Uber Eats Review 2023: Is Driving For Uber Eats Worth It?

Gig economy jobs have been booming in recent years, and one of the most popular options is driving for Uber Eats.

This delivery service has become a lifeline for those who want to earn extra money while working flexible hours.

However, many people wonder if Uber Eats deliveries are the best paying- is driving for Uber Eats worth it?

I think Uber Eats is a great place to get paid for deliveries in your spare time, but let’s talk more about it in our Uber Eats driver review!

In this post, we’ll unpack the pros and cons of being a delivery driver for Uber Eats.

Uber Eats: Key Takeaways

Uber Eats was launched by Uber in 2014 as a separate service dedicated to food delivery and has become popular worldwide.
Uber Eats operates in thousands of cities across the globe. This wide reach means it has a diverse range of restaurant partners and a broad customer base.
Uber Eats partners with various restaurants, from local favorites to popular chains. This means drivers can deliver a diverse range of food items.
Drivers pick their schedules/hours and have the flexibility to work around a full-time job and kids.
According to ZipRecruiter, drivers typically earn an average of $19 per hour. Drivers also keep 100% of their tips and earn more driving for peak hours.

Uber Eats: Pros & Cons

Pros

Easy to get started
Can decide your own schedule and your own hours
Uber Eats uses a base pay model
Keep 100% of the tips customers give you

Cons

Wear and tear on the car- maintenance, and gas aren’t covered by Uber Eats
Customer complaints/unhappy customers
independent contractors get no health or PTO benefits
Must pay self-employed taxes

Driver Requirements

Uber Eats offers Car Delivery, Scooter Delivery, and Bicycle/Walk Delivery to start making money as a driver.

You can become an Uber Eats walker, but you must be in a city where this service is available.

Each mode will require you to have the app so you can accept deliveries and get routed to pick-ups and drops ups, but each transportation method has a few differences.

Here are the requirements for each mode of transportation:

Uber Eats Car Delivery Driver

If you’re a car owner who wants to become an Uber Eats driver, you must meet the basic Uber Eats driver requirements:

Should be 19 years or older
Have a relatively clean driving record
Have a valid driver’s license
A social security number (SSN) & consent to a background check

Uber Eats Scooter Delivery Driver

The requirements for becoming a scooter delivery driver differ a bit from those of car delivery drivers:

Be at least 19 years old
Have a driver’s license
Have an SSN and go through a background check

Uber Eats Bicycle/Foot Delivery

If you don’t own a car or have a scooter, you can also become a bicycle or foot delivery person in a busy city. You need to:

Be at least 18 years old
Have valid Government issued identification
SSN for background check

Vehicle Requirements

As every delivery driver must have reliable transportation, there are three types of eligible vehicles you can use to deliver food to customers – car, scooter, bicycle, or foot.

Besides getting yourself approved as a driver, you need to make sure you’re set for whatever method of transportation you pick.

Here are the vehicle requirements for Uber Eats drivers:

Uber Eats Car Delivery Driver

To become an Uber Eats car delivery driver, your car should have 2 or 4 doors.

The car should be in good condition with no cosmetic damage, and you must fulfill your state’s minimum insurance requirements.

Additionally, your car should be registered in your name, and you must have a valid driver’s license and car insurance.

Uber Eats Scooter Delivery Driver

If you don’t own a car, you can still use a scooter to become an Uber Eats delivery driver. 

However, the scooter should have a motor that is 50cc or less, and it should be manufactured after 2000. 

Additionally, you must have a driver’s license that’s valid, insurance, and registration for your scooter.  

Driver Pay

Here’s how your pay with Uber Eats works:

Pickup: You get a set base pay just for picking up the order from the restaurant. Think of this as the Uber Eats delivery drivers’ starter fee.
Dropoff: This is another set amount Uber Eats drivers earn for each order they deliver. So, the more orders you drop off, the more you earn.
Distance: The distance from pickup to delivery also pays a per-mile rate. They calculate this based on the most efficient route, and it doesn’t include the mileage to the restaurant for pickup.
Trip Supplement: If you do accept a delivery that has a much longer route, you may get a trip supplement or a reimbursement for the extra expenses.

On average, Uber Eats drivers earn $19 per hour, but it depends on where you live, what deliveries you accept, and how many deliveries you complete.

