How Much Can You Make as a Delivery Driver in 2025?
How much can you really make as a delivery driver? See average earnings, what impacts your pay, and fast ways to make extra cash in 2025.

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If you’re like most people, you’ve either tried delivery driving, thought about trying it, or at least wondered if those TikTok drivers making $200 a day are actually legit. Delivery apps exploded over the last few years, but with so many drivers on the road now, a lot of people are asking the same thing:
Is delivery driving still worth it in 2025, or is it oversaturated?
The short answer: Yes, you can still make solid money as a delivery driver. And for many people, it remains one of the fastest, lowest-barrier ways to earn extra cash when you need it.
Let’s break down what the average driver actually makes, what impacts your earnings today, and a few other ways to make quick money if you want options.
How Much Do Delivery Drivers Make?
Earnings vary based on location, timing, and the platform you choose, but here’s what most drivers realistically take home:
Average Earnings by Platform
| Platform | Average Earnings (Per Hour) |
|---|---|
| DoorDash | $18–$25/hr |
| Uber Eats | $15–$23/hr |
| Instacart | $17–$25/hr (higher for full-service batches) |
| Amazon Flex | $18–$30/hr (fixed block rates) |
| Grubhub | $16–$22/hr |
These numbers include tips and represent real-world earnings drivers commonly report.
For context:
- Full-time drivers can bring in $600–$1,000 per week
- Part-time drivers typically earn $100–$300 per week
Even if you only drive on weekends or during peak hours, you can still make enough to cover some bills, boost your savings, or fund something fun.
Is Delivery Driving Oversaturated in 2025?
It can feel crowded, especially in major cities, but the demand for delivery is still incredibly high. People are ordering more food than ever, grocery delivery is now mainstream, and apps run constant promotions to keep orders flowing.
Here’s the truth… Drivers who understand strategy (short trips, peak hours, better zones) still earn very good money. Drivers who simply log in randomly and take every order often struggle.
Supply is up, but so is demand. The drivers who treat it like a flexible micro-business are the ones consistently hitting $20+/hour.
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What Actually Impacts Your Earnings?
The top drivers know these factors matter:
1. Where You Drive
Busy cities = more orders and higher tips
Suburbs = fewer orders but often bigger drop-offs
2. When You Drive
Peak times make or break your earnings:
- 11am–2pm
- 5pm–9pm
- Weekends
- Bad weather (your best friend for high tips)
3. Tips
Tips can double your hourly rate. A friendly message and quick delivery go a long way.
4. Trip Selection
Short, high-tip orders always beat long-distance deliveries.
5. Bonuses + Promotions
Peak pay, quests, and streak bonuses can add $20–$100 extra per day.
Is Being a Delivery Driver Still Worth Trying?
If you need:
- Fast money
- A flexible schedule
- A side hustle you can start within days
- Instant or same-day cashouts
Delivery driving is still one of the easiest ways to get started.
You don’t need special skills. You don’t need a perfect résumé. You just need a car, bike, or scooter, and a willingness to try.
Many people start thinking they’ll do just a few hours a week… and end up hitting their savings goals faster than expected.
Other Ways to Make Quick Cash (If You Want Options)
If you want backup plans or additional earnings streams, here are quick and realistic ways to add extra income:
1. Money-Making Apps
Apps like True Finance, KashKick, Freecash, and InboxDollars let you earn from simple tasks. Many people make $20–$100 per week in spare minutes.
2. Sell Items You Don’t Use
Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or eBay can easily bring in $50–$300 in a day.
>> More: Top 15 Places to Sell Clothes for Cash Online or In-Person
3. Freelancing or Micro Gigs
Gig work platforms like TaskRabbit or Fiverr pay $20–$60/hr for small tasks:
- Cleaning
- Building furniture
- Writing
- Design work
- Handyman jobs
>> More: 50 Ways to Make Extra Money in 2025
4. Pet Sitting / Dog Walking
Rover and Wag allow you to earn $15–$30 per walk or $25–$50 per night for pet sitting.
5. Instacart or Shipt
If you prefer shopping over driving food around, grocery apps pay surprisingly well during peak times.
Final Thoughts
Delivery driving is still a strong option in 2025, and for many people, it’s the quickest way to boost income without committing to a rigid schedule or picking up a second job.
Whether you're paying off debt, padding your emergency fund, or just trying to avoid the “I refuse to check my bank account” moment, delivery work can help you get there.
And even if you don’t want to depend on it full-time, it’s a side hustle you can turn on and off whenever you need a little bit of a financial boost.
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