How Much to Tip in Every Situation: The Definitive Guide

close up on hands pulling a few dollar bills out of a black wallet for a tip

Fact: Tipping is an integral part of American culture and the service industry. Also a fact: In my decade-plus as an etiquette writer, Ive never received more hate mail than I have for the articles Ive written about tippingand Ive covered some really hot-button issues! I think we can all agree that knowing how much to tip and when to tip can get a little stressful.

Its tough. As a kind human, you want to do right by your fellow hardworking humans. After all, tipflation is not your servers fault and they still need to pay their bills, but … so do you. We must acknowledge that tipping fatigue is very real, says Jan Goss, an etiquette and tipping expert with more than 30 years of experience. “And you don’t have to tip everyone for everythingthere’s a middle ground that starts with having compassion for the other person.”

The biggest thing to remember? Tipping, at its core, is a way to show gratitude to someone who is helping you. But how much actual money reflects that message? Is it always 20% of the total billeven if youve barely interacted with a worker or you’re not happy with the services rendered? I spoke with Goss and four other certified etiquette experts to get the lowdown on the etiquette rules surrounding tipping. Read on to learn just how much you should tip in every situationwhether youre getting your hair cut, taking an Uber, ordering a cup of coffee and moreand when you can skip the tip.

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How much to tip in 2024

In most situations, you should tip 20% of the final bill. When in doubt, ask the worker or the company what is customaryits never rude to ask what the tipping policy is,” Goss says. “While youre at it, make sure to check the bill to make sure a tip isnt already included.

But, of course, there are plenty of nuances beyond that 20%and some situations where you can tip less or even nothing at all. Here’s what you need to know.

Food and drink

In-person restaurant:20% to 25% of the total check. While 20% used to be considered the appropriate tip for great service, says Goss, that’s now the baseline tip for good service. Like it or not, that’s the new reality of tipping in 2024, but at least it makes calculating the tip easy.

Food delivery:15% to 20%, for all types of food deliveries, including DoorDash and UberEats. However, you may want to increase the amount if the weather is bad, you live far away or your order is large. And never tip less than $3.FYI, most delivery drivers prefer cash, but you can also tip through the appthough keep in mind that this is often done when the order is placed, before the delivery happens.

Restaurant takeout:15% to 20% is the way to go for this relatively new area where tipping is now suggested. Even though a server isnt helping you, there are still cooks, cleaners, hosts and others who are preparing your food, and your tip will go to them, Goss says.

Fast-food restaurants and casual eating establishments: Restaurants like bagel shops, Chipotle and Panera don’t offer table service, but you’ll still likely see the option to leave a tip when paying. In this case, tipping is not obligatory, but it is kind. You don’t need to tip 20%, though. Tip $1 to $2 per meal, or 10% of the total bill.

Personal grocery shoppers, for services like Instacart:10% to 15% of the bill. If a tip is already included in the service, you should add a few extra dollars on top of that.What if you hire a personal grocery shopper but go to the store and pick up the delivery yourself? Tipping is still a must, since the worker is still pulling all the items. Tips in the app are preferred, but cash is acceptable.

Bartenders:$2 per drink, or 15% to 20% of the total bill. Consider tipping generously, since it’s more common now for bartenders to have to split their tips with everyone working during that shift.

Baristas: $1 per drink, or more if your order is complicated. Your spare change dropped in a jar on the counter used to be enough, but now a proper tip is expected.

Hospitality

Hotel housekeeping:$3 to $5 per night, plus $5 for any extra services (like bringing you an emergency razor). Tip daily, leaving cash in an envelope marked for the housekeeper or with “hotel housekeeping” written on the front.

Valets: $5 to $10. If you have any specialty requests, tip on the higher side. And tip in cash when they hand over your keys.

Doormen:$5 to $20. Doormen do a lot more than simply hailing cabs these days, so take into account how much work they do for you. Also take the weather into consideration. It’s preferable to hand them the tip after they complete the service, like hailing a cab, or when you receive the service, like giving you a package. Keep in mind that this relates to hotels only: If you have a doorman where you live or work and have a regular relationship with them, consider giving them a cash gift in an envelope around the holidays.

