Tips Add Up to $20K+ a Year for Hospitality Workers
MIAMI, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report from OysterLink reveals that tips account for more than half of hospitality workers' annual income — often adding up to over $20,000 a year.
This report comes right after the House passed the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act'—that gives temporary tax breaks on overtime pay and tipped earnings. These tax breaks will only be around for the 2025 through 2028 tax years.
Building on earlier research from 2012, this updated analysis uncovers the real-dollar impact of tipping in 2025. From bartenders and sommeliers to valets and bussers, the findings show that gratuities remain a critical source of income across the hospitality sector — and in some cases, are the difference between making a living wage or not.
Job title | Industry | Typical | Total | Total | Percent | Frequency | Annual | Monthly |
Waiter/Waitress | Restaurant | Part-time | $38,360 | $18.44 | 59 % | Very frequently | $22,632.40 | $10.88 |
Bartender | Bar | Part-time | $39,880 | $19.17 | 52 % | Very frequently | $20,737.60 | $9.97 |
Valet | Hotel | Full-time | $34,190 | $16.44 | 39 % | Very frequently | $13,334.10 | $6.41 |
Busser | Restaurant | Limited time | $30,040 | $14.44 | 37 % | Very frequently | $11,114.80 | $5.34 |
Sommelier | Restaurant | Full-time | $65,581 | $31.53 | 34 % | Frequently | $22,297.54 | $10.72 |
Porter | Hotel | Full-time | $39,190 | $18.84 | 32 % | Frequently | $12,540.80 | $6.03 |
Food Runner | Restaurant | Part-time | $29,691 | $14.00 | 29 % | Very frequently | $8,610.39 | $4.06 |
Host/Hostess | Restaurant | Part-time | $32,030 | $15.40 | 18 % | Frequently | $5,765.40 | $2.77 |
Restaurant Manager | Restaurant | Full-time | $72,370 | $34.79 | 15 % | Occasionally | $10,855.50 | $5.22 |
Sushi Chef | Restaurant | Full-time | $58,909 | $28.32 | 15 % | Frequently | $8,836.35 | $4.25 |
Barista | Restaurant | Part-time | $34,825 | $16.74 | 12 % | Very frequently | $4,179.00 | $2.01 |
Concierge | Hotel | Full-time | $40,770 | $19.60 | 8 % | Frequently | $3,261.60 | $1.57 |
"These aren't just bonuses — for some restaurants, these make up the core earnings of their staff members," said Milos Eric, Co-Founder and General Manager of OysterLink. "This update shows just how significant tips continue to be for frontline hospitality workers in 2025."
Top Annual Tip Earnings by Job (2025)
- Waiter/Waitress: $22,632 from tips (59% of annual income)
- Bartender: $20,738 from tips (52%)
- Sommelier: $22,298 from tips (34%)
- Valet: $13,334 from tips (39%)
- Porter: $12,541 from tips (32%)
- Busser: $11,115 from tips (37%)
- Restaurant Manager: $10,856 from tips (15%)
- Food Runner: $8,610 from tips (29%)
- Sushi Chef: $8,836 from tips (15%)
- Host/Hostess: $5,765 from tips (18%)
- Barista: $4,179 from tips (12%)
- Concierge: $3,262 from tips (8%)
Even lower-paid roles like bussers, hosts, and food runners earn between $5,000 and $11,000 annually in tips, underscoring the importance of gratuities across the board — not just for roles perceived as high-touch or customer-facing.
While cities and states debate changes to minimum wage and service charge models, this data update offers a timely look at how workers actually get paid — and how much of that depends on tips rather than salary.
"Tip income isn't just a reflection of good service," added Eric. "It's a structural part of how these jobs are compensated, and that needs to be part of any conversation around fair pay in hospitality."
About OysterLink
OysterLink is a job platform dedicated to the restaurant and hospitality industry, providing career opportunities, market insights and expert interviews. With over 400,000 monthly visitors and growing, OysterLink helps professionals navigate industry trends and connect with top employers.
For more information or to post a job, visit OysterLink or contact PR Representative Ana at ana@oysterlink.com.
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SOURCE OysterLink