OK, I just found something out that adds a slightly different twist to this conversation. Anyone receiving tips as part of their wages, must be paid at least $2.13 per hour, outside of the tips (as their base). If the total tips do not then make up the different between this and the minimum wage ($6.85 per hour I believe), then the employer must make up the difference. This is federal law. Therefore, anyone earning tips will always earn at least the minimum wage, regardless of whether you tip or not.