30+ Amazing Restaurant Tipping Statistics

Restaurant tipping varies widely, with Americans typically tipping 15-20%, men tipping more than women, and credit card users tipping higher.

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Tipping has become an integral part of the restaurant culture. It serves as a means to express gratitude for the service you received from the restaurant staff. Tipping plays a significant role in the livelihoods of the team in restaurants.

However, tipping varies across regions and demographics. There are many intriguing restaurant tipping statistics that reflect the diverse gratuities.

Here are some of the charming restaurant tipping statistics.

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Top 10 Restaurant Tipping Statistics

Here are some of the notable restaurant tipping statistics.

  • 57% of Americans always tip their servers at restaurants, while 15% never tip.
  • The average tip in the United States is around 15-20% of the total bill.
  • Attractive servers receive higher tips than their less attractive counterparts.
  • The average tip for food delivery drivers is around 10-15% of the order total.
  • Customers are more likely to tip higher when dining in large cities compared to smaller towns.
  • 34% of customers tip restaurant staff less if they perceive the service as slow.
  • Credit card slips with a suggested tip percentage result in higher tips than slips without suggestions.
  • Men tend to tip more than women.
  • Credit card tips average around 20%, while cash tips average approximately 15%.
  • The most common tip amount is 20%.

Read on for more fascinating statistics.

Overall Restaurant Tipping Statistics

Many surveys have been conducted to come up with data in the restaurant industry. Tipping is one of the areas these surveys have focused on. Here are some of the findings reported by various associations.

57% of Americans always tip their servers at restaurants, while 15% never tip (Credit Cards)

This statistic provides insight into the tipping habits of a significant proportion of the population. While tipping is widely expected in the United States, it can be influenced by factors such as income or personal experiences.

The average tip in the United States is around 15-20% of the total bill (Wanderlustingk)

The 15-20% tipping range has become widely recognized as a standard measure in many restaurants. However, this is just the average tipping range; you can tip more or less depending on your preference.

Customers who pay with a credit card tend to tip more than those who pay in cash (Yahoo Finance)

Research has shown that customers who tip with credit cards average around 20%, while those tipping in cash average around 15% of the total bill. The convenience of credit card tipping brings the tip difference. On the other hand, cash tips can be bulky, especially when there is a need for more ready change.

Men tend to tip more than women (Credit Cards)

A survey has shown 61% of men always tip their servers, compared to 53% of women. However, this statistic is drawn from a general survey and may not represent individual preferences.

Younger people are more likely to tip below the average rate, while older individuals are more likely to tip above the average rate (Credit Cards)

Younger individuals, particularly those in the 18-34 age group, are likelier to tip below the average rate. Meanwhile, older individuals aged 65 and above are more inclined to tip above the average rate.

Attractive servers receive higher tips than their less attractive counterparts (Research Gate)

This fact is referred to as the beauty premium. Physical attractiveness can positively influence the amount of gratuity servers receive.

Tipping is more prevalent in the United States compared to other countries (World Population Review)

Compared to other countries, the United States has a tipping culture more prevalent. Some European countries include tips in the overall bill as a service charge. However, in the United States, tipping is deeply ingrained in the dining culture.

Waitstaff in the United States rely heavily on tips for their income (NELP)

The federal minimum wage for tipped employees is lower than the standard minimum wage set for other industries. This brings on the expectation that tips will make up the difference. The system is known as a tip credit, where the employees will earn at least standard wages when factoring in the tips.

In some states, employers must pay tipped employees the standard minimum wage in addition to their tips (WHD)

In certain states, such as California, tipped employees deserve to receive the standard minimum wage irrespective of any tips they earn.

The highest average tip percentage is found in Delaware (Toast)

Delaware is known to have one of the highest average tip percentages in the United States. Customers in Delaware tend to tip an average of 21.8% of the total bill, which is above the national average.

The lowest average tip percentage is found in California (Toast)

An average of 17.8% of the total bill prevails among customers in South Dakota, which is lower than the national average.