And here’s a bonus: Multiple orders mean more cash- you get the pickup fee and the time and distance rates for each delivery as bonus cash.

Oh, and remember surge zones! These are busy areas where you can earn more money. They show up in real-time on your map, so watch for those.

Payment Options

With Uber Eats, you can choose how you receive your hard-earned money.

Whether you prefer seeing your earnings pile up for a big weekly payout or the instant gratification of cashing out right after delivery, Uber Eats has covered you.

Let’s look at the different ways you can get your earnings:

Instant Pay

Instant Pay is an option that allows you to cash out your earnings whenever you want, even outside of your weekly deposit.

You can use the Instant Pay service up to 5 times per day for a fee of $0.50 each unless you have an Uber Visa Debit card, and your payment shows up in your bank account within 30 minutes.

The Instant Pay feature is available to all drivers who meet certain requirements, such as having a debit card and being over 18 years old.

Uber Pro Card

The Uber Pro Card is a debit card that can be used to withdraw your earnings from any ATM without fees.

This option is only available to drivers who have reached Gold or Platinum status in the Uber Pro Rewards program.

if you like cash back apps, this debit card is for you. You can earn points for every eligible trip you complete.

These points can be used to obtain various rewards, including gas discounts, priority support, and transferred the Uber Pro Card.

Weekly Pay

Weekly Pay is the default payment option for Uber Eats drivers. This option deposits your earnings into your bank account every week.

The deposit usually occurs on Wednesdays, and you can view your weekly payment statement via the Uber Eats app.

Driver Support

The Uber Eats Driver app is your primary resource for support and information. It offers various tools to help you learn as you go, making your transition into delivery driving much smoother.

If you encounter any issues, the Uber app provides a Help section where you can find solutions to common problems.

If the Help section does not solve your query, Uber offers phone support for drivers. To access it, open your Uber app, tap the menu icon, tap Help, and navigate to the issue you’re experiencing.

If phone support is available for your issue, you can tap Call Support and directly communicate with a support representative.

Signing Up For Uber Eats

Signing up for Uber Eats is a simple signup process that can provide a flexible and lucrative source of income.

By following these four easy steps, you can become an Uber Eats driver and start delivering food to hungry customers.

Click The Link

The first step in signing up for Uber Eats is to click the link to the Uber Eats delivery signup page.

Once you’re on the page, you’ll be asked to provide basic information about yourself, including your name, email address, and phone number.

Meet The Requirements

Before you can start driving, you’ll need to meet a few requirements for becoming an Uber Eats driver, which we outlined above for each delivery method.

In general, you’ll need to be 19 years or older, a smartphone to get the Uber Eats App for drivers, plus a valid driver’s license, insurance, etc.

Pass The Check

Once you’ve provided your basic information and confirmed that you meet the requirements, you’ll be asked to complete a background check.

The check includes a review of your driving record, criminal history, and other factors that may affect your ability to deliver food safely.

The process usually takes a few days to complete, and you’ll be notified of the results by email if you’ve passed the background check.

Start Driving & Get Paid

After you’ve passed the background check, you’re ready to start driving. Download the Uber Eats app and follow the instructions to start delivering food.

You can choose when and where you want to work, and you’ll be paid for each delivery you make.

Final Verdict: Is Driving For Uber Eats Worth It?

If you’re seeking a flexible side job, enjoy driving, and are fine putting mileage and wear on your car, then yes, it’s worth it to become an Uber Eats driver.

Earnings for Uber Eats drivers can be more than minimum wage and range from $12 to $20 per hour, but this can vary based on factors like location, number of deliveries, and tips.

However, it’s important to consider the costs involved, such as vehicle maintenance, fuel, and taxes.

While it can be a lucrative opportunity to make more money in larger cities with high order volumes, it might be less profitable in smaller towns or rural areas.

Uber Eats Alternatives

If you’re seeking gig economy jobs similar to Uber Eats deliveries, other food delivery apps can be a fit for you to make more money, and we’d love to share them with you!

Here are the best food delivery companies to work for:

DoorDash

DoorDash offers many of the same features as those for the Uber driver, including order tracking and integration with popular restaurants.

Like Uber Eats, DoorDash provides you with monthly earnings goals, incentive pay, and peak hour boosts to assist you in meeting your goals.

