Michigan Weather Unhinged? How Much To Tip Your Food Delivery Driver

Michigan treats delivery drivers like side-quest heroes in an open-world survival game. Sunshine? Easy mode. Sub-zero temps with sideways snow? Final boss energy. So let's talk about how much a delivery driver in Michigan should be paid when the weathers so bad, we won't step foot outdoors.

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Keep in mind that these brave winter-bringers-of-sustenance often drive their personal vehicles, which, despite an hourly wage, bring their own professional headaches and maintenance issues.

What Delivery Drivers Typically Earn

On a normal, non-hostile day, Michigan delivery drivers make around $15 an hour, according to Indeed. That's with dry roads, cooperative traffic lights, and doors that require a snow shovel to access. A normal delivery calls for a 15-20% tip. Cool. Reasonable. Civilized.

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Now let the temperature drop below zero. Suddenly, every delivery includes numb fingers, frozen car doors, and your front door, which could also double as an ice rink. Not to mention the hazardous driving conditions they've braved to bring you a six-piece nugget, shake, and a fry (hopefully they remembered the dipping sauce). These conditions call for a bonus percentage added to compensation.

Fair Tipping Guidelines for Harsh Conditions

Think of this additional tip as a thank you for braving the elements you aren't willing to. The driver navigated the obstacle course known as Michigan winter in frigid temperatures, so you didn't have to. That deserves an extra 10-15%. Yup. That means a 25-35% gratuity.

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If that sounds steep, then maybe consider dining in or picking it up yourself. Plus, that extra tip will have drivers fighting over who gets to pick up your order. If you’re ordering delivery while thinking, “Wow, this weather is awful,” your driver deserves more money.