Customers tend to tip more when they receive excellent service, regardless of the actual quality of the food (Research Gate)

This fact suggests that the quality of service waitstaff provides more significant to tipping customers than the quality of food served.

Customers who have previously worked in the service industry are more likely to tip more generously (Midland News)

Customers with firsthand knowledge of the challenges and demands of the job may have a greater appreciation for the efforts and hard work of waitstaff. This leads to a more generous tip.

Large parties tend to tip less on average compared to smaller parties (Research Gate)

Parties with six or more people will often tip less than those with fewer people. One of the significant reasons is shared responsibility. This is where a party may feel less inclined to tip more since other people have yet to.

The most common tip amount is 20% (Wanderlustingk)

The most common tip amount reported by respondents is 20%. This shows many customers often leave a tip equivalent to 20% of the total bill.

Travelers tend to tip more than leisure travelers (Yahoo Finance)

Often business travelers have expense accounts for their meals and other expenses. Consequently, they may leave more significant tips to show appreciation.

Regular customers at a particular restaurant are more likely to tip more generously (Research Gate)

Regular customers tend to leave a bigger tip than occasional or first-time patrons. This could be because of a rapport with the waitstaff and familiarity with the establishment.

The time of day can affect tipping percentages (Research Gate)

Research suggests that lunchtime tips may be slightly higher than dinnertime tips. This could be influenced by the perception of prompt service as valuable so they can resume their commitments from lunch.

Credit card slips with a suggested tip percentage result in higher tips compared to slips without suggestions (Yahoo Finance)

Tipping suggestions make it easy for a customer to select a tip percentage. This provides a reference point for decision-making, thus creating a seamless tipping process.

Customers who pay with mobile payment apps tend to tip more generously (CNBC)

Customers who pay with mobile apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay tend to tip higher than those who pay with traditional methods like cash or credit cards.

The average tip for food delivery drivers is around 10-15% of the order total (Michigan State University)

When customers order food for delivery, it is customary to show appreciation for the driver’s service by tipping.

Customers who have a positive dining experience are more likely to tip above the average rate (Posist)

Customers who enjoy good food and receive attentive service are likelier to tip above the average rate.

Customers who have a negative dining experience are more likely not to tip at all (Research Gate)

Customers who experience incorrect orders, or other issues, are more likely to tip below the average rate or not tip at all.

34% of respondents said they tip restaurant staff less if they perceive the service as slow (Research Gate)

Slow service can be a significant factor that influences customers’ tipping behavior.

The type of restaurant can influence tipping percentages (Research Gate)

Fine dining establishments have higher average tips compared to casual or fast-food restaurants.

Customers are more likely to tip higher when dining in large cities compared to smaller towns (Research Gate)

Several factors may influence customers to tip more in larger cities. Some of the elements are the higher cost of living in major towns compared to smaller areas and cultural norms.

Some restaurants implement a no-tipping policy and instead pay their staff higher wages (The Globe and Mail)

This trend is more prevalent in certain regions, such as the West Coast of the United States. Nevertheless, a service charge is included in the overall billing.

Tipping behavior can vary based on cultural norms and expectations (Science Direct)

Different countries and regions have their customs and practices regarding tipping.

Tipping rates can be influenced by socioeconomic factors such as income level and education (Science Direct)

Customers with a higher income may tip more generously. Additionally, more educated individuals may tip higher due to acknowledging tipping norms.

Generosity and tipping habits can vary among different generations (Research Gate)

Younger generations sometimes show a preference for alternative methods of showing appreciation. These methods may include leaving online reviews or sharing experiences on social media.

Customers who receive a personalized thank-you note from the server are more likely to leave a higher tip (Research Gate)

When a customer receives a personalized thank-you note, it may elevate their experience, thus leading to a higher tip.

Wrap-Up

Tipping is a broad aspect of the service industry, thus affected by various factors. The restaurant tipping statistics discussed are but a part of the many there are. Even so, tipping is a great show of gratitude to the waitstaff in the service industry.

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