Tipping waiters 15-20% of the total bill is normal.
Tips are a big part of compensation for waiters and waitresses, who average $12 to $17 an hour in tips compared with $4 to $5 an hour in wages, according to the National Restaurant Association.
Tipping rates vary by the type of service provided, by the region of the country and other factors. The Emily Post Institute provides these general recommendations: 15% to 20% for sit-down restaurant service, 10% for servers at buffets (for help with drink orders and plate removal) and $1 to $2 per drink for bartenders, or 15% to 20% of the bar tab.
Other examples include: valets ($2 to $5 to retrieve a vehicle), 15% to 20% for taxi drivers, hair stylists, and manicurists, and at least a couple of dollars for pizza delivery. For skycaps and hotel bellhops, figure on $2 for the first bag and $1 for each additional one. Doormen could receive a dollar or two to carry luggage or hail cabs.
For hotel staff, the Emily Post Institute suggests $2 to $5 per night, with money left each day (since housekeeping crews change throughout the week) and a thank-you note for the staff. Leave more if the room looks as if a hurricane went through it.
See a quick guide to customary gratuities for various services at CNN Money.
fox4kc.com shares the ‘rules’ for how much to tip valet, waiters and more.