These Generations Are the Best and Worst Tippers

It seems that no matter what type of shop or restaurant you visit these days, there's a tip jar or suggested tip charge. According to a Pew Research Center survey, the majority of Americans across all demographics have perceived an increase in tipping since COVID-19.

But a recent Bankrate study found that whether you’re inclined to follow through on a prompt to tip may have something to do with your generation. And everyone wants to find ways to save money when eating out.

Let’s have a look at the Bankrate study results so you can learn more about which generation tips the most, which service workers they tip — and how much they tip as well.

In June 2024, Bankrate published a comprehensive study on tipping culture, behavior, and attitudes in America. While the study found that fewer Americans view tipping negatively now compared to how they felt in 2023, it also clarified which American age groups are most likely to tip in spite of how they may personally feel about the practice.

According to Bankrate’s survey, 86% of baby boomers and 78% of Gen Xers say they always tip at sit-down restaurants. While the amount they tip may vary based on the quality of service they receive, older generations are committed to the idea that when you sit down at a restaurant, you should be prepared to tip at the end of the meal.

The younger generations tend to tip far less than older generations. Only 56% of millennials say they always tip at sit-down restaurants. Tipping stats from Gen Z are even lower, with the survey reporting that only 35% of the younger generation consistently tip at sit-down restaurants.

Although baby boomers and Gen Xers are most used to always tipping servers at dine-in restaurants, they also reported holding more negative opinions on tipping than their younger counterparts.

Specifically, Bankrate reports that 72% of baby boomers and 62% of Gen Xers hold at least one negative attitude toward tipping. Interestingly, that dislike of tipping doesn’t translate to withholding tips from hardworking servers. Service-industry workers, who rely largely on tips to supplement a meager hourly base pay, are sure to appreciate that gesture.

In direct contrast to older generations, both millennials and Gen Z feel more favorably toward tipping, though neither demographic tips anywhere near as much as the two preceding generations.

Just 51% of millennials and 45% of Gen Zers hold at least one negative opinion of tipping. In fact, members of these younger generations are less likely than members of older generations to believe tipping has gotten out of control over the last few years.

Bankrate’s survey shows that 27% of millennials and 23% of Gen Zers believe tipping culture has spiraled out of hand, a statement just 46% of boomers and 40% of Gen Xers agree with.

In an interesting twist, the generations that tip on a less consistent basis are also more likely to tip no matter the quality of the service offered. In fact, 55% of millennials and 50% of Gen Zers reported adjusting their tip based on the level of service they received.

Those numbers might seem high until you consider the survey results from older generations: 76% of baby boomers and 67% of Gen Xers leave a tip that they feel reflects the quality of the service they were offered.

Regardless of the generation, though, just 10% of Americans reported tipping the same amount no matter how well or how poorly they felt they were served throughout their experience.

Notably, the percentages listed above apply solely to tipping habits at dine-in restaurants. While Americans from every walk of life are more inclined to tip servers at sit-down eateries, Americans as a whole tip less for workers in other industries.

For instance, 67% of Americans across all age demographics and generations say they always tip their servers at sit-down restaurants. Meanwhile, 55% of Americans always tip their barbers or hair stylists, 51% always tip their food-delivery drivers, and just 41% say they always tip their ride-share driver.

No matter your age, the survey found that you’re less likely to consider tipping workers in other industries. Only 22% of Americans say they still leave tips for hotel housekeepers. Americans leave their baristas a tip just 20% of the time. When grabbing a food order to go, just 11% of customers tip consistently. And repair technicians and delivery workers get tipped 10% and 15% of the time, respectively.

Love it or hate it, tipping is built into the American service economy. If tipping is important to you, consider building it into your budget as well.

You might not know you’re going to be asked to tip until you’re halfway through checking out, and no matter which generation you belong to, it pays to think of tipping as part of your shopping budget.

And if you’re working a side gig to make extra money, you also shouldn’t count on tips when estimating your earnings.