Earning potential for delivery drivers: What impacts this number?
“How much will I make?” is the big question, but the answer isn’t so clear-cut. Delivery partner earnings vary depending on your unique deliveries completed, geographical area, and the types of deliveries you fulfill.
Earnings fluctuate based on many factors, including the time of day, order demand, and the deliveries you choose to accept. For instance, drivers who work during peak hours may have higher earnings due to larger order volumes, and the possibility of bonuses offered by delivery platforms during busy periods. Additionally, you have the flexibility to make choices about where you drive, prioritizing shorter or higher-paying trips, and the types of orders you fulfill, if you’re open to shopping for customer groceries in-store or would prefer to stick to restaurant orders. This gives you the freedom to choose how you work, which affects how much you may earn.
What impacts delivery driver compensation?
Delivery driver compensation is made up of several parts that let you earn based on your effort, time, and choices. Here are some factors that impact how much you can expect to earn by delivering with Grubhub:
Delivery driver pay
First up is the delivery pay itself. This is the offered amount you earn for each order you complete, which can vary depending on how far you drive, the type of delivery, and the time it takes. If you’re up for taking high-demand orders, express deliveries, or longer trips, your earnings can reflect that extra effort.
Tips
Another big plus is tips—you keep 100% of your tips from completed deliveries. Customers appreciate fast service and a friendly handoff, often leaving tips, which can be a rewarding boost to your income.
The Grubhub contribution
There’s also the Grubhub contribution, where Grubhub offers guaranteed base pay when you work on a scheduled shift. This ensures you walk away with a reliable earnings amount, even if it’s a slower order time.
Missions and special offers
To keep things exciting, we offer missions and special promotions to reward you for hitting specific goals, like completing a set number of deliveries within a certain period. These missions can be a fun way to challenge yourself, and they’re a great way to earn extra cash on top of your traditional delivery driver pay.
The benefits of driving as an additional source of income
If you’ve been considering delivery driving but aren’t ready to take the leap just yet, here are some of the top advantages to consider:
Flexible scheduling
With the flexibility to work when it fits your schedule, you can fit in deliveries around your other commitments. Whether it’s a few bucks for coffee every week or something bigger, delivery driving lets you earn cash without committing to a full-time role. You decide how much you want to work, which directly impacts how much you make.
Immediate earnings potential
Delivery driving isn’t like a traditional role where you have to wait for a bi-weekly or monthly paycheck. Earnings with Grubhub hit your driver account 15 minutes after each delivery is completed, and are paid out weekly via direct deposit. Need to get paid sooner? Our Instant Cashout feature allows you to instantly cash out up to $500 dollars per day for a $0.50 fee per transaction—learn more. With Grubhub, there’s no waiting around for the cash to become accessible.
No experience needed
If you know how to drive or bike, have a smartphone with a data plan, and are punctual, you’re a great fit! There’s no need for specialized skills or years of training or education to get started, making delivery driving an accessible option for many people. Just sign up, meet the basic criteria, and hit the road to make deliveries on your schedule—no time-consuming applications or complex certifications needed.
Independence and autonomy
As a delivery driver, you’re your own boss out on the road. You decide how you want to approach each shift, no managers or coworkers involved. This independence lets you create your ideal work environment and embrace the freedom to tackle your routes however you see fit. If you’re someone who enjoys listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or your favorite playlists, this job gives you the perfect setting to do so while you work.
Tax deduction opportunities
Delivery driving also opens the door to potential tax savings. Many expenses associated with delivery driving, such as fuel, car maintenance, mileage, and other costs not covered by the third-party delivery company, may qualify as tax deductions. This can lower your taxable income and put more of your earnings back into your pocket.
To see if any of these expenses qualify, keep track of your mileage, gas receipts, and other work-related costs; it can really pay off when tax season comes around. By doing so, you’re not just making money but also gaining valuable opportunities to maximize your take-home income through eligible deductions.
Ready to start driving with Grubhub?
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to deliver with Grubhub to earn extra cash, consider this it. It’s simple to sign up. Apply to drive with Grubhub today and provide top-notch delivery service to customers.
