How Much Does an Uber Eats Driver Make In 2024?

Uber Eats is a hugely popular food delivery service, found in over 6,000 cities and 45 countries. Many Uber Eats drivers use it to supplement their earnings.

These drivers are part of what’s called the gig economy. This means they do small, flexible jobs, known as ‘gigs’, instead of regular full-time work. They’re not traditional employees but are self-employed, giving them more control over when and where they work, and how much they earn.

If you’re thinking about driving for Uber Eats or already do, you’re probably curious about how much money you can make.

Knowing the potential income is key to deciding if it’s a good fit for you and how you can earn more.

This article will give you tips on figuring out your income as an Uber Eats driver. We’ll look at the latest information and research to help you understand your earning potential.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer idea of how much you can make with Uber Eats and how to boost your earnings as a driver.

How Uber Eats Pay Is Calculated

Here is the break down of how Uber Eats pay is calculated for each delivery:

Base Fare

• Pickup and Dropoff Fees: You get a set amount for picking up an order from the restaurant and delivering it to the customer.
• Distance Pay: You’re paid based on the miles from the restaurant to the customer, calculated by the shortest route.
• Time Pay: In some areas, you’ll also earn money based on how long it takes to complete the delivery.

The base fare can change depending on where you are, how many deliveries are needed, and how many drivers are available.

Trip Supplement

This is extra money added to make sure your delivery is worth the effort. It’s higher for longer or more complicated trips or if the base fare is lower than the minimum pay in your area.

Promotions

• Boost: Earn more by delivering in specific areas and times.
• Surge: Get additional pay during high-demand times and areas.
• Quest Goals: Complete a set number of deliveries in a given period for a bonus.

Tips

Customers can tip you through the app or in cash. Tips are a big part of your earnings. Most drivers say tips can be up to 50% of their income. Indeed most gig economy jobs are only worth it due to tips. Providing great service can increase your tips.

Here’s what some drivers say about tips:

• “I usually make around $20-$25 an hour including tips. Being friendly and fast helps a lot.” – Reddit User
• “Adding a personal touch to my profile increased my tips. Tips are like hugs without the awkwardness.” – Quora User
• “My earnings vary, but tips can sometimes add more than $100 to my daily income. It all depends on many factors.” – Reddit User
• “Without tips, I make about $10-$15 per hour. But with tips, it can go up to $30. Most customers tip well.” – Quora User

So, how much you can make with Uber Eats as a driver depends on the base pay, trip supplements, promotions, and importantly, tips. It can vary, but by understanding these factors and providing excellent service, you can maximize your earnings.

Extra Reading: Is Uber Eats worth it as a side job?

How Much Uber Eats Drivers Make

To answer the question “how much can you make from Uber Eats?” we will look at different data and reviews, but predicting your Uber Eats income is not an exact science. The earnings can vary widely, depending on several factors like the city you’re in and the time of year. However, we can make educated estimates:

Average Earnings in Different Cities

According to ZipRecruiter, the range of hourly wages for Uber Eats Delivery Drivers varies widely in the United States. The highest observed wage reaches up to $25.24 per hour, while the lowest falls to $8.17 per hour. However, most Uber Eats Delivery Drivers earn between $16.11 (25th percentile) and $20.19 (75th percentile).

This figure varies by city, as some markets have higher demand and pay rates than others. For example, Uber Eats drivers in New York City can earn up to $29.33 per hour, according to a screenshot posted by a driver on Reddit.

Here are the top paying 10 cities.

City	Hourly Wage
Berkeley, CA	$24.04
Bailey’s Crossroads, VA	$22.86
Daly City, CA	$22.75
Campbell, CA	$22.30
Dale City, VA	$22.12
San Mateo, CA	$22.04
Richmond, CA	$21.85
Bellevue, WA	$21.52
Watertown Town, MA	$21.36
South San Francisco, CA	$21.25

Earnings During Different Times of the Year

Your earnings can change with the seasons. You might earn more in winter and fall due to higher demand. Some months, for example, January and February might be slower, while March and April could be busier.

Weekends and lunch/dinner times are usually the busiest, so you might earn more then.

Impact of the Pandemic on Earnings

The pandemic has both positive and negative impacts on earnings for Uber Eats drivers. During the pandemic, the food delivery business surged and provided an opportunity for many to make good dollars. With the stories of making good money ($40/hour or more) with Uber Eats the workforce increased exponentially though the food ordering came back to its normal.

This resulted in many drivers feeling dejected due to decreasing earnings compared to the pandemic days.

In short, earnings are not stable, and making money with Uber Eats depends on various factors, including where and when you drive, and the current market conditions.

