The Jobs That Make the Most in Tips

As the economy continues to recover following the pandemic, millions of Americans are looking to either return to work, or find new opportunities. You also have employees like my son Chase, who at 16 years old, is entering the workforce for the first time. Whether you're looking to make ends meet, or looking for a side hustle to help fund school or a vacation, jobs that pay in tips can be a lucrative way to earn some extra cash. The folks at Zippia.com have put together a list of the jobs that pay the most in tips.

Before we get to the list, a job with tips doesn't have to be a minimal earning position paying minimum wage. A tip shows appreciation for your work, and the level at which you did it. Depending on your position, a job with tips could end up paying off! Here are the jobs that pay the most out in tips.

1. Servers. No real surprise here, this is still how they make most of their money. I usually leave at least 15% as a base, and then go up from there.  Laws on what you make versus your tips can vary by state. Learn the law before you work as a server.
2. Food Delivery Driver. The pandemic has been friendly to some fields, including businesses like UberEats, Doordash, and other services. You get to keep all the tips your earn through the app, and the flexibility of when you work is also a plus.
3. Babysitters and Nannies. If you love kids, this could be the job for you. A nanny position is more secure and can earn you between $15 to $20 per hour, plus a 20% tip.
4. Uber and Lyft Drivers. Just like the food delivery driver, Uber and Lyft have changed the way people get around. You can turn your car into a personal taxi service. Taxi drivers fit in here too, as they earn more in tips.
5. Bartenders. How much was your bar tab this past weekend? I'd rather not say, but my rule of thumb is to tip $1 a drink, or 20% of the total tab. Those drinks don't mix themselves.
6. Doormen. Not really a staple here, but a doorman at a classy hotel can earn up to $25 to $150 per guest, depending on the service they provide.
7. Golf Caddies. Cue up the theme to Caddie Shack! According to Golf Advisor, a good caddie can earn between $40 to $50 per player. But you have to take care of and carry equipment and know the game of golf.
8. DJs at Parties. Sorry, we can't accept tips here at the radio station. However, wedding and dance DJs can leave a tip jar out and ask for money for requests. I would.
9. Hotel Floor Manager. Just what the title says, they manage each floor of a hotel. They don't work at the front desk, but are still responsible for making sure your stay is great. They often earn around $15 per hour plus a tip of up to 10%.
10. Beautician or Barber. If you trust someone to make you look great, then show them you appreciate it! Most spend time in school mastering their skills. A tip of 20% is a good place to start.

Jobs that pay in tips might not always be the best job to pay all the bills, but they often have a lot of flexibility and allow you to do something you're passionate about.