What does it take to keep you driving for one rideshare or delivery app, or the other? That’s the question Uber had in mind when Uber Pro was created. What is Uber Pro, and what is the benefit of Uber Pro? In this post, we’ll tell you what you need to know and whether it’s worth the hype that surrounds it.

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What is Uber Pro for drivers?

Uber Pro is Uber’s way of getting drivers to be loyal and consistent to the platform. There’s a big push to offer incentives like this to drivers in 2025, and Uber has a long list of benefits for drivers to enjoy. They include

• exclusive offers at 7-Eleven
• cash back on gas and EV charging (using the Uber Pro card)
• up to 25¢ off per gallon of gas (through Uber’s partnership with Upside)
• up to 7¢ off per gallon with the Fuel Rewards® Program at Shell
• up to 7¢ off per gallon at BP and Amoco gas stations
• up to 35% off car maintenance
• free 24/7 roadside assistance, including rescues
• $1,000 from TrueCar when you go electric
• savings on health insurance
• discounts on fast charging
• $30 savings with Starship’s investment plan
• TurboTax self-employed discounts
• discount on QuickBooks self-employed
• 15% savings on select maintenance services from Jiffy Lube
• consecutive trips promotions
• $1 extra per EV ride

That’s quite a collection of benefits! Now, you might ask, “How do I get to be an Uber Pro driver and earn all those extras?” It’s pretty easy. All Uber drivers are welcomed into the Uber Pro program simply by driving for Uber. Everyone starts at entry level, which is Uber Pro Blue. From there you need to keep your status, and possibly achieve higher levels by making a set number of trips and maintaining high acceptance rates and top-notch customer ratings.

So what is Uber Pro doing as such a big part of the Uber driver experience? It’s pretty easy to see that this program is put in place to give drivers the incentive to take more rides, stay loyal to Uber, and work hard to satisfy Uber customers. The Uber Pro Blue level offers all the incentives listed above. Drivers have 90 days to prove they can sustain their level, or qualify for a higher one. 

Even more rewards await drivers that attain the higher levels of Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. All tiers require a certain number of points, which are accrued by giving rides. Rides given at any time are one point. Rides given at certain peak hours can be worth three points. 

All Uber Pro drivers must also attain these “great service” metrics:

• star rating of 4.85 or above
• acceptance rate of 85% or above
• cancellation rate of 4% or lower

Here are the point requirements and extra benefits for each of the higher tiers.

Uber Pro Gold (300 points)

• 100% tuition coverage at ASU Online for the driver or an eligible family member. (This benefit requires drivers to complete at least 2,000 lifetime trips as well as Gold status or above.)
• free language lessons with Rosetta Stone
• recognition in your rider’s app, meaning the rider sees your status before choosing you
• ability to see trip duration

Uber Pro Platinum (600 points)

• one-year Costco Gold Star membership
• access to area preferences (choose the areas where you wish trips to begin and end on the map)
• extra destination (an additional option to set a destination when you’re stuck in a slow zone after a long trip)
• dedicated customer support (service from highly trained agents)

Uber Pro Diamond (1,200 points)

• Uber Pro cash reward for being a Diamond driver (one time only, in any Uber Pro period before October 31, 2023. Amounts vary and can be seen through your Uber app.)
• Diamond VIP support (priority service from the support team)

What is the Uber Pro card, and how does it work?

The Uber Pro card comes as part of the Uber Pro program. It’s a new generation of the Uber debit card. It is, in essence, a checking account powered by Branch. With the card, Uber drivers can have their earnings direct deposited, and the funds can be accessed through the card.

There are perks that come with the Uber Pro debit card, and some of these tie into the driver’s Uber Pro status. Uber Pro card benefits include guaranteed cash back on gas and EV charging. Depending on the driver’s Uber Pro tier, it’s possible to get between 2%–6% cash back on gas or 4%–12% on EV charging. If drivers select the Mastercard Easy Savings benefit as part of their Uber Pro card package, they can receive 1% cash back on gas at some locations, and also get savings on dining and travel.

With the Uber Pro card, drivers can save on Instant Pay fees by getting free automatic cashouts. Earnings will be added to their Uber Pro Card after each trip. Drivers who activate automatic cash-outs can benefit from the Backup Balance feature, should they overdraw. There are additional terms and conditions, of course, and it’s always a good idea to read each and every word of any financial agreement.

Here’s how to get the Uber Pro Card:

Step 1: Go to your Uber driver app and tap on

• wallet
• payment methods
• banner for Uber Pro Card

Step 2:

• submit your application
• download the Uber Pro Card app
• finish setting up your account

Once Branch approves your application, you’ll be in business. Wait for your card to come in the mail, and activate it by scanning the QR code that comes with the card.

How easy is it to keep or improve your Uber Pro status? 

There are two things you’ll need to do in order to keep or improve your Uber Pro status. One is to drive a lot, and the other is to provide excellent service. With Upfront Fares in place, it’s easy to see what rides will be worth taking. However, if you let your acceptance rate slip, you could harm your Uber Pro status.

You’ll have to decide if the benefits offered by Uber Pro are worth taking almost every ride that comes your way. The only way to do this is to see how difficult it is to maintain that high acceptance rate and limit the number of low-yielding trips you take.

Uber is taking an aggressive stance with their Uber Pro program in 2024. You can see videos on the app that talk about the new benefits and features. Uber has gone to great lengths to partner with various corporations to offer discounts to Uber drivers as well. The cash incentive for Diamond drivers is attractive, to be sure—and Uber is even offering drivers who have not been active for some time the opportunity to restore their status and requalify for it.

Uber wants to keep drivers loyal to the brand and raise their standards with regard to the quality of service they offer customers. The Uber Pro program we’ve described thus far is for rideshare drivers. But what about Uber Eats delivery drivers?

Is there such a thing as Uber Eats Pro?

Yes! So what is Uber Eats Pro? Uber is rolling out a new rewards program for delivery drivers in select cities. If the program offering Uber Eats Pro benefits is available in your area, you will be invited. The program has four tiers, which are

• Green (the basic level)
• Gold
• Platinum
• Diamond

Like Uber Pro, each level features additional benefits and discounts. 

Is the $500 Diamond status cash reward still available?

The answer to this question is no. The Uber Pro Diamond cash reward has been paused as of November 1, 2024, and is no longer available to drivers in 20251. This one-time incentive, which was previously offered to drivers who achieved or re-qualified for Diamond status during an Uber Pro program cycle, has been discontinued.

