How much should you tip in California 🇺🇸?

Tipping in California, despite the state's relatively high minimum wage of $16 per hour, is still a prevalent practice. Some people tip to support service workers in earning a living wage, while others do so to show appreciation for good service. However, there's a degree of resentment towards restaurant owners who don't pay their employees a living wage and instead add surcharges to customers' bills. There's also a debate about why certain minimum wage workers, such as those at fast food chains or retail stores, aren't tipped in the same way as restaurant servers. Some argue that even at $16 per hour, it's challenging to make ends meet, especially in high-cost areas like San Diego, where the living wage for a single person with no children is estimated to be $22.61 per hour. The discussion also touches on the discrepancy between tipping practices and the actual income of service workers. For instance, servers at upscale restaurants can earn around $80,000 per year, significantly more than the minimum wage. This discrepancy raises questions about the fairness and necessity of tipping in a state where service workers are already paid above the federal minimum wage. Ultimately, the decision to tip is seen as optional, and those who choose not to tip are often perceived negatively. Some suggest that the real issue isn't tipping but rather the need for companies to pay a livable wage instead of relying on customers to supplement their employees' income.