Illinois Named One of the Worst Tipping States in America

If you’ve ever worked in the service industry in Illinois, this probably won’t shock you. A new report ranking tipping habits across the country says Illinois residents are among the worst tippers in the U.S., and yes… we’re officially on the naughty list.

The JIM’s 2025 Generosity Index analyzed nearly 90,000 real tipping transactions nationwide to see how generous Americans really are. And while some states showed serious love to service workers, Illinois came up short.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

According to the report, the national average tip rate sits at about 15.46%. Illinois? We clocked in at 14.37%, placing us near the bottom of the rankings. Meanwhile, South Carolina led the nation with an average tip of over 20%, proving that generous tipping is still alive and well... just not everywhere.

Other states out-tipping Illinois include Wisconsin, Maryland, Connecticut, and Nevada. Yes, even our Midwest neighbors are doing better than us.

Tip Fatigue Is Real

The study points to something many of us feel daily: tip fatigue. From coffee shops to self-checkouts, it feels like everyone is asking for a tip now. As a result, people are becoming more selective about when and how much they tip.

That frustration may explain why Illinois residents are pulling back, especially with rising costs of living, taxes, and everyday expenses already hitting hard.

Why This Hits Close to Home

For bartenders, servers, delivery drivers, and salon workers across Illinois, tipping isn’t extra; it’s essential. Seeing our state rank so low is a tough reminder that generosity varies widely depending on where you live.

Maybe this is our wake-up call. Next time you’re out grabbing dinner or drinks, remember: a few extra dollars go a long way — especially here at home in Illinois.