Can I be required to pay my tips into a tip pool with other workers?

You can be required to put all your tips into a pool that gets shared with other workers who also regularly work for tips, such as other servers or bartenders. Employees who don’t regularly receive tips such as dishwashers and cooks should not be included in a tip pool and should instead be paid a wage by the employer. Managers, supervisors, employers and owners are prohibited from being part of the tip pool.

Tip pooling rules:

• Tip pools can include servers, bartenders, and other front-of-house staff who regularly receive tips
• Back-of-house staff (cooks, dishwashers) should not be included in tip pools
• Management, supervisors, employers, and owners are prohibited from participating in tip pools
• Employers cannot use tip pools to avoid paying the required base wage