While the national average pay is around $18- $20/per hour, this can vary. During the pandemic, drivers have experienced different impacts on their income, showing how external factors can play a role.

What Other Uber Eats Driver Say

The online community of gig economy workers, reveals a diverse range of experiences regarding their earnings. For example, a recent thread posed the question, “Is anyone actually making $20+ per hour?” eliciting varied responses from drivers.

While some drivers, like ‘himynameisjay,’ claim to make around $20+ per hour by being selective and working limited hours, others like ‘sharky3175’ and ‘Private-Citizen’ express frustration over the scarcity of lucrative orders.

Drivers like ‘deeppanalbumparty_’ share insights on strategies to maximize earnings, emphasizing the importance of being friendly, aware of potential pitfalls, and selective about orders. ‘Puzzleheaded_Runner’ highlights the need for multi-apping, using multiple delivery apps to supplement income. In contrast, ‘BAR3rd’ shifted to passenger transport due to a decline in food delivery demand in their market.

The thread illustrates the varying realities of gig economy workers, where factors like market conditions, time of day, and individual strategies significantly impact earnings.

While some drivers manage to earn $20+ per hour, others struggle to find consistent, well-paying orders, reflecting the dynamic and challenging nature of gig work.

Like the above comment by a driver, most people making $20 plus were only doing it for a few hours picking the peak times and being selective. Most drivers agree that it will be difficult to average over $20 throughout the day, especially on weekdays in most markets.

Extra Reading: How to make $1000 a week with Uber Eats?

Factors That Affect Uber Eats Driver’s Earnings

Driving for Uber Eats can be a good way to make extra money, but how much you earn can vary based on several factors. Let’s look at what influences your earnings:

Time of Day and Demand

• Your earnings can be higher during busy times like lunch and dinner, and on weekends and rainy days when more people order food.
• But remember, the more drivers there are around, the more competition you’ll have for orders.

Location Matters

• Being near busy spots like restaurants, malls, and offices can mean more orders and less travel time.
• Watch out for traffic and parking issues though, as they can slow you down.

Vehicle Costs

• Don’t forget about your car expenses! Things like gas, maintenance, and insurance all affect your take-home pay.
• Apps like Stride or Hurdlr can help track your mileage and expenses, which is handy for tax time.

Choosing Orders Wisely

• Use the Uber Eats app to check how much each delivery pays and how far you’ll need to travel.
• A good tip is the ‘$1 per mile rule’ – aim for deliveries that pay at least $1 per mile back to a busy area.
• Avoid restaurants known for long waits or bad service, as they can cut into your earnings.

Customer Service

• Good service can lead to better tips and repeat customers.
• High ratings and positive feedback might also get you more orders and special offers from Uber Eats.
• Be polite, follow delivery instructions, and make sure the food arrives safely and on time.

By understanding these factors, you can make smarter choices about when and where to drive, which orders to accept, and how to provide the best service to maximize your earnings with Uber Eats.

Extra Reading: Best apps like Instacart.

How to Increase Your Uber Eats Earnings

As an Uber Eats driver, you can boost your income in various ways. It’s not just about how much you drive, but also about smart strategies. Let’s simplify these strategies:

Choosing Orders Wisely

• Pick orders that are close and easy to get to. Avoid those that need a lot of driving or are in busy traffic areas.
• Look for orders with higher pay, like those with surge pricing or in boost zones. These pay more than regular orders.
• Skip orders that don’t pay well or take too long. It’s okay to say no to some orders if they don’t seem worth it.

Taking Advantage of Promotions

• Uber Eats often offers extra pay opportunities. These can be things like a bonus for a set number of deliveries in a certain time.
• Keep an eye out for ‘Boosts’ where you earn more in specific areas or times, and ‘Quests’ where you get bonuses for completing a certain number of deliveries.

Good Customer Service for More Tips

• Be friendly and professional. A smile and polite behavior can lead to better tips.
• Deliver orders quickly and keep customers updated. If there’s a problem, let them know.
• Respect the customer’s wishes, like where to put their order, and handle their food carefully.

Balancing Costs and Time

• Track what you earn and what you spend on things like gas and car maintenance. There are apps to help with this.
• Find ways to save on costs, like using gas discount programs or keeping your car in good condition.

Using Multiple Apps

• Using more than one delivery app can mean more orders and more chances to earn.
• You can compare which app offers better pay for a delivery.
• However, managing different apps can be tricky. You need to balance your orders and make sure you can handle them all without getting overwhelmed.

Remember, each order and each day can be different. By being smart about which orders you take, making the most of extra pay opportunities, providing great service, and managing your expenses, you can increase what you earn as an Uber Eats driver.

Extra Reading: How much you can make with DoorDash?

