Tipping Guide 2026: How Much to Tip for Every Service
The quick answer: servers get 18–22% of the pre-tax total, delivery and rideshare 15–20%, salons 15–25%, and valet or housekeeping a flat $2–5. Details for every service below, with example amounts.
Recommended ranges at a glance ($50.00 example)
| Service | Suggested tip | On a $50 bill |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Servers | 18–22% | $9.00–$11.00 |
| Food Delivery Drivers | 15–20% | $7.50–$10.00 |
| Rideshare Drivers | 15–20% | $7.50–$10.00 |
| Barbers and Hairstylists | 15–25% | $7.50–$12.50 |
| Nail Salon Technicians | 15–20% | $7.50–$10.00 |
| Spa Therapists and Massage | 15–20% | $7.50–$10.00 |
| Moving Crews | 10–20% | $5.00–$10.00 |
| Valet Attendants | 5–20% | $2.50–$10.00 |
| Hotel Housekeeping | 5–20% | $2.50–$10.00 |
| Tattoo Artists | 15–25% | $7.50–$12.50 |
Deep dives
- Service Charge vs Tip: Who Actually Gets Your Money
- Restaurant Bill Hidden Fees: How to Spot Overcharges Before You Tip
- Tipping Etiquette 2026: The Updated Guide for Every Service
- Why Is the Suggested Tip So High? The Math Behind Tip Prompts
- How Much to Tip at IHOP: Avoid the 20% After-Tax Gratuity Trap (2026)
- How to Scan a Restaurant Receipt for Hidden Fees & Overcharges (Instant Check)
- Kitchen Wellness Fees, SF Mandates, and SB 478: What You Legally Must (and Don't) Pay
- The Auto-Gratuity Trap: Why Millions Double-Tip for Large Parties (and How to Avoid It)
- Tipping on Takeout & Counter Service in 2026: When It's Normal to Press 0%
- California Dining Tax & Tip Guide 2026: Why You Shouldn't Tip on 9%–10.25% Sales Tax
- Chicago Dining Tax & Tip Calculator: Avoid the 10.75% Tax Tipping Trap (2026)
- California Tipping in 2026: The $20/hr Minimum Wage & Pre-Tax Math Rules
- NYC Restaurant Tax & Tip Guide: How 8.875% Tax & Delivery Minimum Wage Change Your Check
- Seattle Restaurant Tax Is 10.35% (2026): Dining Tax & Pre-Tax Tip Math Guide
- San Francisco Dining Tax & SF Mandate Guide (2026): Tipping Rules & Fee Math
- Miami Beach Restaurant Tax & Auto-Gratuity Guide (2026): Avoid Double Tipping
- Washington DC Restaurant Tax & Initiative 82 Guide (2026): Service Fee Math
- Los Angeles Dining Tax & Tip Guide (2026): 9.5% Tax & Pre-Tax Math Rules
- Las Vegas Restaurant & Buffet Tipping Guide (2026): 8.375% Tax & Gratuity Rules
- Austin Texas Dining Tax & Tip Guide (2026): 8.25% Tax & Tipping Etiquette
- Boston Meals Tax & Restaurant Tipping Guide (2026): 7% Tax & Server Rules
- Philadelphia Restaurant Tax & Tip Guide (2026): 8% Meals Tax & Pre-Tax Math
- New Orleans Restaurant Dining Tax Is 10.45% (2026): French Quarter Tip Rules
- Olive Garden Tipping Policy (2026): Ziosk Suggested Tip Math & Coupons
- The Cheesecake Factory Tipping Guide (2026): Auto-Gratuity & Suggested Tip Math
- Texas Roadhouse Tipping Policy (2026): Suggested Tip Math & To-Go Rules
- Applebee's Tipping Policy (2026): Carside To-Go & Late Night Half-Price Apps
- Chili's Tipping Guide (2026): Tabletop Tablet Suggested Tip Math & 3-For-Me