The 10 Best Tipped Jobs (With Salaries And Skills Needed)

Tip based jobs can be a great way to work an entry-level job without limiting yourself to minimum wage. Depending on the position you have, it can be a lot more lucrative than you might think.

At its foundation, people tip because they want to show appreciation for the work you have done. This sort of thankfulness is something that is not found in a traditional professional setting, and perhaps this rewarding system may be perfect for you.

We have put together a list of the 10 best tipped jobs to help you get started.

Key Takeaways:

The top three jobs that get tips are waiter/host, nanny, and delivery driver.
Most jobs that get tips require great customer service skills and communication skills.
Tipped jobs are a great way to make a little extra income with minimal job training required.

The 10 Best Tipped Jobs

In This Article

Skip to section

Top 10 best tipped jobs
Best tipped jobs FAQ
Final thoughts
Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs

Top 10 best tipped jobs

Host-Waiter
Average Annual Salary: $20,504

Host positions and waiting tables are probably the most common tipped job, and tipping is essentially mandated. Social etiquette is to leave a 10% tip, even if the service was lackluster. The drawback is that your position may take that into account when considering your pay.

For example, depending on the state you live in, you may earn minimum wage plus your tips, you may earn minimum wage against your tips, or you may earn a significantly lower minimum wage while your employer leaves it up to you to make up the difference. Because of this, wages can vary wildly.

Make sure you know your state’s laws and your employer’s policies (such as tip pooling) before taking a job as a waiter.

Skills needed:
- Excellent customer service skills
- Active listening skills
- Great communication sills
- The ability to work with a team
- The ability to multitask
- Organizational skills
Find Host-Waiter jobs near me
Restaurant Delivery Person
Average Annual Salary: N/A

Restaurant delivery jobs are the second most tipped job as more food delivery service platforms such as Doordash, Postmates, and UberEats become popular. Anyone with a valid driver’s license can start delivering food.

The best part is that with most of these food delivery companies, you get to keep 100% of the tips you make through the app. You also have a significant amount of flexibility, as you get to choose when you work. Depending on where you are located, you can expect to bring in around $8-$15 an hour plus tips when working for one of these apps.

There, of course, still are the traditional options, working directly with a restaurant, like you would if you were a pizza delivery driver. The advantage of the old-fashioned way is that you are more likely to earn cash tips.

Skills needed:
- Great communication skills
- Problem solving skills
- Customer service skills
- Safe and efficient driving
- Familiarity with the local area and alternate routes
- The ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Nanny or babysitter
Average Annual Salary: $25,000

Nannies and babysitters may not be the first job that comes to mind when you think of tipped positions, but they can be just as beneficial as a waiter. If you love working with children or find taking care of them relatively easy, nannying or babysitting may be for you.

While babysitters are typically hired by the hour, a nanny is a more stable position, usually working more than two or three days per week. A nanny or babysitter’s pay is negotiable as well, depending on the number of children you will be watching, their needs, and any other work that you may be doing (such as tidying and housekeeping).

Typically, nannies and sitters can make around $15 – $20 per hour plus tips of up to 20%.

Skills needed:
- Patience
- Great communication skills
- Problem solving skills
- Organizational skills
- Physical stamina
- Customer service skills
Find Nanny jobs near me
Taxi Driver
Average Annual Salary: $27,093

Much like the restaurant delivery person, this position has changed a lot in recent years, but one thing that has stayed the same is it’s a tipped position. Uber and Lyft have made it possible for the average person to turn themselves into a one-person taxi company. You get to decide which fares you take and when.

Aside from a valid driver’s license and car insurance, all you need are some customer service skills to be well on your way toward becoming a self-employed taxi driver.

Of course, traditional options remain, and there is some credibility that comes with working with a pre-established taxi company. You may find yourself getting more fares daily with a taxi company than you would as an Uber or Lyft driver. USA Today reports that the average tip for a taxi driver ranges from 15% to 20% of the fare.

Skills needed:
- Excellent communication skills
- Knowledge of the local area and alternate routes
- Great customer service skills
- Safe and efficient driving
- Time management skills
- Knowledge of vehicles
Find Taxi driver jobs near me
Bartender
Average Annual Salary: $22,000

Bartenders are another job that first comes to mind when people think of tipped positions. This work tends to be fast-paced and exciting, which makes it perfect for someone social and energetic.

Along with serving drinks and cocktails, bartenders are also atmosphere creators and conversation starters. Their job is to bond with their customers and make them feel comfortable and relaxed. Being informed about local nightlife, sports, and entertainment can help you become a bartender who easily earns tips.

A general rule is to tip around $1 for each drink ordered or 20% of a final tab.