Pros and Cons of Working With Uber Eats

Whether you’re considering Uber Eats as a full-time job or a side hustle, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Let’s break down what it’s like to be an Uber Eats driver.

Pros of Being an Uber Eats Driver

1. Flexibility: One of the biggest perks is the ability to choose when and where you work. You decide which orders to take and can work around other commitments or interests. This flexibility is a big plus for many drivers.
2. Being Your Own Boss: As an Uber Eats driver, you’re essentially running your own small business. You have the freedom to set your own goals and work style, which many drivers find rewarding.
3. Potential for Good Earnings: Depending on various factors like location and time, some drivers report making between $15 to $20 per hour. Though this can vary a lot based on where you’re driving and when.

Cons of Being an Uber Eats Driver

1. Inconsistent Income: Your earnings can fluctuate. Unlike a regular job with a fixed salary, what you make from Uber Eats depends on factors like the number of deliveries, the time of day, and customer tips, which can vary widely.
2. Vehicle Costs: You’ll need to consider expenses like gas, maintenance, and insurance for your vehicle. These costs can add up and affect your overall earnings.
3. Tax Responsibilities: As an independent contractor, you’re responsible for managing your taxes, which can be more complicated than typical employee tax situations.
4. Balancing Multiple Jobs: If you’re using Uber Eats as a side hustle, juggling it with other jobs can be challenging. It requires good time management and can sometimes be stressful.

Managing Earnings and Taxes

• To manage your earnings effectively, track your income and expenses carefully. Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to keep track of your finances.
• Take advantage of tax deductions for vehicle expenses, phone and internet costs, and any supplies or equipment you need for deliveries.
• Use mileage tracker apps to log miles driven for deliveries, which can be helpful for tax deductions ($0.65 per mile in 2023).

Working as an Uber Eats driver offers flexibility and the potential for good earnings, but it also comes with challenges like variable income, vehicle expenses, and tax responsibilities. Careful management of your work and finances is key to making the most out of being an Uber Eats driver.

Balancing Uber Eats with Other Income Sources

• Many drivers work with multiple delivery platforms to increase their earning potential.
• Consider other side hustles that align with your skills or interests, like freelancing, online selling, or tutoring.
• It’s important to find a balance that works for you, ensuring you don’t overextend yourself.

Extra Reading: Best food delivery services to work for.

How To Join Uber Eats

So if you are interested in becoming a driver for Uber Eats, here’s what you need to know to get started. These are general guidelines, however, the requirements may vary slightly depending on the location.

Requirements to Become an Uber Eats Driver

1. For Car Delivery: You need to be at least 19, have a driver’s license, car insurance, and registration. You should also have at least one year of driving experience and be able to lift 30 pounds. Plus, you’ll need to pass a background check.
2. For Bike Delivery: You must be 18 or older, have a government ID, and can lift 30 pounds. A background check is also required here.
3. For Scooter Delivery: You need to be 19, have a license, insurance, registration, and your scooter should be under 50cc. Plus, the ability to lift 30 pounds and passing a background check.

Signing Up Process

• Create an Account: Use the Uber website or app, fill in your details, and upload necessary documents like your driver’s license and insurance.
• Background Check: Uber will review your application and run a background check. This could take a few days to weeks.
• Start Delivering: Once approved, you can start accepting delivery requests on the app. The app shows available orders, earnings estimates, and provides navigation help.

Choosing the Mode of Delivery

• Car, Bike, or Scooter? Each has its benefits. Car delivery usually pays more as you can cover more distance and carry more orders. However, it also means higher costs for gas and maintenance. Bikes and scooters might earn less but cost less to operate. Plus, they’re great in congested areas and are eco-friendly.
• Consider Speed and Convenience: Cars are faster in suburbs, but bikes/scooters can zip through city traffic and don’t have parking hassles.
• Personal Preference: Comfort and convenience vary. Cars are better in bad weather, but bikes/scooters offer more freedom and exercise.

Final Words

To wrap it up, making money as an Uber Eats driver can be a good side job for most of us.

You have the freedom to work when it suits you, and you can make around $15 to $20 an hour, depending on where you are and when you work.

But it’s not all rosy, as you have to pay for things like gas and car repairs yourself, and you need to keep track of your money for taxes.

If you’re good at managing your time, you can even mix this job with other work to make more money. All in all, driving for Uber Eats can be a great way to earn extra cash if you plan well and understand the costs involved.

My advice:

• Use it alongside multiple delivery platforms to increase your earning potential.
• Consider other side hustles that align with your skills or interests, like freelancing, online selling, or tutoring.
• Find a balance that works for you, ensuring you don’t overextend yourself.

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• Hustle quotes to keep you motivated