While this specific cash reward is no longer available, Uber Pro continues to offer other benefits for Diamond tier drivers, including increased cash back on gas and EV charging, priority queue access at specific airports, and premium support

The points system is different from Uber Pro. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Lunch deliveries (11 AM–2 PM) are worth three points.
• Dinner deliveries (5 PM–9PM) are worth six points.
• Deliveries at all other times are worth one point.

To unlock Gold, Platinum, and Diamond levels, drivers must have at least a 95% satisfaction rate from restaurants and customers. You can read more about Uber Eats Pro on the Uber website, and keep watching for Uber to develop it further as 2023 continues to unfold.

Uber doesn't seem to have a separate Uber Eats Pro card, but Uber Eats drivers are eligible to apply for the regular Uber Pro card. Uber Eats Pro rewards will also be similar to those offered to Uber rideshare drivers.

As we mentioned, you’ll need to decide whether the benefits of Uber Pro are worth working so hard for, to maintain the numbers you need to get all those goodies. And, if you decide you’d rather be more selective about your rides than the Uber Pro program’s requirements allow, there is a great alternative.

An alternative to Uber Pro?

Gridwise offers most of the same benefits listed in the Uber Pro program, and more. Gridwise tracks your mileage from the time you begin your shift until you’re done and seamlessly records your earnings from Uber and any other app you work with.

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Take a look at Gridwise Benefits to discover the many ways Gridwise can make your life easier. And, if you want to see all the deals and discounts Gridwise offers, from gas and car maintenance to financial tools.

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Food delivery can be a convenient, easy, and profitable way to earn money—but what if you don’t have a car? You can still stay in the game. Tons of delivery workers are mounting delivery bicycles and e-bikes to reap the rewards of these savory gigs! Bicycle delivery jobs have a lot to offer. They give you an environmentally friendly way to maneuver through densely populated cities, allow you to park in a snap, and exercise—while you make money. You avoid the responsibilities and expenses that come with owning and insuring a car, and best of all, you’ll never have to worry about the price of gas!

If you live in a place where bicycle delivery is practical, as it is in most major cities, you can work with a wide variety of apps.

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Uber Eats

Big-city customers love Uber Eats. With a 23% share of the delivery market, this service has plenty of work for bicycle riders. Download the Uber Driver app or use the website to apply, and. indicate that you will be delivering by bicycle.

If you’re at least 18 years old, can produce a government ID, and pass a background check, you’ll be able to start delivering just a few days after submitting your application. Are you already an Uber driver? Be sure to note that you’ll be using your bicycle for food delivery. Orders for car drivers could involve more distance than anyone would want to cover on a bike! 

One big advantage of working with a huge company like Uber is the quality of the driver app. It’s flexible and easy to use. You can choose to accept shop and pay orders as well as deliver food, simply by selecting your preferences in the app.

Source: Uber Driver App

DoorDash

As the most popular food delivery service by far, DoorDash commands 67% of the food delivery market. Because the app is so widely used, DoorDash often has more delivery people than they need in certain areas. Some cities can have a waitlist, but it usually isn’t all that long. Most delivery people agree that DoorDash’s popularity makes it easy to earn with the app.

The company refers to its delivery people as Dashers, and it’s fairly simple to qualify to become one. Prove that you’re at least 18, upload a photo of a government-issued ID, and submit to a background screening. You can start delivering as soon as DoorDash notifies you that your application has been approved.

Bicycle food delivery is an option in most large cities. Check the map on the Dasher app to make sure it’s possible to deliver by bicycle where you live. Be selective about the orders you accept, though! DoorDash makes an effort to issue only those orders that can be easily transported by bicycle delivery people, but mistakes can be made. Without the proper gear, carrying a huge pizza or hot beverages could present a problem.

DoorDash offers discounts on e-bikes in some locations. You can receive price breaks to rent or buy one of your own. Riding an e-bike could increase your delivery range, allow you to dash for longer time periods, and boost your earnings. You and DoorDash win when you deliver on an e-bike.

Instacart

Shopping for groceries and delivering them can be rewarding, but with a bike, there are limitations. Specialized equipment is needed that would allow your bike to transport large and heavy items, which is likely to be more costly than it’s worth. 

Instacart’s requirements for shoppers clearly state that you will need a car, and they do not officially allow delivery by non-motorized bike. If you were to try, you’d have to stick to smaller orders that can be handled on a pedal bike, and that can’t be easy! In 2022, Instacart stated they were open to allowing people to shop and deliver on e-bikes, but to this date, Instacart requirements stipulate the need for a car. The one exception is in New York City, where it is possible to deliver for Instacart on foot.

Another way for people without a car to create an Instacart side hustle is to work as an in-store shopper. Go to a partner store, receive orders on your phone, and choose the items needed to complete the orders, preparing them for delivery by a driver.

Source: shoppers.instacart.com

Grubhub

Bicycle delivery is a way of life for Grubhub gig workers in large urban areas. Prepared food is Grubhub’s specialty, and although the company only holds an 8% share of the delivery market these days, it’s still hanging in there. Cities such as Chicago and New York are Grubhub’s biggest fans, and let’s face it, they are really big markets.

The Grubhub bicycle delivery gig is a good bet in those two cities and is available in other select areas, as well. If your city’s market allows bicycle delivery, it will pop up in the app when you sign up. Grubhub is more likely to be looking for drivers than other prepared food delivery platforms, most notably, DoorDash.

Meet Grubhub requirements by being 18 or older, except in Las Vegas, where you must be 21. Provide your social security number, have a checking account available for direct deposit, and own a current model smartphone. Grubhub might not be the biggest player in the food delivery game, but if you live in the right area, it could be one of the best bicycle delivery jobs. 

Source: driver-support.grubhub.com

Gopuff

You don’t need a car to drive for Gopuff. This company operates by procuring convenience items for customers in their hub stores. Delivery people pick up the orders and deliver them, often without a car. Many Gopuff delivery people use electric or gas-motorized bikes, and, in some densely populated areas, you can use a regular bicycle. 

Gopuff is a very popular service for people who want to have snack foods, drinks, and alcohol delivered to them. You must be at least 21 to deliver for Gopuff, and in many areas, pass an alcohol delivery course, which is prepaid by the company. You’ll also need to present a driver’s license or state issued ID and clear their background check.

