the tip.
Example
$80 dinner bill, 8% tax = $86.40 total. 18% pre-tax tip = $14.40. iPad screen suggesting 20% on post-tax total = $17.28. The screen-suggested number is 20% higher than etiquette’s 18% pre-tax. Always tip pre-tax and pick the percentage yourself.
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Frequently asked questions
What about international visitors?
Many cultures don’t tip at all (Japan, Korea, Singapore). Visitors to US should expect to tip 18-22% at sit-down restaurants — it’s how servers earn a living wage.
Should I tip on counter service?
Optional. iPad screens prompt 15-25% but the social expectation is much weaker than for table service. $1-2 flat or skip is acceptable. Don’t feel guilty for declining.
How do I tip when service is included?
If a 15-20% service charge is on the bill (common in upscale restaurants and large parties), the “tip” is already paid. Adding extra is optional. Always read the bill before tipping.
Related terms
- DefinitionService charge vs tipA service charge is a mandatory fee added to the bill (typically 15-20%) that goes to the restaurant or business. A tip is voluntary and intended for the server. They’re NOT the same; service-charged restaurants may or may not pass any of it to staff.
- DefinitionTipping around the worldTipping norms vary dramatically: US is the highest-tipping country (18-22% standard); Japan, Korea, China consider tipping unnecessary or even insulting; most of Europe runs 5-10% if service charge isn’t already included. International travelers should research before going.