US Tipping Norms by Service Type
Tipping customs in the United States have shifted significantly over the past decade — and the introduction of tablet payment systems with pre-suggested tip amounts has created genuine confusion about what's expected.
Here's a practical, service-by-service guide.
Restaurants & Food Service
| Situation | Standard | Good Service |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant (server) | 18% | 20–25% |
| Bar / cocktails | $1–2 per drink | 20% of tab |
| Coffee shop (counter) | Optional, 10–15% | 15–20% |
| Buffet (bussed table) | 5–10% | 10% |
| Takeout / counter order | 0–10% (optional) | 10–15% |
| Food delivery (app-based) | 15% | 20%+ |
| Food delivery in bad weather | 20–25% | More |
Transportation
| Service | Standard |
|---|---|
| Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) | 15–20% |
| Taxi | 15–20% |
| Shuttle service | $1–2 per person |
| Valet parking | $3–5 when retrieving car |
Personal Services
| Service | Standard |
|---|---|
| Hair salon / stylist | 15–20% |
| Nail salon | 15–20% |
| Massage therapist | 15–20% |
| Tattoo artist | 15–20% |
| Barber | 10–20% |
Hotels & Hospitality
| Service | Standard |
|---|---|
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5/night, left daily |
| Bellhop / luggage assist | $1–2 per bag |
| Concierge (significant help) | $5–20 |
| Room service | 15–20% (check if included) |
How to Calculate a Tip Quickly
The easiest mental math shortcut for restaurants:
For 15%: move the decimal left, multiply by 1.5.
For splitting the total with tip already included:
On "Tip Fatigue" and Screens at Checkout
Many people feel pressured by tablet payment screens suggesting 20–30% for counter service, take-out, or self-service situations. It's entirely acceptable to select a lower amount or no tip for counter service where no table service was provided — the suggested percentages are not norms, they're prompts. For full-service dining and personal services, 18–20% remains the standard expectation.
Use our tip calculator to calculate and split any bill in seconds.