Bellhop: $2 to $5 per bag. Yes, you should tip per bag. Tip on the higher side, or even a little extra, if they take your luggage all the way to your room or provide extra services like showing you around your room or giving you additional information about your hotel or the area.

Home deliveries

Amazon delivery drivers:Nothing for a standard delivery, but $5 to $20 if the delivery is extra large or difficult. Amazon drivers are allowed to accept tips, but it isn’t expected. You might also want to consider a tip if you have things delivered more than twice a week and you always have the same delivery person. Leaving bottled water and/or prepackaged snacks left on your porch is a nice gesture too.

U.S. Postal Service drivers and mail carriers:You shouldn’t tip on individual deliveries, but a small gift or cash at the holidays is always appreciated. That said, the United States Postal Service has rules about what mail carriers can and cannot acceptgifts need to be under $50 per year.

Furniture- and appliance-delivery people: $10 to $30 per person. The amount of the tip depends on the size of the package, what kind of work was done and how long they were in your home. For instance, tip more if they installed an appliance, put together furniture, removed old items or had to carry it up multiple flights of stairs for you. Having a small desk delivered that is easily carried inside in five minutes? $10 is fine. But if they bring in a refrigerator, install it and remove the old refrigerator, or they’re there for an hour or longer, offer $30 per person or even more.

Special delivery people:$5 to $10. Tip workers who deliver special-occasion items, like flower bouquets and gift baskets, in cash when they make the delivery. Tip on the higher end if they had to go to a remote part of town, carry an extra large or very fragile gift, if they had to navigate bad weather or if they’re working on a holiday.

Movers: 10% to 20% of the total bill, divided between each person on the moving team, or $5 to $10 per person per hour. Even if your company is paying for yourmove, you should still tip the movers. Cash is preferred. It’s also nice to provide cold drinks and food while they’re working.

Salon and spa services

Hairstylists and barbers:15% to 25% the cost of the total service for your hairdresser or barber, plus $5 to $10 for an assistant.

Nail technicians:Generally, tip 20% for all basic services, including manicures, pedicures, foot massages and polish changes. But tip your nail tech more if you’re having more involved work done, like specialty nail art, or if they go above and beyond with their services.

Massage therapists:Tip 20% of the full cost of the service for all types of massages, including chair and partial massages, except in medical settings, where you don’t need to tip.

Cosmetologists and estheticians:Tip 20% to makeup artists, facialists, botox injectors and other salon providers. They prefer cash, since it is immediately available to them, but adding the tip to your bill when you check out works well too.

Personal services

House cleaners:No tip is necessary, but you may want to tip a small amount (like 10%) if you are particularly pleased with the results, have a good relationship with your regular cleaner and/or want to ensure the cleaner stays with you, especially if you live in a high-demand area.At the holidays, tip the amount of one cleaning service, in cash.

Business managers or owners:If your hairstylist or manicurist is the salon owner, tip them as you would any other technician: 20% of the bill. However, you don’t need to tip the owner if they only provided services like welcoming you, offering water or checking you in or out. If you’re very happy with the service, the best way to thank the owner is by leaving positive reviews online and recommending their salon to others.

Uber, Lyft and other ride-share drivers:Tip 20% of the bill for Uber drivers and other ride-share serviceswhich, yes, is higher than you’d tip a taxi driver.And consider tipping more (like, 25%) for Uber Comfort. Give your driver cash at the end of the ride, or tip electronically through the app (it often will suggest an amount).

Home-service providers:Plumbers, painters, HVAC specialists, carpet cleaners, appliance-repair people, handymen, Christmas-light installers, window washers, landscapers and other people who do odd jobs in or on your home generally include everything in the final price so they don’t expect tips. But if the job was particularly tough or they went the extra mile, it is a nice gesture to tip. Offer $10 to $20 in cash, more if they were at your home for more than an hour.