DoorDash operates similarly to Uber Eats in that you receive a notification anytime there’s a delivery near you.

You can earn between $15 – $25 per hour with DoorDash, and best of all, you have flexible working hours.

See how Uber Eats compares in our Uber Eats Vs. DoorDash article!

Postmates

Unlike Uber Eats, which only delivers food, Postmates can bring you just about anything.

It provides food, grocery, and alcohol delivery services in more than 400 cities across the United States. So you could deliver groceries or delicious restaurant meals at any time.

One distinctive feature of Postmates is that they continually provide delivery incentives throughout the week, increasing delivery drivers’ income potential.

If you manage to complete an impressive number of deliveries quickly, you can earn “Blitz pricing,” which pays you a little extra for those high-pressure orders.

Grubhub

Grubhub operates in over 4,000 U.S. cities and is one of the top 3 delivery companies to work for, alongside DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Drivers can set their own schedules and choose when they want to work, making it a flexible option.

Grubhub pays its drivers weekly or daily (for instant cashout), depending on their preference. They earn $12 – $15 per hour, plus tips.

FAQS

How much can I make driving for Uber Eats?

How much Uber Eats drivers make depends on several factors, including your location, delivery demand, and the time you devote to driving.

How much do Uber Eats drivers make? According to ZipRecruiter, Uber Eats drivers average around $19 an hour.

However, experienced drivers can earn up to $28 per hour in busier locations.

Does Uber Eats pay same day?

Yes, Uber Eats can be considered a same-day paying job; it offers instant payments to drivers through Instant Pay.

Uber Eats drivers can transfer their earnings to their bank account for a 50-cent fee, giving them access to their money after about 30 minutes.

What are the downsides of driving for Uber?

While being an Uber Eats driver can be a great way to earn extra cash, it’s important to be aware of some potential downsides.

One of the biggest downsides of being an Uber Eats driver is that you don’t get benefits or protections that come with traditional jobs, such as healthcare or paid time off.

You’re also responsible for paying expenses such as gas and car maintenance.

Another downside is that you’re an independent contractor, meaning you don’t have a fixed income. Money depends on people ordering food and you being free to deliver it.

Can I make $1,000 per week driving for Uber Eats?

The earning potential as an Uber Eats driver varies depending on the location, time of day, and demand for food delivery, but it is possible to make $1,000 per week or more.

Uber Eats drivers average $12 to $20 per hour, but some days may be more lucrative than others.

High-demand areas tend to offer more opportunities for drivers to make a significant amount of money.

The key is to work smart, take advantage of surge pricing, or be available for deliveries on long weekends and holidays to get better tips.

How do I handle taxes as a food delivery driver?

When you sign up for Uber Eats, you’re considered self-employed and are responsible for paying taxes. This includes Federal, State, and self-employment taxes.

You’ll receive a 1099 form from Uber Eats at the end of the year, which you’ll need to use to file your taxes.

Keep accurate track of your earnings and expenses, such as gas, oil changes, and maintenance, to help with your tax write-offs, and consult a tax professional for any additional advice.

Does Uber Eats cover gas or offer insurance?

Uber Eats doesn’t reimburse gas or pay car insurance for any Uber Eats drivers.

As an independent contractor, you’re responsible for your expenses, including gas, car maintenance, and insurance coverage.

Make sure you have proper insurance coverage for delivery services before you begin driving, as your personal auto insurance may not cover any accidents that occur while delivering food.

Does Uber Eats pay more than DoorDash?

The rate that Uber Eats pays drivers varies depending on your location and the time of day.

According to ZipRecruiter, Uber Eats drivers can earn up to $19 per hour as a national average. 

According to ZipRecruiter, DoorDash also pays its drivers based on time and distance, with potential earnings of up to $19 per hour.

Ultimately, which platform pays more will depend on where you’re located and if more gigs are available on one app.

Our Thoughts

So, is driving for Uber Eats worth it? In general, I think this job is worth it for many people looking to make more money with easy, flexible side jobs.

If you enjoy driving, have a reliable car, and want the flexibility to choose your hours, then Uber Eats may be a good fit to make money delivering food.

You can earn extra cash, especially during peak times, and with good tips.

However, you’ll need to factor in the cost of driving and be prepared for potential safety issues and competition.

At the end of the day, weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully before deciding if driving for Uber Eats is worth it for you.