I waited tables while in college and made $2.10/hr +tips, which usually gave me $80-90 after tipping-out the bar/'bussers.' I also currently frequent a few bars

I waited tables while in college and made $2.10/hr +tips, which usually gave me $80-90 after tipping-out the bar/'bussers.' I also currently frequent a few bars, and these folks normally net $200+/shift. The lack of guaranteed wages, also allows them to under-report their earning WRT taxes. Tipping in the service industry in the US is part of the culture, which has been historically difficult to change by declaration.