How much do delivery drivers make? Discover if this side hustle is worth your time and effort in 2025

In a space where online consumer habits shape the world around us, delivery drivers have become the backbone of modern retail. 

There are several types of delivery driver roles out there, each with its own duties, requirements, and work environment. Anyone considering ditching the 9-5 and considering a career in delivery driving needs to know all the ins and outs of the gig. 

Delivery drivers experience a string of benefits, including a work environment that’s continually evolving, increased earning potential and greater flexibility with their job schedule. But, like any career path, it does come with its drawbacks too. 

In this article, we take a closer look at what it takes to become a delivery driver, including all the pros and cons you can expect along the way. We also give a complete breakdown of earnings to how much you can make as a delivery driver in 2025. 

How much do delivery drivers make in the USA?

So, let's jump right in and answer the question at hand. Just how much do delivery drivers make in the USA? This answer, of course, has several different variables at play (which we’ll cover later on). Still, generally speaking, delivery drivers in the USA can expect to make $34,340 per year, or $16.51 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Entry-level jobs will usually start a bit lower, but as drivers accumulate experience in the field, earnings can increase significantly. 

With several years under your belt, you could be earning up to $76,000 per year, according to Glassdoor. 

What are the responsibilities of a delivery driver?

Delivery drivers, regardless of the sector or company they’re working for, will have a wide array of responsibilities they’ll need to undertake on a daily basis.

For example, food delivery drivers will bring orders from eateries and restaurants directly to the consumer's door, while commercial drivers deliver goods to retail stores, distribution centers, and wholesalers. The fundamental responsibilities, however, stay the same. 

Tasks you’ll undertake on a daily basis as a delivery driver include:

• Following DOT regulations (this pertains to all the different aspects of transportation, including, driver qualifications, safety and vehicle maintenance.)
• Maintenance, including refilling gas, checking brakes, and rotating tyres to ensure everything is running smoothly. 
• Verify delivery schedule contents to make sure everything is ready to be transported. 
• Loading and unloading the vehicle. 
• Driving to homes, businesses, and other locations.
• Reporting on expenses by keeping receipts of deliveries. 
• Following routes and time schedules to make sure everything is delivered promptly and efficiently.
• Asking for feedback on services and resolving any complaints left by clients.

If you’re a commercial delivery driver, you’ll have a few additional responsibilities to undertake, including:

• Keeping sales records.
• Collecting payments after delivery.
• Selling different products from the truck’s inventory.
• Handing over a financial report at the end of the month.

Most important things to consider before choosing a delivery driver job

Instead of jumping at the first delivery opportunity that presents itself to you, there are a few things to consider first. Before committing to any prospective companies, deliberate the points below. 

💪 Flexibility
Chances are you’re looking for a delivery driver role to bring in some extra cash. If so, you’ll need to ensure the work is flexible enough to fit in with your daily routine/responsibilities, so you can schedule delivery work around your own schedule.

💰 Costs
Depending on the delivery service you choose, you may be required to pay upfront costs. Many delivery services demand you invest in a vehicle, fuel, or insurance.

📅 Payment structure
Before accepting a job, find out when you’ll be paid. This schedule might run on a monthly or weekly basis. 

📦 Delivery type
Consider the type of delivery work you’ll be undertaking, and whether you’re suited for the role. For example, if you weigh under 60kg, but the role involves lifting heavy furniture all day, it might be too taxing. Make sure you’re comfortable with the physical demands first. 

8 best-paying delivery driving jobs 2025 (plus average pay)

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of delivery drivers is expected to increase by 12% by 2028, which is faster than the median rate of growth for every single occupation. 

This has opened up a range of prospective jobs for delivery drivers, each with their own specific duties and median salaries. Below, we break down the top 10 highest-paying delivery driver jobs of 2025, providing an in-depth overview of each role.

1. DoorDash driver

In the world of food delivery services, DoorDash is one of the top-paying providers in this sector. As of 2024, it’s one of the leading food delivery services in America. The company operates in over 4,000 cities across the U.S., Canada, and Australia. 

Drivers don't need a diploma or years of experience to get gigs on the platform - they just need the will to deliver great service to consumers. Once you’ve got the role, you’ll simply log into the DoorDash smartphone app for drivers. This will give you a real-time view of delivery opportunities available in your area.

You have total control over whether you accept or reject different ‘jobs.’ Some of these jobs include picking up from:

• Liquor establishments providing a selection of beer, wine, and spirits.
• Floral boutiques featuring a variety of floral arrangements, plants, and succulents.
• Supermarkets
• Retail outlets offering beauty products, office supplies, electronics, apparel, and other items. 

When you sign up to become a DoorDash delivery driver, you’ll hand over your personal bank account details, and the money will be transferred directly to your account on a weekly basis. There’s also a default tip rate of $15 attached to every order you complete.

