California has the lowest average tip rate in the United States, according to data from Toast, which shares order data through its digital platform. The average tip nationwide at full-service restaurants in 2025 was 19.2%, while quick service saw a slightly lower rate of 15.8%. California ranked the lowest for overall tips at 17.6%, while Washington state ranked second-to-last with 17.2%. New Jersey was the least generous with 13.6% compared to California's 14.8% average. Delaware was the most generous, averaging a tipping rate of 21.8%, boosted by an unusually higher quick-service tipping rate. Despite California's low average, tipping rates are influenced by what customers know servers are already making. There are three different systems for ensuring service workers' pay, with California having the second highest minimum wage in the country at $16.90 per hour, behind only Washington.