Tips in the United States are a very important source of income for restaurant workers, in particular. A study conducted by Toast, the cloud-based digital technology platform for the restaurant industry, revealed that some cities are more generous in rewarding workers with tips. The fact is that within the tipping culture, there are states where tips are more common than in others. Specifically, Delaware and West Virginia are the states where tips are highest.
There has always been much debate about tipping in the United States, but it has intensified in recent years
Just as there’s a list of the states where tips are most frequent, there’s also a list of the states where they’re least generous. On that list are California, with 17.3% (full-service 17.8% / quick-service 14.8%); Washington, with 17.8% (18.3% / 15.6%); Florida, with 18.2% (18.5% / 15.6%); Nevada, with 18.2% (18.7% / 15.7%); and Louisiana, with 18.5% (19.0% / 16.0%). There has always been much debate about tipping in the United States, but it has intensified in recent years. Previously, the focus was more on who should be tipped and how much. But times change, and with them, the nuances.
Comparing the data from that time with more recent data reveals a significant difference
In 2023, a survey conducted by USA Today Blueprint and OnePoll polled 5,000 Americans (100 people per state) about their tipping habits in situations such as restaurants, food delivery, personal services, and other services. Comparing the data from that time with more recent data reveals a significant difference. In fact, that survey showed that Californians are the most likely to tip, with an average of 22.69%.
Illinois residents leave an average tip of 14.22%, a difference of almost 8.5% compared to Californians
Currently, the states where diners are most generous are Delaware, with 22.1% (22.6% for full service and 18.4% for quick service); West Virginia, with 21.0% (21.4%/18.7%); New Hampshire, with 20.9% (21.8%/15.4%); Indiana, with 20.7% (21.2%/17.1%); and Ohio, with 20.6% (21.1%/17.7%). According to the 2023 survey, Illinois residents leave an average tip of 14.22%, a difference of almost 8.5% compared to Californians.
Similarly, the 2023 survey also addressed the states where tips were lowest. Illinois topped the list at 14.22%, followed by Utah at 16.23%, West Virginia at 16.16%, Wisconsin at 15.78%, Oklahoma at 15.51%, Tennessee at 15.4%, South Carolina at 15.13%, Mississippi at 14.98%, and New Mexico at 15.32%.
In other parts of the Americas, tipping is not done this way
We see how the trend changes significantly from one survey to the next. The good news, relatively speaking, is that people generally continue to value service and leave tips in establishments. It’s important to remember that this is a common practice in the United States, different from other countries. In other parts of the Americas, tipping is not done this way. The same is true in Europe, where tips are not included in the bill and are not mandatory. Furthermore, despite there being a set percentage, each person leaves a tip of their choosing, whether it’s €1, €5, or whatever they feel is appropriate.
Depending on the state you live in, this perception is received differently
Surveys have therefore revealed data such as the fact that those who eat at full-service restaurants leave a tip equivalent to almost 20% of the bill. In addition, as we saw above, Americans are somewhat atypical in their tipping generosity. Therefore, depending on the state you live in, this perception is received in different ways.