The Essential Tipping Chart

I first saw this published in April 2015 Real Simple Magazine and was so impressed with how easy it was to apply (as an Aussie in the US still learning the tipping rules 10 years later… crazy I know). When in doubt, tip. That’s my motto.

A Comprehensive guide to ease your mind when you’re wondering whether to tip (probably) and how much to give:

Everyday Life

Appliance or Furniture Delivery – $5 to $10 a person – Extra $5 or $10 each for assembly or for navigating a tough stairwell

Bartender – $1 a drink

Car Washer – $2 for a standard car, $3 to $5 for a large vehicle; 15 percent for detailing

Coat Checker – $1 per item

Dog Groomer – 15 to 20 percent

Emergency Roadside Service Provider – $5 to $20 – If the service owner comes to tow you himself – or if the cost of the tow is insane-you can skip the tip

Food Delivery – $2 to $4

Hair Shampooer – $3 to $5

Hairstylist or Colorist – 15 percent

Laundry or Dry-Cleaning Delivery – $2 to $5

Manicures or Pedicurist – 10 to 20 percent

Movers – $20 to $50 each – The harder the move, the bigger the tip

Server – 15 to 20 percent

Valet Parking – $2 to $5

Waxer or Threader – 20 percent

Travel

Airport Skycap or Porter – $1 to $3 per bag

Bellhop – $1 or $2 per bag delivered to our room

Hotel Concierge – $5 to $50 – For standard help, go low; up it for special services, like hard-to-get theatre tickets

Hotel Housekeeping – $2 a night at a budget hotel, $3 to $5 a night at a high-end hotel.

Tip daily, since more than one housekeeper may clean your room.

Room Service – 15 to 20 percent of the meal’s cost

A “service charge” noted on your tab does not cover the tip, but a “gratuity charge” does. Check carefully, then calculate.

Taxi or Car-Service Driver – 10 to 15 percent – Add an extra dollar or two if he helps with your luggage

Extra Credit

Barista – Spare change or up to $2

Bartender at an open-bar event – $1 per drink – Definitely tip for labor-intensive cocktails, like mojitos

Flower Delivery – $2 to $5 per arrangement

Gift Wrapper – $1 to $5 per item – For extra-pretty work, go high

Maitre D’ or Hostess – $10 and up, depending on how fancy or in-demand the place is

Special Events

Bartenders – A total of 10 percent of the final bill.

Catering Manager – $200

Ceremony Musicians -15 percent (if there is a cost) or $15 to $25 each

Chef – $100

Hairstylist – 15 to 20 percent

Limo or Bus Driver 15 percent

Makeup Artist – 15 to 20 percent

Officiant – $75 to $500 – If your officiant is a member of the clergy, make a donation to the house of worship instead of giving a tip

Photographer/Videographer – $100

Planner – 15 percent

Reception Musicians – $25 to $50 each

Waiters – $20 each

At the Holidays

Babysitter/Nanny – Money or a gift that’s equivalent to one or two weeks’ pay

Building Super – $20 to $100, depending on how helpful he or she has been)

Cleaning Person – Money or a gift that’s equivalent to a week’s pay

Doorman – $20 to $100 – If there are multiple doormen, $15 or more for each is fine. If you have only one, then the higher end of that range is more appropriate, especially if he does a lost for you. The Average holiday tip is $50

Landscaper/Gardener – If he or she comes frequently, give up to a week’s pay

Newspaper Carrier – $10 to $30 – Remember that adults usually do this job these days

Other Building Staff – $20 to $50 – Check with your building association to see if there’s a shared holiday tip pool

Trash/Recycling Collectors – $10 to $30 each for a private service. For public service, check your local municipality for regulations; some areas may not allow tipping

Just in Case

Body Piercer – $5

Psychic – 15 to 20 percent

Strippers at a Bachelorette Party – $100 to $200 per entertainer – This is an addition to smaller motivational bills delivered throughout the performance

Tattoo Artist – 20 percent

Skip the Tip

Acupuncturist

House sitter

Bed-and-breakfast owner

Laser-hair-removal specialist

Bicycle-repair person

Makeup artist/cosmetologist at a store counter

Bouncer

Personal trainer or yoga instructor

Cable installer

Plumber

Chiropractor or physical therapist

Repair person

Cobbler

Sports instructor, (swimming, tennis, etc.)

Dry cleaner

Tailor