Popularity is a good thing for a delivery company, but it also might cause delays in your application. Gopuff limits the number of delivery people they use in a given area so there will be enough work to go around—also a good policy for a company to have. If you live in an urban area, and don’t mind a possible wait to be onboarded, Gopuff could be a very good fit for you.

Source: App Store

Getir

You’ve got to love a grocery delivery company that provides you with an e-bike and a smartphone to use for your gig. Getir is committed to making this job into more than a simple side hustle. Getir requires delivery people to commit 20–28 hours per week for part-time work, and 36–40 for full-time employment.

In addition to use of an e-bike and a company phone, riders receive a guaranteed wage per hour and some benefits. Team spirit is so big with Getir, it’s listed as a requirement as well as being 18 or older, able to work in the US, experienced riding an e-bike, and willing to represent the company’s values in the community.

Fast deliveries—completed in as few as ten minutes—separate Getir from most other grocery delivery platforms. While this is a desirable feature for customers, it can be stressful, and even dangerous, for delivery people. Know before you sign up with Getir that you’ll have to move fast! 

If riding around town and against the clock isn’t for you, you could work in a Getir store, selecting and packing goods to fill customers’ orders. The only traveling you’d need to do is to the store and back home. You’ll have to be speedy at picking and packing those items since the company is known for its efficiency, which will set you up for success.

Source: App store

Make any side hustle easier with Gridwise

Being your own boss has its perks, but there are responsibilities, too! Running a business can be daunting when you don’t know how to manage deductible expenses or how to report your earnings.

Benefits are another issue you’ll have to deal with as an independent contractor. Not many gig companies offer insurance or healthcare plans. Discounts and deals become more important when you’re running your own business, and you’ll want to use them to the max.

Where can you find a way to manage your earnings and expenses, get useful information to do better at your gig, and find affordable benefits and helpful deals that cut your bills? Gridwise does all these things and more. 

Gridwise helps you

• track your earnings
• record expenses
• get connected with tax, financial, and legal advisors
• obtain no-cost and low-cost insurance and benefits
• grab up deals and discounts you need

You’ll also get updates on traffic, weather, and events that help you manage your time so you make the most money possible. When to Drive and Where to Drive features show you where the most activity is in your area at different times of the day.

Download Gridwise for free, or get Gridwise Plus to receive the full suite of features designed for gig workers, by gig workers!

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More about great delivery gigs:

• Side hustles you can do without a car
• Make $1000 a week with Uber Eats
• Dash your way to $1K per week
• Will DoorDash or Grubhub earn you more?
• Contact us!

*Gridwise does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for information purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before filing your return.

Just when you thought winter was over, a blizzard of information about how to pay taxes comes flying at you. While much of the information is useful, it can be hard to plow through. That’s why we’ve created this tax guide. Simply scan the topics and get the info you need right now, at crunch time, without having to scroll through an intimidatingly long roll of hard-to-decipher text.

Here’s a list of resources and topics you can start with:

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Delivery and rideshare tax strategies

The way that the government taxes freelance workers is different from the way taxes are levied on employee wages and investments. That’s why you need strategies. When it comes to filing tax for Uber drivers and delivery workers, and calculating tax for Lyft drivers, the name of the game is keeping as much of your earnings as possible. Here are some strategies we suggest:

• Get educated about freelancer tax deductions
• Prepare your taxes ahead of time
• Make use of tax deductible investments
• Set up a system for recording your expenses as they occur
• Learn about quarterly tax payments
• Know when to ask for help

If you would like more information about tax strategies, check out this Gridwise blog post.

This post tells you about the mileage rate increase, and discusses how to pay quarterly tax estimates. 

All about deductions: Tax write-offs for Uber drivers and other gig workers

Keeping the biggest share possible of your earnings is easy when you know what you can deduct, and the best ways of doing so. Your delivery or rideshare gig is a business, so many of the costs you encounter in the course of operating your gig can be deducted from your taxable income. We’ll list a few of them here.

• automotive expenses (use either the standard IRS mileage deduction rate, or, after your first year, the actual cost method)
• equipment (phone, dashcam, floor mats, seat covers, etc.)
• any extra delivery bags or containers you might purchase
• extra services and amenities (e.g. satellite radio or bottled water for passengers)
• business tools (computer, software, home office equipment)
• accounting and legal help
• apps you use to support your driving gig

There is more help coming your way from these Gridwise articles about delivery and rideshare taxes and deductions. They show you how to reduce Uber taxes, offer Lyft tax relief, and help to minimize the tax bills of delivery drivers.

Read this blog post to discover how important it is to maximize your deductions. 

Learn even more details about the tax write-offs you can use to your advantage in this post.

To make sure all your bases are covered, read through these FAQs about driving for delivery, Lyft, or Uber, and tax deductions.

Lyft, delivery, and Uber driver accounting: Tracking your expenses

Isn’t it enough to have to pay attention to the apps you’re using, be on top of traffic and weather, deliver food through apartment building labyrinths, and keep your driver ratings high? Tracking expenses might sound like an unnecessary hassle, but in truth, it will save you a ton of money.

This Gridwise blog post enumerates the expenses you will need to keep track of to help keep your Lyft and Uber taxes to a minimum. There are things you do every day in the course of executing your driving gig that can be charged as an expense of doing business. And yes, it can seem cumbersome to keep track of them all. 

Fortunately, there is a tool you can use to help you record your expenses. Gridwise helps you keep track of important expenses, from the mileage you rack up while on your driving gig to the tissues you keep for your passengers’ convenience.

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When you log on to Gridwise at the beginning of your driving shift, the app

• automatically tracks your earnings for each delivery or driving app you use
• instantly logs the miles you drive on your shift
• offers you space to record your everyday expenses with simple entries 
• provides a way to scan receipts through Gridwise Tax Help with Keeper Tax
• exports the information into .csv file format, so you can easily send it along to tax preparation apps and software

The Expense Tracking feature on the Gridwise app is super easy to use. Simply tap on “Expenses” in the Earnings section. From there, click on the “+” sign, then “Add expense.” Enter the date, category, and amount, and the app automatically tabulates everything, storing the info until you need to report it.

The .csv export feature adds to the convenience and utility of the Gridwise Expense Tracking feature.

This Gridwise post shows how using the app to track your earnings, expenses, and mileage maximizes your earnings.

