How Much Do Lyft Drivers Make? Here’s What You Can Expect

If you’ve ever thought about driving for Lyft to make extra cash, one of the first questions on your mind is probably: How much do Lyft drivers actually make?

The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Earnings vary depending on your city, how many hours you work, when you drive, and most importantly, your expenses like gas and insurance. With that being said, Lyft drivers make an average of $24.90 per hour, according to Indeed.

In this guide, we’ll break down what you can realistically expect as a Lyft driver in 2025, including average pay, key factors that affect earnings, and tips for maximizing your take-home income.

Average Lyft Driver Pay in 2025

According to Lyft’s own reporting and recent third-party studies, Lyft drivers typically earn between $18–$25 per hour before expenses. However, after deducting costs like fuel, car maintenance, and insurance, net earnings usually fall between $13–$18 per hour.

Number Breakdown:

• Gross hourly pay: $18–$25/hour
• After expenses: $13–$18/hour
• Weekly take-home (full-time): $500–$750
• Weekly take-home (part-time): $150–$350

Remember: your earnings can fluctuate depending on your market. Driving in major cities like New York or San Francisco often pays more than in smaller towns.

Factors That Affect Lyft Driver Earnings

1. Location Matters

Lyft driver pay depends heavily on where you live. High-demand cities with busy nightlife, airports, and business districts often provide more consistent rides and higher pay.

2. Time of Day & Week

Driving during peak hours, such as weekday rush hours, Friday nights, or weekends, can significantly boost earnings thanks to Lyft’s Prime Time and surge pricing.

3. Tips & Bonuses

Many drivers underestimate how much tips contribute. A friendly attitude, clean car, and offering amenities (like phone chargers or bottled water) can add an extra 10–20% to your income. Lyft also offers bonus opportunities for completing a certain number of rides within a set timeframe.

4. Driver Expenses

Your car isn’t free to operate. Lyft drivers must cover:

• Gas
• Vehicle wear and tear
• Routine maintenance (oil changes, tires, brakes)
• Insurance (rideshare insurance is often required)

These costs can eat up 20–30% of your gross earnings, making expense management key to profitability.

Challenges Lyft Drivers Face

While Lyft can be a great way to earn extra money, it’s not without its drawbacks. Many drivers report that the realities of the job don’t always match the hype. Here are some of the biggest challenges you should be aware of before hitting the road:

1. Rising Gas Prices

Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for Lyft drivers, and fluctuating gas prices can cut deep into profits. Even with Lyft’s occasional fuel surcharge, drivers often shoulder most of this cost.

2. Wear and Tear on Your Vehicle

Driving hundreds of miles a week accelerates depreciation and increases maintenance costs. Oil changes, new tires, and unexpected repairs add up quickly, reducing overall take-home pay.

3. Insurance Costs

Standard auto insurance doesn’t usually cover rideshare activity, meaning drivers may need to purchase rideshare-specific coverage. This can significantly raise monthly insurance premiums.

4. Unpredictable Earnings

Unlike a traditional job with a set hourly wage, Lyft income varies day to day. A busy Friday night might be lucrative, while a slow Tuesday afternoon could leave you barely covering gas.

5. Dealing With Passengers

Most riders are polite, but challenging passengers, whether they’re rude, intoxicated, or messy, are part of the job. Handling these situations professionally can be stressful.

6. Competition and Market Saturation

In some cities, there are simply more drivers than passengers. This oversupply can lead to long wait times between rides and lower hourly earnings.

7. Lack of Benefits

Lyft drivers are independent contractors, not employees. This means no health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions; drivers must manage those on their own.

Does Lyft or Uber Pay More?

A common question is whether Lyft or Uber pays more. Generally, the two companies are comparable, with small differences depending on your city. Some drivers report higher average fares with Lyft due to promotions, while Uber may provide more consistent ride volume.

For many drivers, the best strategy is to sign up with both platforms and toggle between them during busy times to maximize opportunities.

Tips for Making More Money on Lyft

1. Drive During Peak Hours

Focus on morning and evening rush hours, weekends, and holidays when rider demand is highest.

2. Take Advantage of Airport Runs

Airport rides often pay more than short city trips and can help balance your daily earnings.

3. Track Your Expenses

Using mileage tracking apps can help you claim tax deductions and keep more money in your pocket.

4. Maintain a High Rating

Higher ratings can unlock more opportunities with Lyft, including promotions and bonuses.

5. Stack With Other Income Streams

Some drivers pair ridesharing with food delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats to fill in gaps between rides.

Is Driving for Lyft Worth It?

Driving for Lyft can be worth it if you’re looking for flexible, part-time income and don’t mind using your personal vehicle for work. On average, most drivers net around $15/hour, which may not replace a full-time salary but works well as a side hustle.

If you’re strategic about when you drive and mindful of expenses, Lyft can be a solid way to make extra cash, especially if you value flexibility over a rigid schedule.

Final Thoughts

While the average ranges between $13–$18 an hour after expenses, your exact earnings will depend on where, when, and how often you drive.

Driving for Lyft won’t make you rich, but it can provide flexible, reliable income; perfect for side hustlers, students, or anyone needing extra cash without committing to a 9-to-5.

FAQs

1. How much can Lyft drivers make in a week?

Full-time drivers typically earn $500–$750 after expenses, while part-time drivers average $150–$350 per week.

2. Do Lyft drivers keep 100% of their tips?

Yes. Lyft drivers keep 100% of rider tips, and tips are a key way to boost earnings.

3. Can you make a living as a Lyft driver?

It depends on your city and lifestyle. While some drivers make enough to live on, most use Lyft as supplemental income rather than a full-time job.