I mean, again.. look more into financial laws in every state if you want a fair comparison. As well as pricing, etc. I'm not trying to convince you towards one thing or another.
Also, I ONLY tip because of stigma. I know that some people don't tip, and I know that they make $2 an hour pre-tip. Someone has to do it, I contribute to it. My parents have always been decent tippers and regularly tip $20... even with horrible service -.-.
If I lived in Seattle, you can bet your whiskers I'd never tip anyone. John can vouch for this - he doesn't tip. I wouldn't either. Something about being FORCED to pay their employees makes some people do it. Why we can't be like countries that don't tip, I don't know... but when I eat out, I pretty much only eat at counter serve places.
That being said, tipped employees make good money during their shifts. It doesn't really matter where you move, as long as it is a big city with great restaurants. The tipping scene in Austin is lucrative, from what I know. If you can get a job at an expensive place, you'll be rolling in some good money.
Anyways. the restaurant scene here is fantastic. If you could get a job at one of the popular places like Hopdoddy, then you'd be set.
Sorry for rambling, I'm anti-tip. Traditional Asian restaurants feel like I'm robbing the place. No way to tip the employees and cheap food. That's how it should and could be.
/rant