Tipping Guide USA: When and How Much to Tip
Comprehensive tipping guide for the United States. Learn tipping etiquette, standard percentages, and situations when tipping is expected.
USA Tipping Culture
Tipping is deeply embedded in American culture. In the USA, tipping is expected in many service industries because workers often receive lower base wages with the expectation of earning tips. Understanding USA tipping etiquette helps you navigate social situations and ensure fair compensation for service workers.
Standard USA Tipping Rates:
- Restaurants: 15-20% of pre-tax bill
- Bars: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of tab
- Food Delivery: 10-15% ($3-5 minimum)
- Taxi/Uber: 10-15% of fare
- Hair Salon: 15-20% of service cost
- Hotel Staff: $2-5 per service
Restaurant Tipping in USA
Restaurant tipping is mandatory in USA culture. Servers typically earn $2-3 per hour base wage, relying on tips for income. Standard USA restaurant tipping is 15-20%, with 18% being most common. Use our restaurant tip calculator to determine appropriate amounts.
Fine Dining in USA
Fine dining in the USA expects 20% or higher tips. For exceptional multi-course meals, 25% tips are appropriate. Consider tipping sommelier separately (15% of wine bill) at upscale USA restaurants.
Casual Dining USA
Casual USA restaurants expect 15-18% tips. Fast casual and counter-service restaurants in the USA may have tip jars - tipping is optional, typically $1-2.
USA Delivery Service Tipping
Food delivery tipping in the USA typically ranges from 10-15% with a $3-5 minimum. USA delivery drivers for DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub rely heavily on tips. Factors affecting USA delivery tips include distance, weather, and order size.
- Standard delivery: 10-15% of order
- Bad weather USA: 15-20% for rain, snow, or extreme conditions
- Large orders: 15-20% for orders over $50
- Long distance: Add $2-5 for deliveries beyond 5 miles in USA
USA Hotel Tipping Guide
Tipping hotel staff is standard practice in the USA. Here's a comprehensive USA hotel tipping guide:
USA Service Industry Tipping
Hair Salons in USA
Tip 15-20% to hairstylists in the USA. If someone washes your hair, tip them $3-5 separately. Tip salon owners 15-20% - tipping owners is becoming more common in the USA.
USA Spa Services
For massages, facials, and spa treatments in the USA, tip 15-20%. Some USA spas include gratuity automatically - check your bill before tipping additionally.
Taxi & Rideshare USA
In the USA, tip taxi drivers 10-15% of fare. For Uber and Lyft in the USA, 10-15% is standard. Add extra for help with luggage or exceptional USA rideshare service.
USA Coffee Shops
Tipping at USA coffee shops is optional. Most Americans leave $1-2 in tip jars for complex drinks. Simple drip coffee doesn't require tips in the USA.
When NOT to Tip in USA
- • Fast food in USA - Tipping not expected at fast food restaurants
- • USA retail stores - Don't tip retail sales associates
- • Takeout from USA restaurants - Optional small tip ($1-2) but not required
- • USA gas stations - No tipping for self-service gas
- • Flight attendants in USA - Tipping airline staff is not allowed
USA Tipping by State
While USA tipping customs are generally consistent nationwide, some regional variations exist:
Major USA Cities - New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco tend to tip 18-20% as standard
Southern USA States - Tipping culture is strong; 15-20% is standard across the South
Western USA - Generally follows national USA tipping standards of 15-20%
Midwest USA - Tipping customs align with national USA averages
USA Tipping Calculator
Use our USA tip calculator to ensure you're tipping appropriately according to American standards. The calculator helps you calculate tips for restaurants, delivery, and all USA services quickly and accurately.
Calculate USA-Standard Tips
Use our tip calculator to calculate appropriate tips following USA tipping etiquette. Ensure fair compensation for USA service workers.
Use Tip Calculator