Maximize your delivery or rideshare mileage deduction with automatic tracking

We’ve mentioned that the Gridwise app automatically tracks the miles you drive on your shifts, but do you realize how important this is? If you fail to track your mileage, you’ll  miss out on a huge deduction from your taxable income. You’ll want to start using Gridwise if you don’t already—but what if you forgot or failed to record all your gig driving miles? Here are some things you can do:

• Know which miles count. You can deduct more than just the miles your driving apps record: the miles you drove getting to and from your gig also qualify. You cannot, however, count miles used for any other purpose, unless they were directly related to your rideshare or delivery work.
• Estimate your mileage based on an average gig-driving shift.
• Document the procedure you used for your estimate when you submit it to the IRS.

This Gridwise post gives more details about how to reconstruct your mileage report if you didn’t use Gridwise or record your mileage in any other way. It also shows you why tracking your mileage with Gridwise is as effective as it is simple. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Simply log on to Gridwise when you leave to begin your shift. You’ll capture those miles your driving apps won’t include. As you drive on your shift, just let Gridwise continue to track your miles. 
2. Be sure to log off Gridwise when you are not driving for your gig, both after your shift and at any time you stop for personal reasons in between rides or deliveries.
3. The Gridwise app will record your mileage figures. In the Earnings tab you can see your mileage deduction, based on the IRS mileage compensation rate.

Are you worried what might happen if you forget to log on or sign off Gridwise at the right times? Don’t be. You can always enter mileage manually, so you will continue to keep accurate records that will save you money.

• Read more about what you can do if you forget to track your miles in this Gridwise post.
• This Gridwise article discusses the 2023 IRS mileage rate and what it means to drivers.

Delivery, Lyft, and Uber tax help: Advice on calculations and compliance

When it comes to tax compliance, independent contractors carry a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. You might think you’re not “important” enough to be noticed, should you fail to submit your tax return in a way the IRS will accept and approve, but you might be surprised. The IRS looks at the returns of independent contractors with greater scrutiny than they might use with a company employee, because they expect gig workers are going to try to use every loophole they can, and possibly invent a few more. 

You do not want to know what being audited by state or federal tax authorities would do to your life. Rather than being on the road making money, you’ll be pulling out copies of your receipts and putting them under the nose of a not-very-cheerful agent whose job it is to find your errors and omissions.

Being audited is a costly and stressful process that is best to avoid. And, if you do try to get away with taking more deductions than you really have, or otherwise underpaying your tax bill, you could wind up paying penalties and interest, and possibly face court-related expenses—and even worse consequences. That’s one kind of expense you don’t want to have to deduct!

You probably see why it’s important to be compliant when it comes to paying your taxes. The rules are complex, and if you’re not experienced at filing taxes as an independent contractor, you could run into trouble. Fortunately, there’s help designed specifically for gig drivers.

Gridwise Tax Help supports your every need when it comes to tracking your earrings and expenses, and filing your tax returns. This unique service for drivers gives you

• access to a tax professional
• automatic receipt scanning
• automatic mileage reporting
• an automated tax deduction finder

With Gridwise Tax Help, you’ll get professional support and tons of tools to make record keeping and tax filing as easy as it gets.

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As a DoorDash driver, finding the best times to DoorDash can be the difference between an average shift and a highly profitable one. Timing your driving sessions around peak hours ensures that you’ll spend less time waiting for orders and more time earning. This guide will walk you through the best times to DoorDash, both on weekdays and weekends, with tips on how to use the Gridwise When to Drive feature to maximize your earnings.

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Why Timing Matters for DoorDash Drivers

When optimizing your delivery schedule, you need to know the best times to DoorDash. Driving during peak hours can significantly boost your earnings, thanks to higher demand, surge pricing, and bonuses from DoorDash. But beyond general busy times, using data and tools like Gridwise allows you to predict precisely when the market will be highest. This will help you to work during the most profitable hours.

Peak Hours for DoorDash: A General Guide

If you’re wondering when are the best times to DoorDash, you can typically rely on the meal rushes. For most cities, the following hours are peak times:

• Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
• Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Dinner: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Driving during these hours ensures you’re active when the most orders are being placed. However, the best times to DoorDash in my area can vary based on local trends. That’s where Gridwise can help.

Best Times to DoorDash on Weekdays

For most drivers, weekday shifts can be quieter outside of meal times. However, knowing the best times to DoorDash on weekdays can allow you to strategically drive when competition is lower, but demand is still high.

• Lunch rush (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM) is particularly strong during weekdays, as office workers often order delivery.
• Dinner rush (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM) sees a steady flow of orders from families and commuters getting home from work.

By focusing on these peak hours, especially during Monday through Friday, you’ll find the best times to DoorDash for steady income.

Best Times to DoorDash on Weekends

Weekends are prime time for DoorDash drivers because demand is consistently higher. But what are the best times to DoorDash on Saturdays and Sundays? Generally, the peak hours remain similar to weekdays, but there are additional high-demand opportunities:

• Brunch (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM) is more popular on weekends, as people often order in for late breakfasts.
• Late-night orders (9:00 PM – 1:00 AM) tend to spike, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when people are out socializing or relaxing at home.

These factors make the best times to DoorDash on weekends more varied, giving you extra chances to increase your earnings.

How to Find Your City's Best Time to Doordash

While general guidelines are helpful, knowing the exact best times to DoorDash in my area can provide a major advantage. That’s where Gridwise’s When to Drive feature comes in. It uses real-time data and historical trends to predict peak demand hours, helping you pinpoint the best times to DoorDash with precision.

Here’s how you can use the When to Drive feature to maximize your earnings:

1. Open the Gridwise app: Navigate to the When to Drive feature.
2. View high-demand times: Based on your location, Gridwise will display the most profitable times to drive.
3. Plan your shifts accordingly: By adjusting your schedule to match these peak hours, you’ll ensure you’re driving when orders are most frequent.

Gridwise’s When to Drive feature takes the guesswork out of figuring out when are the best times to DoorDash, ensuring you’re always online when the demand is at its highest.

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Tips to Maximize Earnings During Peak Hours

Identify the best times to DoorDash using the Gridwise app. And then here are some additional strategies to help you make the most of your time:

• Use multiple apps: During peak hours, try multi-apping (using DoorDash alongside Uber Eats or GrubHub). This can reduce your downtime and increase your overall earnings.
• Position yourself near high-demand areas: Stay close to popular restaurants or areas with lots of activity, especially during rush hours.
• Avoid long-distance orders: Shorter trips during peak times will allow you to complete more deliveries and make more money.

