The Changing Landscape of Tipping: Americans' Views and Trends Revealed

A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center reveals that most Americans believe the expectation to tip has increased in recent years, but they feel uncertain about when and how much to tip. Over 70% of respondents said that more businesses now expect their workers to be tipped compared to five years ago. However, only around a third of respondents find it easy to know when and how much to tip. The survey also found that Americans are more likely to tip restaurant servers (90%) compared to app-based delivery workers (76%), ride-share drivers (61%), and coffee shop baristas (25%). Respondents generally dislike suggested tip amounts and automatic tips or service charges. Most respondents believe that the tips they leave should go directly to the restaurant worker who served them.