Here’s A Tip: How Much Are Montanans Giving?

The subject of tipping can be a sore spot.

Here in Montana, it seems everywhere you go there's a tip jar. Listen, I understand that times are tough and folks are doing their very best to get by, but I'm not sure I understand the rules when it comes to tipping etiquette.

Should we tip the person who makes our sandwich at the sub shop? What about the coffee place? How about if it's take-out and you walk in to pick it up? What is tip-worthy and what isn't? How much should you tip? Should you give more at a sit-down restaurant than for a walk-in joint?

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The folks at USA Today came out with data revealing the states with the best and worst tippers. The bad news is Montana didn't make the list for the Top 10. The good news? We didn't make the list for the bottom 10 either.

How much are Montanans tipping?

According to 24/7 Wallstreet, there are two schools of thought when it comes to tipping in Montana. For a full-service restaurant, Montanans on average tip almost 21 percent, which would put them in the Top 10 Best States for Tipping, however, when it comes to quick service we tend to give a little less with an average of just over 17 percent.

Combine those two and that places Montana in 13th place out of the 50 states when it comes to tipping.

Another interesting fact is the amount we give is a generational thing. According to the data, millennials lead the way when it comes to the best tippers with an average of just over 18 percent.

Income also plays a factor when it comes to tipping. The data shows that the more you make, the more you tip with those making over 120K per year being the largest tippers at just under 21 percent.

How much do you tip? Should there be a set standard or should it depend on the quality of service? Is there an instance in which you wouldn't tip? Let us know by sending us a message on our station app.