More Gridwise Features to Help You Maximize Your Earnings

Gridwise offers a variety of other tools that can help you become a more efficient and profitable driver. Here are some key features that can take your gig work to the next level:

• Mileage and Expense Tracker: Tracking your miles is essential for maximizing tax deductions. With Gridwise, you can automatically track your mileage and record other expenses. This makes it easier to manage your finances and reduce your tax burden.
• Earnings Tracker: Gridwise helps you keep track of your earnings across multiple gig platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Lyft. By analyzing your income and hours, you can better understand which platforms are most profitable.
• Airport Demand Insights: Are you driving for rideshare apps too? This feature gives you real-time data on passenger demand at airports. It helps you determine whether waiting at an airport is worth your time, so you can maximize your driving efficiency.
• Real-Time Weather and Traffic Alerts: Gridwise provides real-time updates on weather conditions and traffic patterns in your area. This helps you avoid delays and stay safe on the road.

By using these features, you can streamline your gig work, save money, and drive smarter. Whether tracking your earnings or understanding local traffic, Gridwise equips you with the tools you need to thrive in the gig economy.

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Looking for Other Delivery Articles?

• How Much Do DoorDash Drivers Make? - Learn the earning potential of a DoorDash driver and how to boost your income.
• How to Make $1,000 a Week with DoorDash - Discover proven strategies to earn $1,000 weekly as a DoorDash driver.
• How to Make $1,000 a Week with Uber Eats - Find out how top drivers reach $1,000 a week with Uber Eats.
• Gig Driver Job Board - Explore new job opportunities and maximize your gig driving career.

Make $1000 A Week With DoorDash?  Is that possible?  Earning $1,000 a week is regarded by many as the magic number. Depending on where you live, you can afford an apartment (a roommate makes it easier), a car payment, some utilities, and generally get by. 

 If you can earn $1,000 a week delivering restaurant food on a DoorDash driver salary, that’s even better because we all know how much fun gig driving is. 

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What’s the 411 on DoorDash?

Three Stanford college students—Andy Fang, Tony Xu, and Stanley Tang—founded Doordash in 2013. Gridwise’s blog post Uber Eats vs. DoorDash Pay: How Much Did Drivers Earn in 2022? describes how the trio took a gamble and sidestepped the competition, focusing on the larger suburban markets as opposed to the urban centers. Their research told them that the more family-oriented neighborhoods generated orders with a larger ticket size. 

The strategy worked; by 2019 DoorDash had a 59% market share. The rest of the competition was playing catch-up. Statistica reported that in early 2023 DoorDash’s market share grew to 65%. Uber Eats has 23%; the rest are in the single digits. 

Is it possible to make $1000 a week with DoorDash?

Achieving these earnings as a DoorDash driver certainly requires dedication and strategic planning, but it can be achieved. According to our analysis, drivers aiming for about $970 per week will need to commit to approximately 48.5 hours, strategically distributed across peak periods including lunch, dinner, and late-night shifts. This level of income means longer hours, but also smart work—choosing the right times and places to drive.

While the hours needed and the strategic approach required might seem daunting, with the right mindset and optimization of one's schedule and tactics, driving for DoorDash can indeed be a lucrative gig. It's about working smarter with the hours you have, ensuring that each decision and action taken is geared towards maximizing your earnings potential.

Read on as we discuss the strategies you can try. We also explore the pay and hour breakdown.

How can you earn $1000 in a week with DoorDash?

We have to do the math to see how much you can make in DoorDash weekly. Let’s start with, how much do DoorDashers make an hour? There is good news here. According to recent numbers, based on driver input, DoorDash driver earnings reached an average of $19 an hour in December 2022 through  Q1 2023. This includes base pay and tips. That puts Dashers at the top compared to other restaurant food delivery services. (By the way, when you become a DoorDash driver, you're called a Dasher.)  

Remember, your goal is $1,000 a week. To accomplish this, it helps to be a top-performing driver. According to Gridwise numbers, the average salary for a DoorDash driver in the 90th percentile (meaning the top 10% of earners) is $20 an hour. This is what we will use for the breakdown.

So to make $1,000 a week on a DoorDash driver salary, you need to work 50 hours a week earning a higher than average hourly rate. The problem? There may not be 50 hours of prime DoorDash time available. You will have to work seven days a week, and even then, you might fall short.  

Here is one way it could work out—and this is with a broad brush, based on the earnings of a top-performing driver (based on $20 an hour driving in a higher earning zone): 

DoorDash peak timesTotal hoursEarningsCommentsLunch (11:30 am–1:30 pm)2 hrs. X 5 days a week = 10 hrs. $200Weekends tend to eliminate the business lunch crowd. Dinner (5:00 pm–9:00 pm)4 hrs. X 7 days a week = 28 hrs. $560Hours may vary for your region. Late night1.5 hrs. X 7 days a week = 10.5 hours$210You’ll get good results in this time block if your territory includes colleges and universities. Total48.5 hours$970

At $970.00 a week, that’s close to your goal. But there are some considerations here. First, you're working seven days a week. That’s tough. Second, you're counting on everything going well, and it doesn’t always happen that way. Nonetheless, some drivers claim they hit and often exceed $1,000 weekly in DoorDash driver earnings. We have seen figures go as high as $23 an hour. 

To answer "How much can you make on DoorDash", let’s take a closer look at the Gridwise numbers. These represent a weekly average from December 2022 to Q1 2023. Again, these Gridwise numbers are based on driver input. 

Gridwise earnings—How much does DoorDash pay?

Understanding the Earnings Potential for DoorDash Drivers

DoorDash drivers' earnings can vary, and often they are influenced by factors such as location, the number of hours worked, and delivery efficiency. On average, drivers earn around $15 per hour. These earnings can also surge during peak times or within high-demand areas, reflecting the dynamic nature of gig economy opportunities.

DoorDash drivers earn a combination of base pay, promotions, and customer tips, with typical earnings per delivery ranging from $7 to $10—although this can vary with the distance and size of the order.

When looking at Doordash daily earnings, it's important to note that these hours are average and most drivers do not work a full day driving for DoorDash.

However, it’s crucial to account for expenses like gas and vehicle maintenance, which can significantly affect take-home pay. Consequently, to optimize earnings, experienced drivers often adopt strategies such as working during peak demand hours, selectively choosing orders that offer better pay per mile, and delivering exceptional customer service to enhance tip potential. By understanding and leveraging these aspects, DoorDash drivers can effectively maximize their earnings while navigating the challenges of gig work.

