Tip prompts now appear at coffee kiosks, self-checkout screens, and food trucks where you hand your own bag over the counter. Not all of them reflect a genuine social expectation. Here's who actually expects a tip — and who is completely fine without one.
Tip These People
Restaurants and Bars
- Sit-down restaurant server: Yes, always — 18%–20%
- Bartender (table service): Yes — included in restaurant tip
- Bartender (bar only): $1–$2 per drink, or 15%–20% of tab
- Food runner: Included in server tip (pooled)
- Busser: Included in server tip (pooled)
Personal Care
- Hair stylist, colorist, barber: Yes — 15%–20%. Calculator
- Nail technician: Yes — 15%–20%
- Massage therapist: Yes — 15%–20%
- Tattoo artist: Yes — 15%–20%. Calculator
- Esthetician / waxing: Yes — 15%–20%
Delivery and Transportation
- Food delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats): Yes — 15%–20%, $3 minimum. Calculator
- Grocery delivery (Instacart): Yes — 10%–15%. Calculator
- Rideshare (Uber, Lyft): Yes — 15%–20%. Calculator
- Valet: Yes — $3–$5 at pickup. Calculator
- Movers: Yes — $20–$50 per person. Calculator
- Furniture delivery: Yes — $5–$20 per person. Calculator
Hotels and Travel
- Hotel housekeeper: Yes — $2–$5 per night, daily. Calculator
- Bellhop: Yes — $1–$2 per bag. Calculator
- Concierge (special help): Yes — $5–$20 depending on task
- Hotel shuttle driver: $2–$3 per person
Don't Tip These People
- Fast food workers: Counter service, you pick up your own food — not expected
- Coffee shop counter (standard): Optional — the jar is there but the expectation isn't strong
- Retail store employees: No
- Mechanics: No — they charge a shop rate that includes their labor
- Plumbers, electricians, HVAC: No — set professional rates
- Doctors, dentists, therapists: No — and it can feel awkward
- Lawyers and accountants: No — send a referral instead
- Government employees: Often illegal (post office, DMV, etc.)
- Flight attendants: Generally no — though some accept and appreciate it
- Self-checkout or kiosk prompts: Never obligated — these are generated by software
The Gray Zone
- Dog groomer: Yes — especially mobile or independent. Calculator
- House cleaner: Yes for regular cleaners; optional for one-time. Calculator
- Power washer / landscaper: Optional, appreciated — not required
- Personal trainer: Optional for regular trainers; tip a session's value at holidays
- Uber Black / premium car service: 20% — same as rideshare