Via Stockphoto / @millionaire_server_club/TikTok
A bartender and server says people are tipping less and less often
A server says that people aren’t tipping like they used to. But is that true? And if it is, why?
Americans have been growing frustrated with tipping culture for some time. A 2025 Bankrate study found that an increasing number of people held at least one negative opinion about tipping. This survey found that around 41% of respondents believed businesses should pay their employees better instead of relying on tips, and about that same amount described tipping culture as “out of control.”
Even as more Americans lamented that they were being expected to tip more places than ever, it wasn’t clear that these additional requests were having a material impact on how much people tipped. Naturally, plenty of people complained—and some refused to tip—but it was uncertain whether this would actually result in lower overall tips for servers.
Now, one server claims that it has. She might be right.
Are People Tipping Less?
In a TikTok with over 26,000 views, server and bartender @millionaire_server_club says there’s been a “very big shift” that’s been occurring in restaurant culture.
“People simply don’t tip the way they used to,” she declares.
According to the TikToker, in her over two decades of experience, people used to tip for prompt service and to be remembered when they return. Now, she says she’s been seeing more users in comments sections saying that “they’re not gonna tip anymore and that they shouldn’t have to pay our wages in our salary.”
Why Is This Allegedly Happening?
As for the reasons behind this shift, the TikToker speculates that it could have something to do with the online trend of servers counting their tips.
“I’m not gonna tell you not to do it,” she says. “But I don’t think that people understood how much money we made prior to that.”
In the caption, she speculates that the practice of tipping may also simply be “outdated” and that people may simply be “getting tired of tipping.”
“And the new trend is that people don’t want to serve and bartend anymore, so there are less servers on the floor, but people still want that prompt service,” she concludes. “And, you can’t have it both ways. Either you tip or there’s gonna be less service. That’s the reality.”
Is This True?
There’s some evidence to suggest that, yes, people really are getting sick of tipping—and servers may be bringing home less as a result.
According to a 2026 study published by PopMenu, 42% of respondents said they were becoming “more comfortable” with the idea of skipping the tip. Additionally, 44% say they are now tipping less than they did a year previously.
The 2025 Bankrate study also found the number of people who claimed they “always tip” at sit-down restaurants has decreased. In 2021, around 75% of respondents claimed they always tipped. By 2025, that number had gone down to 70%.
Younger people also appear to be less likely to tip. Over 80% of Gen X and Baby Boomer respondents claimed they always tipped servers. Of Gen Z respondents, only 43% claimed they always tipped.
All that said, there’s no evidence to suggest that people are tipping less because they think servers get paid too much. Another 2026 PopMenu survey found that, of those who were cutting back on tipping, 70% cited budget-tightening as a motivating factor for doing so. Around 60% cited increasing prices, while 41% claimed tip fatigue was a factor in their reduced tipping amounts.
Viewers Say They’re Tired Of Tipping
In the comments section, users expressed their frustration with tipping and the culture around it.
“Can’t we all just agree to kill tips and pay a living wage instead?” a user asked.
“Only way to stop tipping culture is to collectively stop tipping and force employers to pay a fair wage in order to keep employees,” stated another.
“I’m not getting service the way I used to. Servers started thinking they DESERVE tips no matter what. I’m not tipping for bad service,” shared a third.
“I dont tip based on my bill anymore. Why should I tip more because I got a higher shelf alcohol instead of well for the same drink? That took the same effort,” offered a further TikToker.
BroBible reached out to the TikToker via email and TikTok comment.