Some drivers report that the DoorDash app is especially good at giving drivers two or three orders at a time. This makes it incredibly productive. 

How can drivers make $1,000 a week on DoorDash?

According to the screenshots of driver apps we see online, making $1,000 a week delivering Doordash is possible. But to bring in that kind of money, you will need to use everything in your gig driving bag of tricks and tips. Here are 19 of our favorite tactics. 

1. You have to hustle

You're pushing the envelope of how much you can make with DoorDash. The above chart shows how difficult it is to make $1,000 weekly on DoorDash. You will work hard. But it is do-able with the right strategies.

2. Verify you’re in a DoorDash region

DoorDash has a commanding market share nationally, but that doesn’t always play out at a regional level. A 2021 report by McKinsey and Company describes the restaurant food delivery market in the US as “complex,” with dominant companies at a local level changing rapidly as the platforms battle for local markets. There are some regions where Uber Eats might command the local market share. There is no way to discern if your area is strong for DoorDash other than to go out and experiment. If your market is not good for DoorDash, you're fighting an unwinnable war. 

3. Understand the evolving food business

Technology brought innovation to the restaurant food business. Lunch wagons morphed into food trucks, and those food trucks posted their daily location on social media. At the same time, the restaurant food delivery business became a thing. Then came the advent of virtual or ghost kitchens, which are kitchens without bricks and mortar, and some are pretty good. Now you have warehouses that have been subdivided, plumbed, and have HVAC installed, capable of supporting 20 of these operations or even more. It’s either pickup or delivery. As a Dasher, it's gold if you can locate a ghost kitchen market like this in your region. Check out this article in the Los Angeles Times about the growth of this restaurant industry sector. 

4. Work the right hours

You saw it in our chart. To make $1,000 a week in DoorDash driver earnings, you have two hours around lunch and four hours in the evening. It’s a split shift, and those are the hours you have to work, with maybe some variation from market to market. 

5. Become a different type of sports or TV fan

The Super Bowl, March Madness, the Grammy Awards, the Oscars, and the season finale of Game of Thrones are all television events that generate higher-than-average DoorDash orders. You'll have to watch the reruns if you want to make $1,000 a week in DoorDash earnings.  

6. Do you have colleges and universities in your area?

You know those crazy college kids. They’re up at all hours of the night, cramming for finals and coming home from parties at 2:00 am. They can be a good source of business in the late night and wee hours of the morning. Again, experiment and figure it out in your area. 

7. Schedule your dashes

DoorDash allows you to schedule your dashes up to five days in advance, starting at midnight. You should do this. It guarantees you a slot to work. The alternative is what Dashers call the Dash Now button, and the app might not let you on. Smart Dashers schedule in advance. 

8. Become a Top Dasher

Dashers with the highest acceptance rates, completion rates, and customer ratings attain what is referred to as Top Dasher status. If you achieve this, you can schedule your dashes a day earlier than regular Dashers. Check out the DoorDash website to see how you can qualify. 

9. Look for DoorDash promotions 

DoorDash Challenges let you collect bonuses for completing a designated number of deliveries during a specified window. Periodically check the Dash Now panel of the Dasher app home screen for these challenges. There is also the DoorDash Large Order program. This allows top-performing Dashers to accept high-value orders in their area (that hopefully have commensurate tips). Check out the link for details on how this program works. 

10. Learn the restaurants in your area that are good for Dashers

Some restaurants are poorly managed. Orders are never ready for the Dasher, and you're left to cool your heels and surf TikTok. Avoid these establishments. When you see an order from a restaurant where you have had this experience, pass on it. They are a waste of time. Look for orders from the restaurants that appreciate you and make the Dasher life easy. 

11. Work those tips

Remember the table. Tips make up half your income and are what set many Dashers apart. You have to work for them. Communicate with the customer about their delivery. Tell them when you're on your way and if there is a holdup. Even if there is a problem with the delivery or it’s running late, they will forgive you if you keep in contact. Include lots of condiments, napkins, and the free goodies. Even if the customer indicates they want a no-contact delivery, smile as you walk up to the door, a big one with lots of teeth. People like happy Dashers, and they tip them.

12. When it rains, be a mudder

That’s what they call racehorses that run well in the rain (it’s a golf term, too). Everyone is considering staying in when it rains, including customers and other DoorDash drivers. You need to get out your raincoat and galoshes. You’ll find fewer drivers and more deliveries. 

13. Update and restart your DoorDash app regularly 

The companies that use gig apps continually update them, add features, and fix bugs. Updating your app ensures you have the latest and best version. Some drivers claim you can refresh the DoorDash app more efficiently by turning the app on and off. 

14. Be selective about your orders

Ask yourself two questions when evaluating orders on the app. Do they pay enough (top drivers suggest you set a minimum of at least a dollar per mile driven)? Also, does the order take you too far from your region? You’ll spend too much time getting back to where the business is. Pass on orders that have either one of these red flags. 

15. Monitor Reddit and YouTube for tips and advice

There’s a lot of good information on new strategies for making $1,000 a week on DoorDash.  Once or twice perusing YouTube, and you’ll find your favorites. There is lots of complaining on Reddit, but you can also find good information. 

16. Make extra money with referrals

When you sign up for DoorDash, you receive a referral code. You get a referral bonus when someone uses that code to sign up as a Dasher. Print business cards for a minimal investment and hand them out to friends, family, restaurant workers looking for a side hustle, and anyone else that asks. Not every region offers referrals all the time. It depends on whether that region needs more drivers. The bonus amount also varies, but sometimes it's as much as $300. 

17. Practice fuel economy

Fuel is your major expense. Every dollar you save on fuel is another dollar in your pocket and another dollar saved for your DoorDash driver earnings. Downloading the Gridwise app might be the best way to save on gas as a gig driver. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you can sign up for Gridwise Gas and save up to $50/month on fuel. You can also check out the Gridwise blog post 13 Ways to Save Money on Gas as a Rideshare or Delivery Driver. Every little bit helps. 

18. Maximize your tax deductions

Like fuel, the less you pay in taxes, the more money remains in your pocket. The Gridwise app includes the best mileage tracker for gig drivers. It provides an accurate record of all the miles you drive. The Gridwise Expense Tracker is another feature that helps you to easily keep track of your expenses. Both tools are invaluable. As a gig driver, mileage is your most significant write-off, and Gridwise gives you the best record of it. 

