And They’re Not Wrong
Tipping has long been considered an unspoken rule of American life. You tip your waiter, your bartender, your delivery driver—and in recent years, your barista, cashier, and even your dog groomer. But now, a generational shift is underway.
Gen Z is questioning the very foundation of tipping culture—and they’re not wrong to do it.
Gen Z’s Attitude Toward Tipping Is Different
Born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, Gen Z is the first generation to grow up fully immersed in digital transactions. They’re tech-savvy, economically cautious, and more socially conscious than any generation before them.
And when it comes to tipping, they’re breaking from tradition:
Only 35% of Gen Z always tip at restaurants, compared to 65% of Millennials and 86% of Baby Boomers. — Source: Pew Research Center, 2023
Gen Z tips less frequently and less generously across nearly all service categories, from food delivery to haircuts. — Source: USA Today, 2024
Over 40% of Gen Z say they feel “manipulated” by tipping prompts, especially when no real service is involved. — Source: Morning Consult, 2024
This isn’t about stinginess—it’s about transparency and fairness.
Why Gen Z Is Opting Out
1. They Don’t Like Being Guilt-Tripped
Gen Z has grown up using tablets, apps, and checkout screens that shove tip prompts in their faces. They recognize these tactics for what they are—psychological nudges that exploit social anxiety.
They know that tipping at a coffee shop shouldn’t be a moral test.
2. They Support Fair Wages
Instead of tipping to fill the income gap, Gen Z believes businesses should simply pay their workers more. In fact:
64% of Gen Z supports eliminating tipping in favor of a guaranteed wage, even if it means slightly higher menu prices. — Source: YouGov, 2025
That means they’re more likely to support no-tipping restaurants, living wage campaigns, and union-backed efforts to abolish the subminimum tipped wage.
3. They’re Financially Strapped
Tipping adds up—and Gen Z knows it. With record-high inflation, student debt, and stagnant entry-level wages, this generation is more likely to scrutinize where every dollar goes.
To them, a tip shouldn’t be an automatic tax on everyday purchases.
The Backlash (and Why It’s Misguided)
Not everyone is thrilled with Gen Z’s attitude. Critics accuse them of being rude or entitled. But here’s the reality:
Gen Z still tips for good service—they just don’t tip out of obligation. They want businesses to take responsibility, not pass the buck to customers. They’re questioning a broken system, not devaluing service workers.
Let’s be clear: the anger is misplaced. Gen Z isn’t hurting workers—they’re highlighting how dependent those workers are on an outdated compensation model.
The Bigger Picture
Tipping culture in America has gotten out of control. It’s confusing, inconsistent, and unfair—especially when:
Workers aren’t guaranteed a base wage Customers feel pressured in non-service situations Employers rely on tips to avoid paying full wages
Gen Z is asking the rest of us: Why is this still acceptable?
What We Can Learn from Gen Z
Instead of dismissing Gen Z, we should be listening to them. Their approach is thoughtful, values-driven, and long overdue.
✅ They advocate for better wages
✅ They reject guilt-based checkout tactics
✅ They support meaningful tipping, not mandatory tipping
In short, they want a system that respects both workers and customers. And isn’t that the goal?
Final Thought
Tipping should be a choice, not an expectation built into every tap, swipe, and receipt.
Gen Z is leading the charge to rethink tipping culture—and at EndTippingCulture.org, we’re right there with them.
It’s time to tip the scales toward fairness, clarity, and dignity—for everyone.