Tipping Guide in Los Angeles

Tipping in Los Angeles has deep roots in American culture, tracing back to the 19th century when it was used to ensure better service. 

While it’s not legally required in LA, skipping a tip in a city where service workers depend on gratuity to make ends meet can lead to some social tension.

Anyway, if you’re new to LA or just want to brush up on the tipping etiquette, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll guide you through the unspoken rules of tipping, explain how much to give for different services, and let you know what could happen if you decide to skip it altogether.

Ready? Let’s begin!

Do I Have to Tip In Los Angeles?

Short answer? No. Tipping isn’t legally required in LA. 

So yeah, you could technically walk out of a restaurant, bar, or salon without leaving a dime, and no one’s calling the cops.  

But in reality? Skipping the tip will get you side-eye at best, full-on attitude at worst. Because in LA, tipping is expected.  

And it’s not just restaurants. 

Bartenders, baristas, hotel staff, delivery drivers—pretty much anyone in the service industry counts on tips. While they won’t chase you down for skipping out, don’t expect warm vibes if you come back.  

So, do you have to tip in LA? Legally, no. 

Socially? Absolutely.

Fun fact: Even though California law mandates that service workers get paid at least minimum wage (unlike states where servers make as little as $2.13 an hour), tips still make up a huge part of their income. Many rely on them to make ends meet, especially in a city where rent prices feel like a bad joke.  

(By the way, if you’re looking for server jobs in Los Angeles, knowing the tipping culture could give you a valuable edge in the industry!)

When Can I Skip the Tip in LA?

There are a few moments when tipping is less expected in LA—like when you’re ordering at the counter or grabbing takeout. 

Still, even in those situations, you’ll often see a tip jar sitting there, waiting for you to toss in a few bucks. It’s not mandatory, but it’s definitely appreciated.

Also, if the service is flat-out awful, you technically don’t have to tip. But even then, tipping is still expected, just on a smaller scale. 

Think of it like this: If service was bad, 10% of the bill is still the norm. Sure, it’s not the 20% you’d leave for stellar service, but it’s still better than nothing.

Some will call it weird; others will shrug it off as just one of those LA quirks. 

You can decide for yourself.

How Much Should I Tip In Los Angeles?

When it comes to tipping in LA, the general rule of thumb is around 18% to 20% for decent to excellent service. 

But here’s a little something to keep in mind: Tipping has actually dropped a bit across the country. As of the third quarter of 2024, the average tip in U.S. restaurants is hovering just under 19%, at 18.8%. 

Still, that 18% to 20% range is what most people stick to, and in LA, it’s pretty much the standard for great service.

Note: If you’re going through a rough financial patch, it’s totally understandable to adjust your tip accordingly. However, tipping just a little—especially if you can afford it—goes a long way in supporting someone who’s working hard to make ends meet.

Tipping Guidelines for Specific Services in Los Angeles

Tipping in LA depends heavily on where you are and who you’re tipping.

For instance, if you’re tipping servers or waiters in restaurants, it’s acceptable to leave:

• Around 10% for poor service.
• 15% if the service is standard. 
• 20% if your server knocks it out of the park with exceptional service

—and remember, it’s always based on the pre-tax amount! 

At the bar, it’s way simpler. $1 to $2 per drink is the norm, but if you’re ordering something fancy or a complicated cocktail, feel free to show some extra love. 

If you’re having your food delivered, $2 to $5 is a solid tip for your delivery driver, depending on the size of your order. If it’s a big order, tip a little more.

Getting your hair done? 10% to 20% of the bill is what you should leave in a hairdressing salon. (These days, closer to 20% is expected, especially if you’re in a trendy salon in LA where stylists put in serious work.).

In hotels, tips vary by role:

• Bellhops: $1 to $2 per bag is standard, but if your bags are heavy or you’re asking for extra help, toss in a little more.
• Housekeeping: $3 to $5 per day is the usual range, especially if you’re staying a few nights. It’s nice to leave a tip daily because different staff may clean your room each day.

For short taxi trips under $10, $2 is fine. But if you’re on a longer ride, aim for 10% to 20% (and if your driver helps with your luggage, bump it closer to 20%). For Uber drivers, leaving a few extra dollars in cash is always a nice touch.

Some other services you should tip for include:

• Valet parking attendant for picking up your vehicle – a $5 tip will do!
• Car wash – $5 to $10 is fair, especially if they’re doing a detailed cleaning job. 
• Tour guide – the tip should be around 15% to 20% of the per-person ticket price. 

So, there you have it. 

And, when in doubt, just remember: Tip for good service and always keep it proportional to what you’re receiving. A little generosity goes a long way in LA!

What Happens If I Don’t Tip In Los Angeles?

Not tipping in LA is a bit of a social faux pas. You might not get chased down the street, but you’ll probably feel the awkward vibes. 

Some folks, especially in the service industry, might take it personally. Take, for example, a DoorDash driver who confronted a customer after delivering a $100 order with no tip. The customer fired back, telling the delivery driver to ask their “billionaire boss” for better pay. 

Yikes, right? 

However, the majority of the time, reactions to not being tipped are not this extreme, and nothing major will happen. You won’t be banned from a restaurant or have someone refuse to serve you the next time, but you’ll likely get negative reactions as not tipping is considered a little disrespectful here. 

Note: It’s important to make the distinction between tipping and mandatory gratuity. Tipping is discretionary—it’s up to you, based on the service you received. On the flip side, mandatory gratuity is a fixed amount added to your bill, especially at higher-end places or for larger parties. 

If you skip out on a mandatory tip, you’re dealing with more than just awkwardness, and there have been situations where the managers called the cops on customers who refused to pay it. 

Conclusion

The bottom line is: You don’t have to tip, but be prepared for those social consequences if you don’t—especially in LA, where it’s almost like an unwritten rule.