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19. Multi-app

This article primarily details how to make $1,000 a week on DoorDash, but we would be remiss if we didn’t recommend that you multi-app. Here are four reasons you should do so: 

1. You might be unjustly suspended from the app while DoorDash investigates an erroneous customer complaint. It happens. Multi-apping means you have exposure to other apps and services, so you can continue earning. 
2. We’ve already mentioned that restaurant food delivery is a shifting market. Companies regularly trade the top spot in select regions. Multi-apping allows you to monitor the activity on other apps. 
3. If you are a high-performing driver, you’re likely to find success, and more business and income, on other apps, too. 
4. There are gaps between primetime hours for DoorDash. Instead of going home, you can drive another gig for a few hours. That’s one of the secrets of a top-performing driver. 

For more information on multi-apping, check out the Gridwise blog post, The Art of Multi-apping: How-Tos and Strategies for Gig Drivers. 

How do Doordashers get paid?

The Dasher workweek is from 12:01 am Monday to midnight the following Sunday (Monday morning to Sunday night). Payment usually hits your bank account Wednesday night, which means you will see it Thursday morning. 

The final tip–use the Gridwise app 

DoorDash drivers are getting more out of their earnings by tracking everything in one place for FREE with Gridwise. On top of getting free trackers to organize your info for tax season, you'll also get data on hot neighborhoods and profitable days of the week to drive (so you can hit that goal of $1000 a week!).   

Are you looking for more Doordash articles or looking to earn more as a Doordash driver? Look at these articles:

• How to make $1000 a week with Amazon Flex
• Here's how to make $1000 with Uber Eats a week
• Compare earnings: DoorDash vs. Uber Eats
• Maximize earnings with Gridwise features
• Check out the Gridwise Job Board

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*Actual earnings may differ and depend on factors like number of deliveries you accept and complete, time of day,
location, and any costs. Hourly pay is calculated using average Dasher payouts while on a delivery (from the time you accept an order until the time you drop it off) over a 90 day period and includes compensation from tips, peak pay, and other incentives.

As demand for meal delivery continues to grow, drivers in the gig economy want to know: Which service pays better, DoorDash or Uber Eats? Whether you’re a full-time delivery driver or just looking to boost your income, understanding the earnings potential between Uber Eats vs DoorDash can help you make the best choice. This year’s data highlights substantial differences in each platform's hourly, daily, and monthly earnings. We’ll explore Uber Eats vs DoorDash pay across all key metrics, giving you a complete picture of earnings potential in 2025.

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Why Food Delivery is Booming

The food delivery industry continues its rapid expansion, with analysts projecting a 12.33% annual growth rate, potentially reaching $1.45 trillion globally by 2027. Changing consumer habits, the rise of ghost kitchens, and advancements in delivery technology are opening new opportunities for customers and drivers. In 2024, over 37% of Americans were expected to use a food delivery service at least once, creating a high demand for Uber Eats and DoorDash drivers.

Comparing Hourly Earnings for Uber Eats vs DoorDash

When we compare hourly earnings, Uber Eats currently offers higher pay per hour compared to DoorDash. 

MetricDoorDashUber EatsHourly Gross$13.03$17.72Hourly Bonus/Tips$5.90$6.96Total Hourly Pay$18.93$24.68Source: Gridwise, 2023 Q1- 2024 Q2

Analysis: Uber Eats drivers make approximately $24.68 per hour, while DoorDash drivers average $18.93 per hour when bonuses and tips are included. Uber Eats has a higher hourly gross at $17.72 compared to DoorDash’s $13.03. Additionally, Uber Eats drivers typically receive higher tips and bonuses per hour, averaging $6.96, compared to DoorDash’s $5.90. This hourly pay structure may make Uber Eats more appealing for drivers aiming to maximize earnings within shorter shifts.

A Deep Dive into Daily Earnings on DoorDash vs. Uber Eats

Daily earnings can vary depending on order volume, demand in each market, and driver strategy. Here’s how DoorDash and Uber Eats compare in daily gross and per-task earnings:

MetricDoorDashUber EatsDaily Gross$63.66$52.94Daily Before Tips$32.14$27.75Per Task Average$8.49$10.00Source: Gridwise, 2023 Q1- 2024 Q2

Analysis: DoorDash drivers report a higher daily gross of $63.66 compared to $52.94 for Uber Eats. However, Uber Eats has a higher per-task average of $10.00 per delivery, while DoorDash’s per-task average is $8.49. For drivers who prefer completing fewer, higher-paying orders, Uber Eats may be a better fit. Conversely, DoorDash’s higher daily earnings may benefit drivers who can complete multiple trips per shift or work in high-demand areas where order volume is higher.

Weekly and Monthly Gross Earnings: Which Platform Comes Out on Top?

Let’s take a closer look at the gross pay for both platforms over weekly and monthly timeframes, which offer insights into potential earnings for drivers working consistently.

MetricDoorDashUber EatsWeekly Gross$232.35$170.44Monthly Gross$719.91$479.95Source: Gridwise, 2023 Q1- 2024 Q2

Analysis: DoorDash leads in weekly and monthly gross pay, averaging $232.35 per week and $719.91 per month. In contrast, Uber Eats drivers earn around $170.44 per week and $479.95 per month in gross income. For drivers working full-time or close to it, DoorDash offers a more stable income, especially in areas with consistent order volume.

These numbers indicate that DoorDash could be the better choice for those looking for steady income, while Uber Eats may be more suitable for drivers who focus on maximizing earnings per order.

Bonuses and Surge Pricing: DoorDash vs Uber Eats Incentives

In addition to gross pay, both DoorDash and Uber Eats offer opportunities to increase earnings through bonuses and peak-time pricing, but each platform takes a slightly different approach:

DoorDash Bonuses

• Challenges and Goals: DoorDash occasionally offers bonuses for reaching specific delivery targets within a certain time frame. These incentives vary by market and are often promoted within the driver app during high-demand periods.
• Top Dasher Program: Drivers meeting specific performance metrics (such as high customer ratings and a high order completion rate) can earn “Top Dasher” status, which provides scheduling priority and access to peak times even with high driver availability.

On average, DoorDash drivers earn an additional $114.84 per week and $356.33 per month from bonuses and tips​.