💸 Average hourly pay: $17 to $25 

• DoorDash review: Get a taste of a gig as a food delivery driver
• Is DoorDash a good side hustle? Breaking down pay, hours, and competition
• How much does DoorDash pay? Real-world earnings revealed

2. Postmates driver

Postmates is an on-demand delivery service that brings food, drinks, and other goods from any store or restaurant directly to the customer. When a user places an order via the Postmates app, drivers will be assigned to pick up, and purchase products using a Postmates credit card.

To be a Postmates driver, you only need to be 18 years old to be employed by the platform, whereas many other gigs like Uber, Lyft, and Uber Eats require employees to be above the age of 21. This makes it a great opportunity for college students to make some extra cash during their downtime. 

You don’t need to own a vehicle to deliver with Postmates either, as the company encourages users to use alternative transportation methods such as bikes and scooters if need be. Once you’ve signed up to the Postmates delivery driver app, you’ll have access to helpful features like real-time order tracking and customer communication. 

💸 Average hourly pay: $8 to $25

3. Saucey driver

Saucey is a company that enlists drivers to pick up and deliver alcohol-based products. Saucey operates in over 40 major cities, including Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, and San Francisco. 

To be a Saucey driver, you need to be organized and speedy in your approach, as the company promises its customers a maximum delivery wait time of 30 minutes. There’s less hassle involved, however, as most of the products, including beer, wine, spirits and cigarettes can all be purchased at one single retailer.  

If you deliver at least 50 Saucey orders, the company ensures that you earn at least $350, rounding up salaries as an incentive. There are no tips, however, and because the app operates on a more niche delivery service, the work hours may be more limited.

💸 Average hourly pay: $17 to $27

4. GrubHub driver

First founded in 2004, GrubHub has expanded to over 1,500 cities across the country, with over 80,000 restaurants on its platform. GrubHub drivers work in different capacities, from delivering food orders to making grocery store deliveries and grabbing restaurant takeouts.

The driver must have a license or a state identification proving they are at least 19 years of age to become a GrubHub courier partner. They must also be eligible to deliver food. This means having a friendly, approachable, and helpful attitude that represents the company in a favorable light. 

In terms of transportation, your vehicle must be a car, truck, or van that’s no more than 20 years old, to make deliveries run as smoothly as possible. 

Once you’ve signed up to the GrubHub app and provided your bank details, every Thursday, your balance will be sent directly to your account. There’s also a professional phone support feature on the app to assist drivers with any delivery-based issues. 

The tip rate is set at 15% by default so you’re guaranteed to earn that little bit extra on each delivery. 

💸 Average hourly pay: $16 to $30

5. Instacart driver

Instacart is a delivery service responsible for providing customers with groceries, picked up by personal shoppers/drivers. The shopper is personally responsible for selecting the correct items in-store, and successfully delivering them to the consumer’s doorstep.

The number of Instacart employees is constantly growing, with an estimated 600,000 shoppers as of 2021. 

Customers will select and order items online at an agreed delivery charge and customer tips (if they wish to leave any). The shopper receives the delivery via the Instacart app and purchases them. Both full-service and part-time shoppers receive their payments every week via direct deposit into either a savings or checking account.

You don’t need to be 21 to deliver with Instacart, as the minimum age threshold is 18. Shoppers must be able to lift up to 40 pounds (18kg) without any accommodation.

The company offers something called the Instant Cashout option for shoppers, available after the driver successfully delivers five full orders. This allows drivers to cash out up to five times a day for at least $5 in total earnings.

The company doesn’t withhold taxes, so drivers will need to take responsibility for managing their payments. 

💸 Average hourly pay: $17 to $22

Want to learn more about the ins and outs of being an Instacart shopper? Check out our complete guide to how much Instacart shoppers make. Here, we include a detailed breakdown of how much you can expect to make, what the work will be like, and how to increase your earnings.

6. UPS driver

Considered the top mail delivery service in the US, UPS is a global logistics leader that offers same-day delivery and competitive rates for bigger packages. 

According to the official UPS website, full-time delivery drivers earn an average total compensation package of $145,000 per year, including $0 healthcare premiums, up to seven weeks of paid vacation, and an average of 18 days off for holidays, sick leave and option days. 

Most UPS drivers, however, earn as a side gig, after completing a simple application online. Nearly 75% of our seasonal positions don't even require an interview, with most applicants presenting a job offer in 10 minutes. 

Drivers work in a fast-paced environment, delivering anywhere between 100 to 200 packages in a single day, so time-management skills are a must. 

💸 Average hourly pay: $14 to $49

7. Shipt Shopper Pay driver

A direct competitor to Instacart, Shipt Shopper Pay requires drivers to become professional grocery shoppers in conjunction with the delivery aspect of the role. 

The job requirements are fairly basic, and simply require a driver’s license, minimum age of 18, and access to a vehicle and smartphone to access the app. 

The pay rate differs from Instacart, as Shipt Shoppers receive a base pay of $5 per order and 7.5% of the order’s total.