Pet-care providers:How much to tip a dog groomerdepends on the cost and type of service10% is fine for a nail trim or other quick service, but you should tip 15% to 20% for a full groom (more if your dog is difficult). Tip dog walkers 10% to 20%, and tip pet sitters 15% to 20%. Tip on the higher side if they went above and beyond to help your pet or if your pet has special needs, like a medical condition that has to be managed. FYI, it isn’t necessary to tip veterinarians or vet techs.

Personal trainers and fitness instructors:No tips are necessary for a regular training session or class, but consider tipping at the end of a package of sessions or around the holidays if you’re very happy. Think: $10 to $20 for extra help or if you have an established relationship with the trainer, or the price of one session.Group fitness instructors do not expect tips, but the occasional gift is always appreciated.

Party services

Party performers: Musicians, clowns, magicians, dancers, character actors and other entertainers are becoming more common at parties these days, and tipping is a good idea, especially if they really knock it out of the park with their performance. Tip 20% of the bill, or $25 to $50 cash.

Wedding planners: 15% to 20% of the wedding planner’s fee. Most people tip their wedding planners, and its something you should put in your wedding budget from the beginning, Goss says. Add the tip to their bill after the wedding.

Wedding photographers and videographers: Similarly, many couples also tip the wedding photographer and videographer, and our experts agree it’s a nice gesture (along with a glass of champagne or slice of cake). The appropriate amount is 15% to 20% of the bill, or $50 to $100. Give the tip after the wedding and after youve received the photos or videos. You can send them cash in a nice thank-you card or add it to the final bill.

Children’s services

Camp counselors:This tends to vary by region. In some areas, camp counselorsboth for day camps and overnight campsare not traditionally tipped, but a nicethank-you cardandsmall giftat the end is appreciated (similar to what you’d get for a teacher). In other places, including the New York Tristate area, it is standard to offer a tip of $10 to $20 per week that your child attends the camp. For more exclusive private camps, that number goes up. Plus, don’t forget to give a smaller amount to the counselors in training and other assistants. Check with the camp, as well as other parents, to determine the proper amounts for your area.

Tutors: Most tutors include everything in their hourly rate and don’t expect tips for single sessions. If they go above and beyond or are helping with a specific goal (like hitting a certain score on the SAT), offer them a tip on completion. Tip the cost of one session. If the tutor works with your child regularly throughout the year, give them a bonus tip at the holidaysthe price of one or two sessions.

Music teachers: Most music teachers include everything in their session rate and don’t expect tips for single lessons. Similar to the tutoring scenario above, if they go above and beyond or are helping with a specific goal (like an audition piece), you might want to offer a tip on completion. Tip the cost of one session. If the teacher works with your child regularly, it’s nice to give them a bonus tip at the holidaysthe price of one or two lessons.

Sports coaches: Most private coaches include everything in their package rates and don’t expect tips. But again, it’s a kind gesture to tip them if they’re helping your child reach a specific goal (like getting a college scholarship) at the end of their services, or tip them around the holidays. Tip the cost of one lesson.

What should you do if you’re not sure a tip is necessary?

There are many other situations in which tipping may be appropriate but you’re not surelike, should you tip a massage therapist at an all-inclusive resort? When in doubt, just ask. “It’s never inappropriate to ask what the usual tip is in this situation,” Goss says. “Ask the concierge, front desk or the person themselves what is customary.”

Dupree adds that it’s always a kindness to offer a tip, even if it isn’t strictly necessary. “One of my favorite quotes, by George Eliot, says, ‘What do we live for if not to make the world less difficult for each other?’ Tipping well is one way to make things a little easier for someone else.”

Goss agrees, adding that when planning a service, its important to factor a tip (and taxes!) into the budget. If you cant afford a tip, then you cant afford the service, she says. Tipping, technically speaking, is always optional, but from an etiquette standpoint, it is considered a part of the total cost of service these days. The amount is up to your discretion; however, I always encourage generosity.

