Your Complete Guide to Tipping Everyone, From Movers to Baristas

Figuring out how much to tip someone can be tricky, especially when the rate changes depending on what kind of service you're receiving. For example, tipping etiquette varies when you're sitting down for dinner versus getting takeout. "When in doubt, tipping between 15 to 20 percent is the most common practice," says Courtney Alev, consumer financial advocate and head of tax for Intuit Credit Karma. She adds that you should plan to factor in a tip when budgeting for a particular service.

To help guide you through this sometimes confusing practice, we're breaking down the right tip ranges for different services, according to experts.

How Much to Tip Food Service Providers

How much you tip food service providers depends on the service you're receiving—dining in, grab-and-go, etc. When sitting down for dinner, be sure to check your bill at the end of your meal—some restaurants add gratuity to your bill automatically, says Alev.

• Servers: 15 to 25 percent is the general range, though more can be given for excellent service.
• Bartenders: 15 to 25 percent is the general range, though more can be given for excellent service.
• Baristas: Tipping isn’t necessary, but it’s always appreciated. Aim for 10 to 15 percent, says Alev.
• Takeout: Tipping isn't a must, but if you feel they deserve a thank you, 5 to 10 percent is an acceptable amount, says George Hendry, director of McCutchen House restaurant at University of South Carolina.

How Much to Tip When Traveling

One of the most confusing aspects of tipping is during travel. How much you give can vary depending on how many bags you have, as well as the room rate and hotel scale. Here's what experts recommend you tip for various attendants, like bellhops and valets.

• Bellhops: The general range is $1 to $5 per bag, but the rate may vary at a higher-scale hotel, says Alev.
• Hotel housekeeper: $3 to $10 per day depending on room rate and hotel scale, says Nicolas Graf, clinical professor and associate dean of the NYU School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality.
• Concierge: $5 to $10 is the general range.
• Ride-share drivers: 10 to 20 percent is the general range for LYFT, Uber, taxis, and other ride-share services.
• Valet: $2 to $5 is the general range.

How Much to Tip Salon and Spa Professionals

Salon and spa professionals offer services that are typically hard to replicate at home. Generally, these professionals should receive 20 percent of your total bill, says Alev.

• Hairdressers and barbers: 20 percent
• Nail technicians 20 percent
• Massage therapists: 20 percent
• Facialists: 20 percent

How Much to Tip for Home Deliveries

Some home delivery providers cannot accept cash tips but can receive gifts depending on the time of year. For others, a cash tip is expected and appreciated.

• USPS drivers and mail carriers: Mail carriers cannot receive cash tips per federal law, but they can accept a holiday gift valued at $20 or less, says Alev.
• Furniture and appliance deliveries: While it’s not required, if you decide to leave a tip, the general range is $10 to $20 per delivery person, says Alev.
• Movers: 15 to 20 percent of the total cost.
• Food and grocery delivery drivers: 10 to 15 percent is the general range.

How Much to Tip for Personal Services

For personal services, like getting your house cleaned or your pet groomed, tipping etiquette varies based on the service provider you're working with.

• House cleaners: 15 to 20 percent is the general range.
• Pet providers (dog walkers, groomers, etc.): 10 to 20 percent is the general range.
• Home service providers (plumbers, painters, etc.): Tipping is not expected, but $10 to $20 is a nice gesture if you’re satisfied with the service, says Alev.
• Coat check: $1 per coat and $2 per large bag.