How Much to Tip in Vermont (2026): Burlington, Montpelier & VT Tipping Guide
Published June 7, 2026 · 5 min read
Vermont's tipped minimum wage is $7.27/hour— higher than most states and set at 50% of the $14.54 regular minimum wage. The state has a strong local food movement, farm-to-table ethos, and a thriving craft beer scene (the Alchemist, Hill Farmstead, Lawson's). 20% is standard in Burlington and ski resort towns. Vermont's cost of living is above the national average, and tipping culture reflects the state's deep appreciation for local craftsmanship.
Vermont Tipping Quick Reference
| Service | Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down Restaurant | 18–20% | 20% in Burlington |
| Bar | $1–2/drink | Burlington craft beer scene — Heady Topper country |
| Rideshare | 15–20% | Very limited outside Burlington |
| Hotel Housekeeping | $3–5 per night | $5+ at Stowe and Woodstock inns |
| Food Delivery | 15–20% | Minimum $5; extra in snow and mud season |
| Coffee Shop | $1–2 | Strong coffee culture statewide |
Burlington & Montpelier
Burlington: 20% — Church Street Marketplace, a strong local food and beer scene, and UVM college-town energy make Burlington the tipping capital of Vermont. The craft beer pilgrimage crowd keeps bars and restaurants busy year-round.
Stowe: 20%+ in ski season — a luxury mountain resort town with destination dining, the Trapp Family Lodge, and von Trapp Brewing. On-mountain dining at Stowe Mountain Resort runs 20%+.
Woodstock/Quechee: 20% — quintessential Vermont, with historic inns, covered bridges, and farm-to-table restaurants. Tourism drives tipping norms upward.
Brattleboro: 18–20% — artsy Connecticut River town with a strong local economy.
Montpelier: 18–20% — the smallest state capital in the US, with a cozy dining scene.
Northeast Kingdom: 15–18% — rural and remote, but genuine hospitality still warrants a fair tip.
Craft Beer, Foliage & Farm Culture
Vermont's craft beer culture is legendary — Hill Farmstead, The Alchemist (Heady Topper), Lawson's (Sip of Sunshine), and Fiddlehead. At brewery taprooms, tip $1–2/beer. During foliage season (late September through October), the entire state becomes a tourism corridor — servers work nonstop and depend on this window for a significant portion of annual income. During ski season (Stowe, Killington, Sugarbush, Jay Peak), on-mountain dining expects 20%+. Mud season (April–May) is the shoulder season when many restaurants close — tip the staff who are working extra hard with skeleton crews. At Vermont's maple sugarhouses and farm stands (often self-serve, honor system), tipping isn't expected — but spending generously supports local agriculture. At Cabot cheese and Ben & Jerry's factory tours, tip tour guides $2–5.
Calculate your Vermont tip instantly — Open Tip Calculator →