The 5 Most and Least 'Generous' Tipping States

New report analyzes tipping behavior across all 50 states

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A new report from the AI-powered financial platform JIM has analyzed over 89,000 verified tipping transactions from 2025 to determine the states with the highest and lowest average tip percentages. South Carolina topped the list with an average tip rate of 20.71%, while Oregon ranked as the least generous state at 13.10%. The national average tip percentage was 15.46%, within the long-standing 15% to 20% cultural norm.

Why it matters

The report provides insights into evolving tipping behavior across the country, with implications for small businesses and service workers who rely on gratuities. Experts caution against simply labeling certain states as 'more generous,' noting that factors like the tipped minimum wage structure can significantly influence consumer tipping habits.

The details

The report analyzed over 89,000 verified tipping transactions from 6,214 active merchants in 177 business categories throughout 2025. It found that the average tip value is $12.44, with higher-ticket services such as car repair, transportation, and specialized personal services often generating larger dollar amounts than restaurant tabs. Barber and beauty shops rank among the highest for tip percentage at 17%, while certain personal services, such as tattoo and pet care providers, trend even higher.

  • The report analyzed tipping behavior throughout 2025.

The players

JIM

An AI-powered financial platform for small sellers that conducted the analysis.

Ricardo Cici

The chief growth officer at CloudWalk, the Brazilian fintech company behind JIM.

Jessica Hart

An MBA and California-based HR consultant at Hart Consulting who specializes in the alcohol industry.

Lisa Mirza Grotts

A California etiquette expert who commented on the psychology around tipping.

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What they’re saying

“Tipping behavior is evolving, but one thing is consistent. Americans still gravitate toward the 15% to 20% standard, regardless of industry.”

— Ricardo Cici, Chief Growth Officer, CloudWalk (nypost.com)

“Before we label certain states as 'more generous,' we need to level the playing field and understand the wage structure behind the data.”

— Jessica Hart, MBA and HR Consultant, Hart Consulting (nypost.com)

“When customers know — culturally or explicitly — that a server is earning $2.13 per hour, tipping becomes less of a reward for service and more of a wage subsidy. … The guest understands they are helping close a compensation gap.”

— Jessica Hart, MBA and HR Consultant, Hart Consulting (nypost.com)

“Tipping fatigue is real — not because people have become less generous, but because the social rules have blurred.”

— Lisa Mirza Grotts, Etiquette Expert (nypost.com)

“A tip is meant to acknowledge service — [it's] not simply a screen that swivels around requesting 25%. Quite simply, a gratuity is a voluntary thank you.”

— Lisa Mirza Grotts, Etiquette Expert (nypost.com)

The takeaway

This report highlights the evolving landscape of tipping in the United States, with factors like the tipped minimum wage structure and the rise of digital payment prompts shaping consumer behavior. As the social norms around tipping continue to shift, small businesses and service workers will need to navigate this changing environment to ensure fair compensation for their work.