Servers typically tip out bartenders 10-20% of sales or tips. The percentage varies by restaurant.
Server Tip Out Breakdown
A server might tip out a certain percentage of total tips to the staff assisting them:
- Bartender: 10%
- Busser: 7%
Bartenders generally make $2-3 more per hour than servers, which can equate to $21 per hour.
Servers keep cash tips after tipping out hosts, bussers, and bartenders from total tips. Tips left on cards are also given to servers. However, the IRS requires servers to claim all tips.
Individual Tips for Bartenders
Tip bartenders $1-2 per drink. If the service is good, tip more, as bartenders will remember and provide faster service in the future.
Server Tip Calculation
To split servers’ tips based on hours worked, perform the following calculation:
- Add up the total amount of tips.
- Divide by the total hours worked by all servers.
- Multiply this figure by the number of hours an individual server worked.
General Tip Guidelines
- 15% tip is considered appropriate for average service.
- For above-average service, a 20% tip is customary.
- It is acceptable to tip above 20% for excellent service.
The average server tip out to bartenders is $10, though this can vary based on skills and work ethic. It is also considered polite to tip on alcohol as a form of appreciation.
Servers and bartenders are both essential roles in service careers, with salaries that can be similar across establishments.