How much to tip a tradesperson in the United States (2026 Guide)
Not expected; $20–$50 cash for exceptional or emergency work
Tipping calculator
Cultural notes
Tipping plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs, and handymen is not standard US etiquette — they bill at professional hourly rates ($75–$200/hr typically) and tipping is not built into their compensation model. Etiquette guidance converges on: tip only when the situation merited extra effort. Examples: an emergency middle-of-the-night plumber call, a tradesperson who came out on a holiday, a multi-day complex job, or a clear "above and beyond" gesture. In those cases, $20–$50 cash is appropriate. Cold drinks, coffee, or lunch are also appreciated. Note: many trade companies have explicit no-tipping policies — ask before pressing cash on someone who may decline. Owner-operators are never tipped (they set their own rates).
Common mistakes
Reflexively tipping a plumber 20% as if they were a server — they are not, and most will politely decline. The opposite mistake: never tipping a tradesperson who did a true after-hours emergency job, where $40–$50 cash is genuinely appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to tip a plumber or electrician in the US?
No, not as a default. Tradespeople bill at professional rates and tipping is not standard. The exceptions: emergency calls, holiday or after-hours work, complex multi-day jobs, or service that clearly went above and beyond. In those cases, $20–$50 cash is appropriate.
How do I tip a tradesperson if their company has a no-tipping policy?
Many companies — especially national franchises — have explicit no-tip policies. Ask the technician quietly before offering. If they decline, a positive online review naming them is the next-best alternative and often more valuable to their career.
Should I tip my building’s super, plumber, or handyman at the holidays?
Yes, this is the one consistent tipping moment for tradespeople. Etiquette guides recommend $20–$50 for building plumbers and electricians at the holidays, and $15–$50 for a regular handyperson. Check whether the building has a holiday tip pool first.
Tipping other services in the United States
- Sit-down restaurant18–20% of the pre-tax bill (15% is the floor)
- Counter / takeawayOptional — $1–$2 or up to 10% if you tip
- Café$0.50–$1 per drink, or skip the prompt
- Bar$1–$2 per drink, or 18–20% on a tab
- Housekeeping$1–$5 per night, left daily
- Porter$2 per bag ($4–$5 heavy or oversized)
- Concierge$5–$20 for reservations; $50+ for hard-to-get bookings
- Taxi15–20% of fare, $2 minimum
- Rideshare15–20% of fare, $2–$3 minimum
- Food delivery15–20% of subtotal, $5 minimum
- Grocery delivery15–20% of subtotal, $5 minimum
- Hairdresser18–20% of service cost
- Spa18–20% of service cost
- Tour guide$5–$20 per person for group tours; 15–20% for private tours
- Tattoo artist20–25% of the total price
- Valet$3–$5 at retrieval; $5–$10 at luxury hotels
- Airport baggage$2 per bag standard, $3–$5 for heavy/oversized
- Busker$1–$5 if you stopped to listen
- Movers$20–$60 per mover, or 15–20% of total bill
Tipping a tradesperson in nearby countries
Last verified: · Sources: emilypost.com, money.com, apartmenttherapy.com