What if you didnt like the service?

The amount of the tip is still conditional based on the level of service you received, Goss says. If youre dissatisfied, your first step should be to talk to the worker or the company about how they can make it right. They may offer to comp the service, give you a coupon or fix the mistakes. If they cant or wont fix it, you should still tip a small amountand never less than $5, she says.

On the occasion where you absolutely hated the servicefor example, the nail tech not only botched the design but also harmed your nails, or the hairstylist left the bleach on too long and broke off chunks of your hairyou do not have to tip.

When should you never offer a tip?

While service workers appreciateand often rely ontips, not everyone should get a monetary bonus. In addition to postal workers,many government workers aren’t able to accept tips. Think: federal employees, law enforcement, firefighters, military personnel and court employees. If they accept a tip from you, it could be seen as accepting a bribe or like you’re trying to influence their actions in some way, so it isn’t allowed.

You also don’t need to tip teachers, therapists, health-care providers or professionals like lawyers and accountants. That said, you may want to give a small gift at the holidays to people you have an established relationship with, like your personal accountant or your child’s teachers.

Do you need to tip if you have a gift card?

Avoid the top tipping mistake people make: not tipping or tipping on only the amount you paid when using a gift card or coupon.When you purchase a gift card in the amount of the servicesay, when buying a massage or restaurant dinner for a friendbe sure to add the tip amount (no less than 20%) onto the gift card. This makes it easy for the person using the gift card to pay for the service and the tip. Without gratuity included, many people forget to tip on gifts.

If you are the recipient and the tip wasn’t included on the gift card, you should tip 20% of the total service charge (regardless of how much was covered by the gift card). Similarly, when using coupons or other discounts, tip 20% of the total bill, before the discounts.

Other tips on tipping

• Before you tip, check if gratuity has already been added to your bill. If it has, no extra tip is expected or necessary, but you can always leave more if you would like to.
• Calculate how much to tip based on original prices, even if your order has a discount or you have a coupon.
• Express your gratitude in other ways, like send them a kind note, leaving a rave review online or offering water or snacks.
• Don’t leave your tip out in the open, like tossed in the center of the table. Give it to the server directly, put it in the holder the check came in or use a credit card.
• Don’t be shy about tipping more if you receive excellent service.
• If people can’t or won’t accept tips, still give them a handshake and a sincere “thank you.”
• If you’re traveling overseas, read up on tipping guidelines.Tipping etiquette around the worlddiffers from etiquette in the United States. For instance, in China, tips are neither customary nor expected, but they will be accepted if you offer them. On the other hand, in Japan and South Korea, tips are discouraged, and offering one may even be taken as an insult. And in Sweden, tips are not accepted because service workers are paid a living wage by their employer.

Why trust us

Readers Digest has published hundreds of etiquette stories that help readers navigate communication in a changing world. We regularly cover topics such as the best messages to send for any occasion, polite habits that arent as polite as they seem, email and texting etiquette, business etiquette, tipping etiquette, travel etiquette and more. Were committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers personal experience where appropriate. For this piece on how much to tip, Charlotte Hilton Andersen tapped her experience as a longtime journalist who specializes in etiquette and communication for Readers Digest. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, ourcontributorsand our editorial policies.

Sources:

• Jan Goss, etiquette and tipping expert and CEO and founder of Show Up Well Consulting; phone interview, Aug. 15, 2024
• Toni Dupree, certified etiquette coach, CEO of Etiquette & Style by Dupree, author ofWhose Fork Is It Anyway?and writer of an etiquette column forMVMNTmagazine; phone interview, November 2021
• Lisa Grotts, a certified etiquette professional, founder of Golden Rules Gal, former director of protocol for the city and county of San Francisco, and author of several books on etiquette; phone interview, November 2021
• Maryanne Parker, owner of Manor of Manners; phone interview, November 2021
• Jodi R.R. Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting; phone interview, November 2021

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