How Much to Tip in 2025: A Practical Guide for Everyday Service
How Much to Tip in 2025: A Practical Guide for Everyday Service – Let’s be honest—summer is almost here, and many of us are already getting out and enjoying the good life. And when we do, we rely on great service to make the experience even better. But there is one topic that still stirs up debate around dinner tables and golf courses alike: tipping etiquette.
What is the standard tipping etiquette these days? How much is enough? When is it too much?
The truth is there is no hard-and-fast rule. But it helps to understand that many service workers depend on tips to make a living. In fact, federal law still lets employers pay tipped workers as little as $2.13 an hour. That might have been okay decades ago, but in 2025, it’s nowhere near enough to cover the basics.
So, let’s talk about it—how much to tip, when it matters most, and why generosity still counts.
Restaurants: Full-Service vs. Casual
At full-service restaurants—where you’re seated and waited on—the standard tip remains between 15% and 20%. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, most people stick with 15%. That’s perfectly acceptable, but if the service goes above and beyond, don’t hesitate to bump it up to 20% or more.
One important reminder: always check your bill before you add the tip. Some restaurants automatically include gratuity for larger parties, usually eight or more. It’s easy to miss that and tip twice on accident.
When it comes to quick-service or fast-casual spots, tipping is far less common. Use your discretion—there is no hard rule here.
Bars and Coffee Shops
Tipping at bars and coffee shops depends on the situation. You’re usually ordering at the counter, so it’s less formal—but that doesn’t mean tipping isn’t appreciated. The general rule of thumb is $1 to $2 per drink, or around 15%.
Grabbing a latte to go? A dollar tip is fine. But if you’re camped out with your laptop for a couple of hours, consider leaving more—it’s a small gesture that goes a long way.
At bars, context matters. If you’re at a high-end cocktail lounge or out for a special occasion with table service, tip accordingly. Think beyond the basic dollar-per-drink model and go a little higher—especially if the service or drink presentation is memorable.
Delivery and Rideshare Drivers
More households than ever rely on delivery—whether it’s takeout, groceries, or a last-minute bottle of wine. And the people bringing those items to your door often depend on tips to make ends meet.
Most apps, such as DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats, include a default tip—usually set at 15%. That’s a good starting point, but feel free to adjust based on the situation. If the driver is coming from just down the street, $5 to $8 is reasonable. If they’re braving inclement weather, bad traffic, or hauling your order up multiple flights of stairs, consider tipping more.
As for rideshare drivers—Uber, Lyft, and taxis—the same concept applies. You’re not technically required to tip, but a clean car, help with bags, or offering a phone charger goes a long way. Most apps suggest tipping 15% to $20, and that’s a solid range.
One more thing: passengers get rated, too. If you consistently skip tipping or come off as difficult, drivers may start avoiding your requests. A good rating keeps things running smoothly—and a tip helps ensure great service the next time around.
Salons, Spas, and Personal Care
Most stylists, barbers, and massage therapists have completed serious training to earn their licenses. Tipping in this space is part of the culture.
When it comes to tipping, the standard range is 15% to 20%, depending on your satisfaction. If the service was exceptional or if you’re seeing a long-time stylist who consistently delivers, don’t be shy about tipping on the higher end. It’s a small gesture that supports long-term, trusted relationships.
Hotel Staff
Even during a quick overnight stay, you’ll likely interact with several hotel staff members—and tipping in this setting tends to be more subjective. Still, there are a few general guidelines that help.
For bellhops, a good rule of thumb is $2 to $3 per bag. If you’re staying at a high-end property or traveling with more than one or two carry-ons, feel free to go higher.
Housekeeping often gets overlooked, but it shouldn’t. Leaving around $5 per day is standard. If you’re in a suite or at a luxury resort, consider more. Place the tip somewhere visible—like on the nightstand with a brief note—so there’s no confusion. Housekeepers usually keep their own tips and truly appreciate the gesture.
Childcare Providers
Tipping a babysitter isn’t expected, but it’s certainly appreciated, especially after a long evening with kids. Most families who tip give 20% on top of the sitter’s hourly rate. If they go above and beyond—tidying up, folding laundry, or watching the kids on a holiday like New Year’s Eve—consider tipping a bit more.
For full-time nannies, tipping typically takes the form of a holiday bonus. A common approach is to offer one to two weeks’ extra pay at the end of the year. Some families opt for a meaningful gift instead—something like travel miles, a spa day, or a night at a premium hotel. A gesture like that can go a long way in showing appreciation for someone who plays such a huge role in your household.
Tradespeople and Movers
When you hire a contractor or tradesperson, you’re usually agreeing to a set price and timeline upfront. You don’t have to tip, but if you’re happy with the work—especially if the worker did the job well, on time, or under difficult conditions—a generous and appreciated gesture is a 15% to 20% tip.
That percentage can vary based on the complexity and urgency of the job. For example, a plumber who shows up immediately to fix a flooding issue deserves more than a routine landscaping crew on a sunny afternoon.
With movers, tipping becomes more customary—especially if they’ve spent hours hauling heavy furniture or navigating tight staircases. A good rule is $20 to $50 per mover, or more if it’s a particularly grueling move. Also, offering water or lunch during the job is a thoughtful way to show appreciation—it costs little but means a lot.
Generosity Leaves a Mark
Tipping isn’t always required—but it’s one of the simplest, most direct ways to show appreciation. We live in a service-driven economy, and for millions of workers, tips make up a meaningful part of their income.
When in doubt, lead with empathy. Be kind. Recognize effort. And if someone goes above and beyond, let them—and others—know. A generous tip, a kind word, or a referral to friends and family can all make a lasting impact. Of course, tipping should also fit within the framework of your household budget. If you’d like to talk about how that fits into your broader financial picture—or have any questions about managing your investments—don’t hesitate to reach out to Team Savant.
Jonathon D. Merickel
Portfolio Advisor
CFP®, MBA