Should You Tip for Carryout? Here’s What Michigan Says

Have you ever gone to pick up your dinner order at a restaurant and wondered if you should leave a tip?

When Should You Tip at a Sit-Down Restaurant?

There are situations where you really should leave a tip, and others where a tip is not mandatory or expected. According to Allrecipes, it depends on the circumstances. If you are at a sit-down restaurant and someone is waiting on you, you should leave a tip. Current guidance generally puts the standard around 18% to 20%.

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Then there’s the confusing part. What about carryout? If you walk up to a counter, pay for your food and take it home, a tip generally is not expected. If it’s curbside service and someone brings the food out to your car, you may want to consider leaving something.

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And what about fast food? Most people probably do not leave a tip when ordering at a fast-food restaurant. And for me, if I order pizza and have it delivered, I’ll tip the pizza guy. But if I drive to the pizza place and pick it up myself, I'm not leaving a tip.

How Michigan’s Tipped Wage Works

I knew that waiters and waitresses often work for a lower direct hourly wage, with tips making up the difference. But how does that work in Michigan? It’s called a tip credit under Michigan’s Workforce Opportunity Wage Act.

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In 2026, Michigan’s standard minimum wage is $13.73 per hour according to 7shifts. For eligible tipped workers, an employer can pay a direct cash wage of $5.49 per hour, with tips making up the difference.

What Is the Make-Up Rule?

There is also a safeguard known as the make-up rule, or guarantee. Basically, if the employee’s direct cash wage plus their actual tips do not equal Michigan’s full minimum wage, the employer has to make up the difference.

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Tipping is always a great way to show appreciation for good service, especially for the waitstaff at many Michigan restaurants.