People just aren’t tipping for deliveries anymore, claims a pizza delivery driver
According to source, A growing number of Americans are reporting that they feel pressured to tip more frequently and at higher rates than ever before. This sentiment was highlighted in a report by the Pew Research Center, which states, “A broad majority of Americans say they’re being asked to tip service workers more frequently than in the past. Around seven-in-ten U.S. adults (72%) say tipping is expected in more places today than it was five years ago.”
This trend, often referred to as “tip inflation,” has sparked frustration among many consumers, leading them to voice their concerns online. For example, one user shared an experience of being prompted to tip while using a self-checkout machine, while another revealed that the suggested tip percentages at a local barbershop started at an astonishing 50%.
Despite the perception that tipping expectations are rising, it doesn’t necessarily mean that service workers are seeing an increase in their tips. A recent TikTok video offers a glimpse into the reality of tipping today.
A Pizza Delivery Driver’s Perspective
In a TikTok video, user Dev (@notdevai), who works as a pizza delivery driver, set out to demonstrate that tipping is not as common as it once was. During his 6.5-hour shift, Dev encountered a range of tipping behaviors. While some customers left generous tips of over 20%, others tipped as little as 10-11%, or didn’t tip at all. By the end of his shift, Dev had collected $46 in tips, which averaged out to about $7.08 per hour.
The video didn’t disclose Dev’s base salary, but data suggests that pizza delivery drivers in the U.S. typically earn around $16 per hour, though this can vary. Based on this, Dev likely earned approximately $23 per hour from tips and base pay combined—significantly below the national average hourly wage of about $35. If Dev works as an independent contractor for a service like DoorDash, his earnings could be even lower.
The Debate on Tipping Continues
The comment section of Dev’s video quickly filled with opinions on tipping for delivery services.
One commenter expressed frustration with delivery fees: “Lol I’m okay tipping like 20-25% but there is also already a delivery charge that’s like 5-7 dollars, so I’d happily have that go to the driver instead.”
Another user was surprised by the debate, asking, “Am I the only one tipping 20% every time? I thought we all did that?”
A third commenter voiced a common concern about tipping on already pricey fast food orders: “I’m already paying $10 for my McChicken, I’m not tipping on top of that.”
The conversation around tipping in America continues to evolve, with many people grappling with the changing expectations and wondering what’s fair in an increasingly tip-heavy culture.
