Even as a server, I barely make a living wage working full time with occasional overtime. I'm in California and I make $8 an hour, but my paycheck is tiny because the government takes taxes from our tips from it. I know I make more than someone in another state in terms of base pay, but even with that extra amount, it still doesn't make up for the cost of living (more than double than some places, a 1 bedroom apartment starts at 1k here, some areas have Studios that start at $1,500, like Irvine). According to CNBC, Hawaii and California tie as the states with the highest cost of living. 18-20% is more standard now, sadly many people, even with excellent service, only tip 8-10%. Why? Because they don't care.