Study Says New Jersey Is One of the Worst States for Tipping

This is going to hurt. A recent study found that New Jersey ranks near the bottom in tip generosity.

New Jersey Is Not A State That Tips Well

If someone asked you if New Jersey were a good tipping state, you probably would have said yes. I know I would have. But the data isn't backing up our theory.

It turns out New Jersey is much closer to the bottom of the generosity list than the top when it comes to tipping percentages.

The Garden State is in a virtual tie as the 5th-worst state for tipping in America. That's bad news for our reputation, and bad news for delivery people all over the Garden State.

What Is The Average Tip In America?

The study, published by Oyster Link, says the average tip for restaurants, drinks, and services is 19.4%, and that is more than we fork over in New Jersey.

Read More: New Jersey's Funniest Celebrities

The average tip in the Garden State is 18.7%, which isn't far off the national average, but it still places us 5th from the bottom in America.

I am surprised that the average New Jersey tip was dipped below 20%. I thought that was a standard tip.

Get our free mobile app

So, which state gave the biggest average tip? That honor belongs to Delaware, which comes in at 21.5%.

The state that has the dishonor of giving the lowest average tip is California. Their average tip is 17.3%

According to another website,  Brigit,  the average restaurant tip for 2026 should be between 22 and 25%, while tips for counter service should range between 18 and 20%.