Tipping & Tip Laws in Delaware (2026)
In Delaware, the tipped cash wage is $2.23/hr. Employers may claim a tip credit of up to $12.77/hr, so the combined cash + tip minimum is $15.00/hr (federal floor: $7.25 / $2.13 tipped). Like the rest of the U.S., Delaware follows national tipping norms — tip on the pre-tax subtotal, not the 0% combined sales tax.
By The TipFig Editorial Team · independent editorial research project
Tipped Minimum-Wage Law in Delaware
Full State Min
$15.00/hr
Tipped Cash Wage
$2.23/hr
Max Tip Credit
$12.77/hr
Tip Credit?
Yes
Standard Tip Percentages in Delaware
Restaurants
15–20%
Delivery
15–20%
Rideshare
15–20%
Bars
$1–2/drink
Hotel
$2–5/night
Salon/Spa
15–20%
These percentages are general U.S. etiquette norms. In Delaware, the tipped cash wage is lower than the full minimum, so tips are a core part of server income — 15–20% on the pre-tax subtotal is the expected norm.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tipped minimum wage in Delaware in 2026?
In Delaware, the tipped cash wage is $2.23/hour and employers may take a tip credit of up to $12.77/hour, for a combined cash-plus-tip minimum of $15.00/hour (the federal floor is $2.13/hour tipped). If an employee's tips don't bring them to the minimum, the employer must make up the difference. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor, July 1, 2026.)
Does Delaware allow a tip credit?
Yes. Delaware allows a tip credit, so an employer can count up to $12.77/hour of an employee's tips toward the minimum wage, paying a cash wage of $2.23/hour. The combined total must reach $15.00/hour. Some localities or employer types may set higher cash wages.
What is the sales tax rate in Delaware for tipping math?
Delaware has no general state sales tax, so there is no tax to add when you calculate a tip. You simply tip on the bill subtotal.
Other State Tipping Guides
Tipped minimum-wage figures are from the U.S. Department of Labor — Wage and Hour Division: Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026), retrieved 2026-08-09. Minimum wages change; verify with your state labor department before making wage or payroll decisions. Tip percentages are general etiquette guidelines, not legal advice. Sales-tax rates are approximate combined state + local averages.