Once a driver has successfully surpassed 100 orders, Shipt will assist the shopper in earning $22 or more per hour as an incentive. Payments are processed directly into the driver’s bank account every Friday. 

💸 Average hourly pay: $15 to $30

8. Uber Eats driver

Another food delivery service, Uber Eats is available in over 6,000 cities and over 60 countries, presenting plenty of opportunities for prospective delivery drivers. 

To work for Uber Eats, there aren’t any strict restrictions in place, which makes it great for delivery drivers looking for their first gig. You’ll need to be at least 19 years of age, have a dependable vehicle, possess valid car insurance, hold a government-issued ID card, and have a minimum of one year driving experience. 

It offers some really great incentives for workers, such as surge pricing. If you’re delivering at a time when demand is higher than usual (peak hours) surge pricing provides drivers with a higher rate. 

Quest Promotions is another incentive that can help drivers earn some extra cash. If you complete a certain number of deliveries within a specified time frame, UberEats Quest Promotions will give you an extra payout. This encourages drivers to work as efficiently as possible.

On top of all this, there’s 100% transparency with tips, so you can easily set your desired amount for customers to see. 

💸 Average hourly pay: $14 to $23.27 

Pros and cons of being a delivery driver

If you’re tempted by the world of delivery driving, but you’re still not sure whether or not it’s right for you, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at the pros and cons. These will help ensure it’s the right side hustle for you.

Pros:

✅ Set your own schedule
As you can see from the top delivery jobs on our list, flexibility is one of the key benefits associated with the role. You get to choose the hours and the days you work and take time off as needed without having to give advance notice. 

✅ Choosing your work
Depending on the company you work for, you can choose which orders you want to pick up. If you don’t think something is worth your time, you can simply forgo it in place of another order. 

✅ Quick start
The hiring process for delivery drivers is usually incredibly speedy. The jobs rarely require formal education or qualifications to get started. Usually, all you’ll need is a valid ID, a clean driver’s record, access to a vehicle, and a smartphone.

✅ Exercise
One of the key benefits of delivery driving is physical health. Stopping in multiple locations and delivering multiple orders can help you achieve your daily steps. Depending on the items you’re delivering, you might be required to load and unload various items throughout the day, which can also help with additional exercise. 

Cons:

❌ Challenging situations
Delivery drives may come up against a variety of challenging situations, including traffic, parking issues, restroom accessibility, and trouble with navigation. This requires advanced planning on the driver’s part to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible. 

❌ Isolation
Though drivers interact with customers on a daily basis, there are many solitary hours spent alone in the car. This can be isolating.

❌ Vehicle ownership
More often than not, you’ll need to own your own vehicle to be a delivery driver. Most delivery drivers are responsible for associated payments too, like gas, tire changes, and insurance. This can prove expensive. 

❌ Limited opportunities for advancement
Many delivery drivers seeking advancement in their careers will find this challenging, with very few growth opportunities. 

Make more, work less: build a flexible side hustle with Whop

While many delivery companies like Instacart, DoorDash, and GrubHub offer a quick way to earn, the truth is, that your income is very limited. Plus, delivery work can be incredibly grueling, especially when combating poor weather conditions and traffic. 

If you’re looking for a side hustle that provides unlimited cash, and flexibility, it might be time to consider opening up your own online business with digital products or dropshipping.

Digital side hustles are great for generating passive income streams that are easily scalable. Whether you’re into selling ebooks, subscription memberships, or courses, your potential is unlimited. 

Whop allows you to launch your digital side hustle with ease, fast-tracking your path to success by joining a top-rated, expert-led dropshipping community. Learn from industry experts who have made millions starting exactly where you are now. 

Additionally, you can take advantage of the opportunity of digital dropshipping by becoming a seller on the leading marketplace for all types of digital products - Whop. The best thing is, you won’t even need to spend any money upfront. Depending on how users find you on Whop, you’ll be able to keep up to 97% of the revenue you raise. 

So, what are you waiting for? Signing up is totally free, and takes only 10 minutes to complete.

FAQ 

Which is the best delivery route planner for delivery drivers?

There are several route planners that can help deliveries run more efficiently, but perhaps the most popular is Upper Route Planner, which offers competitive pricing and comes with several premium features, like increased stop capacity, dynamic route adjustments based on real-time traffic, and driver management tools which separate it from the rest. 

Who are your colleagues as a delivery driver? 

Depending on the type of delivery work you undertake, you might have colleagues you work alongside. These could include warehouse staff, responsible for preparing shipments, or customer service staff members, who deal with inquiries. 

How many hours can a delivery driver work per day? 

One of the biggest advantages of being a delivery driver is the ability to work according to your own schedule. This means taking on as many or as few jobs as you desire. 

However, there is a set number of hours you’re legally allowed to work per day. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, delivery drivers in the USA can generally work a maximum of 14 hours within a 24-hour period. 

This also comes with a limit of 11 hours of continuous driving.