If you are in the U.S. and want to make money on a flexible schedule, delivering food with Uber Eats may be a good fit for you. Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, retiree, or someone just looking to earn some extra cash, Uber Eats can easily be scheduled around your life.
But the question remains: In the U.S., how much can you really make driving for Uber Eats? Let’s dissect it and get a sense of the actual numbers, how the payments work, and what can affect your earnings.
How Uber Eats Pays Drivers
As an Uber Eats driver, you’ll be paid out based on several primary factors:
• Distance-based base fare – calculated based on distance, time, and delivery location.
• Tips – Keep 100% of customer tips.
• Promotions — At times, Uber may offer bonus pay for working during busy times of the day or for completing a certain number of deliveries.
• Boosts and Quests – Additional earnings to help drivers make more during peak hours or when fulfilling specific orders.
The pay is weekly by direct deposit or directly into a checking account instantly using the “Instant Pay” feature for a fee.
How Much Does Uber Eats Pay Drivers in the US
The average Uber Eats delivery driver in the U.S. earns approximately $19.88 an hour, according to data from Indeed. But that can change depending on where you work, what time it is, and how good you are at picking up orders.
Here’s a rough estimate of what drivers are earning:
• Hourly: $15 to $25 (including tips)
• Per delivery: $3 to $10 (not including tips and bonuses)
• Per day: $60 to $150 (for 3–6 hours)
• Weekly pay: $300 to $1,000+ (based on the number of hours you work)
Naturally, this is gross income. You’ll have to deduct your own expenses, such as gas, maintenance, and taxes, as Uber Eats drivers are independent contractors.
What Are the Main Contributing Factors to Your Uber Eats Gain?
A Few Things That Determine How Much You Can Make with Uber Eats:
Your Location
Cities such as New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago tend to pay more because demand is higher and restaurants are generally located closer to the patrons.
Time of Day
The busiest, most lucrative hours are lunch (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and dinner (5 to 9 p.m.). In some cities, it also applies late-night on weekends, when surge pricing is in effect.
Tips
Being polite, quick, and accurate can help ensure you get tipped well. A few customers tip generously — occasionally enough to rival the delivery fee.
Promotions
Uber Eats regularly has promotions like “finish 3 deliveries for a $10 bonus.” You can exploit these to generate much higher revenues.
Efficiency
The faster you deliver per hour, the more you make. It can be a game changer to know the local roads, employ multi-order features, and avoid traffic.
Pros and Cons of Uber Eats Driver
Work at your own pace: You’re not exactly set to a specific schedule when working for Uber Eats.
Pros:
• Complete flexibility — when and where you choose to work.
• Nothing formal in the way of training or degrees required.
• Keep 100% of your tips.
• Instant payout option.
Cons:
• Vehicle wear and tear.
• No guaranteed hourly wage.
• No benefits (health insurance, paid time off, etc.).
• Income can be inconsistent.
Final Thoughts
So, how much do you earn as an Uber Eats driver in the U.S.? Approximately $15–$25 an hour, depending on location, efficiency, and time of day, on average.
It’s not going to make you a millionaire overnight, but it’s an honest, scalable side hustle that can help you pay your bills, save for something fun, or supplement your day-job income.
Just watch your spending, log your tax-deductible miles, and work promotions and peak hours to amplify your pay. If you’re ready to be on the road and make money on your terms, Uber Eats can be a good place to begin.