Tipping etiquette is constantly evolving, influenced by factors like inflation, digital payment trends, and changing social norms. As we enter 2025, consumers and service workers alike are adjusting to new expectations regarding gratuities. This guide breaks down the latest tipping trends and recommended tipping amounts for various services.
Key Tipping Trends in 2025
1. Digital Tipping Continues to Dominate
With fewer people carrying cash, digital tipping options—such as credit card terminals, mobile payment apps, and QR codes—have become the standard. Many businesses now prompt customers with suggested tip amounts, often starting at 18% or higher.
2. Tipflation: Are Tips Getting Higher?
Over the past few years, suggested tip percentages have increased. In 2025, consumers are commonly seeing recommended tips of 20-25% at restaurants, even for counter service. While some customers feel pressured, service workers rely on these tips more than ever due to rising costs of living.
3. Expanded Tipping Culture
Tipping is no longer reserved just for restaurants and salons. More industries, including fast-casual restaurants, grocery store baggers, and self-checkout stations, now prompt for gratuities. The debate over when tipping is truly necessary continues.
4. AI and Automation Impacting Tipping
With AI-powered service kiosks and robotic waitstaff emerging, some businesses are reducing human interaction. This raises questions: Should customers tip if a robot delivers their food? Expect tipping policies to evolve as automation expands.
5. Service Workers Expect Consistency
As tipping becomes a crucial part of earnings for gig workers and hospitality employees, service workers are advocating for clear, standardized tipping practices. Many now prefer digital tips for transparency and tax reporting.
How Much to Tip in 2025? A Service-by-Service Guide
Restaurants & Cafés
- Full-Service Restaurants: 18-25% (standard), 25-30% (for exceptional service)
- Counter Service / Fast-Casual: 10-15%
- Cafés / Coffee Shops: $1-2 per drink or 10-15%
Bars & Nightclubs
- Bartenders: $2-3 per drink or 20% of total tab
- Cocktail Servers: 20% of the bill
- Bottle Service: 20-25% of the total bill
Food Delivery & Takeout
- Delivery Drivers: 15-20% (more during bad weather)
- Takeout Orders: 10% (optional for basic pickup, expected for large orders)
- Grocery Delivery (Instacart, etc.): 15-20%
Hospitality Industry
- Hotel Housekeeping: $3-5 per night
- Hotel Bellhop: $3-5 per bag
- Concierge Services: $5-20, depending on request complexity
- Valet Parking: $5-10 when retrieving your car
Personal Care Services
- Hair Stylists / Barbers: 20-25%
- Massage Therapists: 15-20%
- Nail Salons / Estheticians: 15-20%
Transportation
- Taxi / Rideshare Drivers (Uber, Lyft): 15-20%
- Limo Drivers: 20%
- Airport Shuttle Drivers: $2-5 per person
Home Services
- Movers: $5-10 per mover per hour
- Plumbers / Electricians: Not required but appreciated ($10-20 for excellent service)
- House Cleaners: 15-20% per cleaning session
Miscellaneous Services
- Pet Groomers: 15-20%
- Dog Walkers: 10-20%
- Tour Guides: $5-10 per person for short tours, 15-20% for full-day tours
Should You Tip More in 2025?
With rising inflation and the growing reliance of workers on tips, tipping generously is encouraged when possible. However, consumers should be mindful of tip creep—where tipping expectations extend to services where it was previously unnecessary.
Ultimately, tipping remains a personal choice, but understanding industry standards ensures you show appreciation appropriately.
For more tipping insights, check out:
- Tipping Etiquette 101: When, Where, and How to Tip
- Cash vs. Card Tipping: Which Is Better for the Service Worker?
- How Much to Tip Around the World
Stay informed, tip fairly, and support service workers effectively!