By 1831Galion
When it comes to tipping at restaurants, Ohioans are near the top of the list. New data from Toast, a popular digital checkout system, shows that during the first quarter of 2025, diners in Ohio tipped an average of 20.6 percent. That’s good enough for fifth place nationwide, ahead of most states but just behind Delaware (22.1 percent), West Virginia (21.0 percent), New Hampshire (20.9 percent), and Indiana (20.7 percent).
For comparison, the national average tip at full-service restaurants came in at 19.4 percent.
Why Ohio Tips So High
Several factors help explain why Ohio consistently ranks near the top for tipping. Like many states, Ohio uses a tip credit wage system that allows restaurants to pay servers a lower base wage. Customers know tips make up a large portion of income, so there’s a built-in sense of responsibility to leave more.
Midwestern culture also plays a role. A tradition of community-mindedness and appreciation for service often translates into higher tips. On top of that, tipping is deeply ingrained in Ohio dining culture. Diners expect to leave something extra almost everywhere, and digital payment systems like Toast make the process easier with suggested tip amounts that frequently start at 20 percent or higher.
Many Ohioans also prefer tipping over service charges, viewing it as a way to reward quality service while keeping control of the amount they leave.
How Ohio Compares to Its Neighbors
Ohio doesn’t just stand out nationally. It also tips more generously than most of its neighbors. According to Toast’s data, Ohio’s average tip percentage for full-service dining reached 21.1 percent, with quick-service restaurants averaging 17.7 percent. That puts the state ahead of Indiana (20.4 percent), Kentucky (20.3 percent), Michigan (19.9 percent), Pennsylvania (19.8 percent), and Illinois (19.0 percent). Only West Virginia, at 20.5 percent, came close.
The Bigger Picture
Across the country, tipping expectations have been shifting. Rising dining costs, suggested tip prompts, and an expanding range of service jobs where tipping is expected all play a part. What once was considered generous at 15 percent has now become standard at 20 percent or more in many places.
For now, Ohio diners are firmly in the generous camp. Whether it’s dinner at a local diner, a night out at a new restaurant, or a quick bite at a café, the data shows Ohioans are leaving a little extra—well above the national average and nearly unmatched by their neighbors.