Skills needed:
- Excellent communication skills
- A great memory
- Flexibility
- Great customer service skills
- The ability to work with a team
- Math skills
Find Bartender jobs near me
Doorman
Average Annual Salary: $24,699

Doormen are often tipped by the individuals who live at the building they work at. A doorman gives a business like a hotel a classy air, as well as a sense of peace and security. Greeting guests and residents daily lets them know that there is someone familiar guarding their place of comfort.

Doormen also act as a sort of concierge, who can give directions and general information about the city or town around them. They also open doors, obviously, screen visitors, and accept deliveries on behalf of their customers. According to Business Insider, tips for doormen can range from $25 to $150 per guest.

Skills needed:
- Great customer service skills
- Physical stamina
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- The ability to handle large crowds
- A good memory
Find Doorman jobs near me
Golf Caddie
Average Annual Salary: $23,000

A golf caddy is a person usually employed by a golf course, who travels with the players and keeps their equipment, making this a commonly tipped position. Maintaining their clubs, carrying their bags, locating a golfer’s ball after it’s been hit, and determining distances of hazards and the like.

Becoming a golf caddy requires some knowledge of golf, and it helps if you’re a player of the sport yourself. But aside from this knowledge, you will also need excellent customer service skills as well as interpersonal skills in general.

A good caddy is someone who can help make the game as entertaining as possible for their clients, whether this means being a seen-but-not-heard attendee or being a casual group member who is there to entertain as much as aid.

According to Gold Advisor, caddies can earn about $40 – $50 in tips per player.

Skills needed:
- Great customer service skills
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Problem solving skills
- Knowledge of the course and game
Find Golf Caddie jobs near me
Radio Disc Jockey
Average Annual Salary: $60,886

Radio disc jockeys, or DJs, are at nearly every wedding and high school dance, and the people who hire them often tip them at the end of the night for their job well done. Banquets, proms, and family reunions can all require a DJ to provide music and atmosphere. They are the ones who get the party going and can set the tone for the evening.

To become a DJ, you will need to have a good knowledge of the guests’ tastes and requirements. You will also need to know how to operate standard sound equipment, such as speakers and microphones, and having hosting skills never hurts.

DJs can earn tips both during and after their performances. People will supply tips via a tip jar, as well as if they have a special song request. Depending on your performance, a tip can also come after the party is complete. Dollarbreak.com reports that DJs earn around $20 – $50 per hour, plus tips of around 10% – 15%.

Skills needed:
- Great customer service skills
- A good ear for rhythm,
- A familiarity with all genres of music
- Technical ability
- Physical stamina to motivate people
- Good interpersonal skills to assist networking
Find Radio Disc Jockey jobs near me
Hotel Manager
Average Annual Salary: $58,000

You may not think hotel managers would get tipped, but just like most hospitality jobs, managers are getting tipped by satisfied guests for their job well done. While they may not work at the front desk, they are the managers that make sure each room is clean and prepared for guests.

They may perform opening and closing operations, train other employees, and delegate tasks to their workers. Dollarbreak.com also reports that hotel floor managers can earn around $15 per hour plus tips of 10%.

Skills needed:
- Communication skills
- Great customer service
- Detail oriented
- Leaderships skills
- Flexibility
- The ability to work well with a team
Find Hotel Manager jobs near me
Beautician or Barber
Average Annual Salary: $27,000

This is one of the harder tipped positions to land, as many clients will want their beautician or barber to have some sort of beauty schooling, certificate, or experience.

However, if you are passionate about beauty, cutting and styling hair, or other sorts of hair care, becoming a beautician or barber can be a lucrative opportunity for you.

Being able to help someone feel better about their outward appearance is something that many people deeply appreciate, and many are likely to show their appreciation through tips. This goes for chain salons as well as luxury spas. Typically, beauticians can expect a tip of around 20% of the total service cost.

Skills needed:
- Great customer service skills
- Time management skills
- Physical stamina to stand all day
- Familiarity with products
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
Find Beautician jobs near me

Best tipped jobs FAQ

What is the most common tipped job?

A waitress or waiter is the most common tipped job. Most restaurants in America allow their employees to be tipped on top of their minimum wage. Depending on the state that you live in, you may earn less than the national minimum wage if you are also receiving tipped wages.
What industry is tipped the most?

The service industry is the most tipped. Common service industry jobs include hotel floor manager, delivery driver, and bartender.

Final thoughts

While tipped positions are often seen as poorly paid service positions, the fact is that these jobs can be quite lucrative, especially considering the minimal training needed for them. Many of those who work in the service industry earn tips because people appreciate the work they do, so there is a lot of money to be made in joining an entry-level service industry job.

Inconsistent income can be the worry of many of those who are considering taking up a tipped position, but with hard work and a friendly attitude, one can easily generate substantial income. Tipped jobs can allow you to have flexibility in your work, as well as allow you to do a job you’re interested in.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Create Resume