How Much to Tip in 2026: The Complete Guide for Every Situation
Tipping expectations have expanded to every transaction with a screen. Here is what is actually expected vs optional.
Sit-down restaurant: 18-20% is the modern standard (not 15% — that was the 1990s baseline). Counter service with a tablet: $0-2 (optional — this is the tipflation zone where screens guilt you into tipping for no service). Delivery: 15-20%, minimum $3-5 (the driver used their own gas and time). Bartender: $1-2 per drink or 18-20% of tab.
Always Tip These People
Restaurant servers (2-5% of your tip goes to bussers, runners, hosts). Bartenders. Delivery drivers (food, grocery, packages in bad weather). Barbers and hairdressers (15-20%). Valets ($3-5). Hotel housekeeping ($3-5 per night). Movers ($20-50 per person). Tattoo artists (15-20%). These workers often earn below minimum wage with tips making up the difference.
You Do Not Need to Tip
Counter service where you order and pick up your own food. Retail store employees. Fast food drive-through. Auto mechanics. Doctors and dentists. The barista who poured a drip coffee (a $1 tip is kind but not expected). When a screen swivels toward you asking for 15-25% on a $5 coffee you picked up yourself, pressing Skip or No Tip is completely acceptable.