Bayleigh Mathews ‘26, Social Media Manager
Tipping culture in the U.S. has become a hot topic, especially among younger generations who are starting to work, eat out more often, and think about where their money is going. While tipping has long been seen as a normal part of dining out, many people have begun to see it as a pressure on customers, and the lack of tips is abundant. Some believe tipping rewards good service and supports workers, while others feel it is bewildering, unfair, and outdated.
In the States, tipping is expected, and thus appreciated in many situations, especially at restaurants. Customers are encouraged to leave 15 to 20 percent of the bill, sometimes more, depending on the service. For some, this system feels natural, but for others it feels unnecessary, and in other countries, where workers are paid a higher hourly wage, American restaurant workers, specifically servers, often rely on tips as their main source of income. This can make tipping feel less like a choice and more like an obligation.
Junior Lexi Modreski, a server assistant at Aubree’s Pizzeria and Grill, believes tipping culture is important and should stay the way it is, at least for now. “When you work in a restaurant, tips really matter,” Modreski said. “They make up a big part of what you earn, and when someone tips well, it shows they appreciated the effort you put in. It motivates you to give better service, and it honestly helps pay the bills.” From this perspective, tipping is not just extra money, it is a sign of respect.
Supporters of tipping also argue that it allows customers to have control. If service is great, you can reward it with a higher tip. If it is bad service, then a person does not have to tip as much, or nothing at all. Most customers believe this system encourages accountability and keeps service standards high. Without tips, some worry that service workers would lose motivation or that prices would increase even more to cover higher wages.
However, not everyone agrees that tipping is a good system. Junior Tori Morris, who also works at Aubree’s Pizzeria and Grill, feels that tipping culture puts too much pressure on both customers and workers. “I think tipping culture is kind of unfair,” Morris said. “You never know how much you’re supposed to tip, and sometimes customers take their bad day out on your paycheck. I don’t think my income should depend on someone else’s mood.” This highlights one of the biggest problems with tipping—its inconsistency.
Many critics argue that tipping allows businesses to avoid paying workers fairly. Instead of restaurants paying a full wage, the responsibility is shifted onto customers. This can make dining out more stressful, especially when tipping is expected in more places than ever before, like on the tablets at coffee shops or takeout counters. Some people feel guilt tripped into tipping even when there was not much service involved.
Another issue is how tipping culture affects equality. Studies and personal experiences show that tips can be influenced by factors like appearance, gender, or even race, rather than just service quality. This means some workers may earn less through no fault other than a customer who had an unjust grudge against them. For students working part time jobs, this unpredictability can make budgeting difficult and stressful as they can never know what to expect.
Despite all the criticism, tipping is still deeply rooted in American culture. Changing it would require higher menu prices to accompany higher wages, and a shift in how people think about service jobs. Some restaurants have tried no-tip models, but not all of them succeed. Customers often resist higher prices, even if it means workers are paid more consistently. Overall, tipping culture in America remains a complicated issue with no easy answer. The need for higher wages would result in inflated menu prices, or a service charge of some sort. While some see it as a necessary way to support workers, others believe it is time for a system that reflects the service given. As more young people enter the workforce and share their opinions, the conversation will likely continue, and will hopefully lead to change.
Lyon Life 