Uber Eats Surge and Boost Pricing

• Surge Pricing: Uber Eats offers surge pricing during times of high demand, particularly in urban areas. This can mean significant pay increases for drivers working peak hours, as Uber Eats adjusts rates dynamically based on order volume.
• Boost Pay: Boost promotions guarantee higher pay for each trip in specific locations and times. This type of incentive can be especially valuable for drivers who are flexible with their locations.

Uber Eats drivers earn about $84.70 per week and $238.57 per month in additional income from surge and boost promotions​.

Key Takeaway: While DoorDash bonuses tend to provide more predictable monthly earnings, Uber Eats’ surge and boost pricing options allow drivers to capitalize on peak demand, which may lead to higher earnings during limited periods. Drivers seeking more stable bonuses might prefer DoorDash, whereas those looking for flexibility and the potential for higher earnings on a per-trip basis may favor Uber Eats.

Uber Eats Driver vs DoorDash Driver: Which Platform is Better?

Choosing between Uber Eats vs DoorDash pay often depends on each driver’s market and other factors, including where you drive, your schedule, and your income goals.

Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

• Earnings Stability: DoorDash’s consistent weekly and monthly earnings may be better suited for drivers looking for steady income.
• Peak Earnings Potential: Uber Eats provides lucrative surge and boost pricing during peak hours, which can be beneficial for drivers in urban areas or those with flexible schedules.
• Order Volume: DoorDash typically has a higher order volume in suburban markets, making it a good option for drivers in less densely populated areas.

For the best of both worlds, many drivers succeed in multi-apping, using both platforms to maximize earnings. Gridwise wide range of features and benefits are designed to simplify your life and help delivery workers coordinate income, and expenses and track performance across apps to identify the most profitable times and strategies.

How Gridwise Can Help Maximize Your Earnings

Regardless of your chosen platform, Gridwise can help you take control of your gig-driving career. Our app automatically tracks earnings and mileage, giving you insight into your average hourly and monthly earnings for Uber Eats and DoorDash. With features like When to Drive, Gridwise helps you identify the best times and locations for maximizing your earnings on either platform.

Get started with Gridwise

• Download the Gridwise app for free
• Track your earnings and mileage automatically
• Optimize your schedule with real-time data on peak times

Using Gridwise, you can easily analyze your Uber Eats vs DoorDash pay data and make adjustments to improve your results. Download Gridwise now and start tracking today!

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Find out more about how much gig workers earn here:

• How Much Do Uber Drivers Make?
• How Much Do Lyft Drivers Make?
• How Much Do DoorDash Drivers Make?
• Everything You Need to Know About Amazon Flex
• Walmart Spark Delivery Driver Pay: How Much Does a Walmart Spark Driver Make?
• How Much Can You Make on Instacart?
• How Much Do Shipt Shoppers Make?
• How Much Do Uber Eats Drivers Make?

The love affair between consumers and prepared food delivery isn’t letting up. The industry continues to boast double-digit growth and is expected to do so for the foreseeable future. Restaurants up and down the spectrum, from quick-serve to fine dining, all offer delivery, most of the time through third-party vendors like Uber Eats. Gig drivers find Uber Eats to be a great way to add to their gig economy earnings. 

We’ll examine the nitty-gritty of how much Uber Eats drivers make. Holding a solid second place in the food delivery arena with a 23% market share, Uber Eats is included by many gig drivers in their stack of gig jobs. 

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How much do Uber Eats drivers actually make? 

The best food delivery drivers and the best gig drivers look at all the numbers. They want to understand and determine: Is Uber Eats worth it for drivers? How much is Uber Eats driver pay? They want to see data on earnings from Uber Eats driver tips. What is Uber Eats hourly rate? What’s included in Uber Eats driver incentives? 

By understanding each of these factors, it’s easier to see areas for improvement.

How much do Uber Eats drivers earn per delivery?

In many markets, food delivery demand is driven by events and the day of the week. Football season gives you four days a week for earning opportunities, with college games on Saturdays, professional games on Sundays, and professional football on Monday and Thursday nights. The food delivery industry sees peak order times each year starting in September. 

As you review the chart below, note that from a data perspective statisticians classify each food delivery as a distinct task. Rather than “earnings per delivery,” they label it “earnings per task.”

As you can see, Uber Eats driver pay per task goes up and down throughout the year. Drivers consistently earned between $9 and $10 per delivery, with the highest rates during Q1 and the beginning of Q4 through Super Bowl Sunday in February. 

Strategic drivers like to look at their per-delivery pay, knowing that increasing their deliveries per hour can also increase their hourly rate. 

What is Uber Eats hourly rate?

Not surprisingly, an Uber Eats hourly-rate graph mirrors the per-task rate, although the extremes are less severe. Uber Eats drivers earn between $13.49 to over $16.50 an hour. However, drivers can increase that figure if they complete more deliveries per hour. 

How much do Uber Eats drivers make overall?

If we look at overall earnings for Uber Eats, we see a combination of

• Uber Eats base pay
• hourly earnings before tips
• tips (which average 40%–50% of total earnings)

These numbers amount to an average hourly earnings range of $13 to $16. Keep in mind that this is a nationwide average number. In some regions, drivers see higher earnings. 

MetricValueNotesHourly Earnings$13 - $16Includes base pay, tips, incentives, and bonusesEarnings Before Tips$7 - $9 per hourBase pay without tipsTips$7 - $8 per hourApproximately 40-50% of total earningsEarnings Per Delivery$7 - $11Varies by location and other factorsDaily Earnings$70 - $130Depends on hours worked and locationSource: Gridwise 2023

How do Uber Eats earnings vary by market?

In certain cities, Uber Eats drivers average much higher than the national average. For many drivers living in the suburbs of these cities, the earning increase is enough to compel them to travel a short way into a high-earning territory. 

Los Angeles Uber Eats drivers earn an average of $18.93 per hour, the highest among major markets.

Chicago delivery partners for Uber Eats can expect to make around $14.05 hourly.

In New York City, Uber Eats couriers typically receive $13.96 per hour for their services.

Dallas/Fort Worth Uber Eats deliverers bring in approximately $13.92 an hour.

Miami's Uber Eats delivery workers earn about $12.05 per hour, the lowest among these major metropolitan areas.

CityAverage Hourly EarningsLos Angeles$18.93Chicago$14.05New York City$13.96Dallas/Fort Worth$13.92Miami$12.05Source: Gridwise 2023

Maximizing Uber Eats earnings

How do you boost your earnings as an Uber Eats driver? Surprisingly, it’s not that hard. 

Pay attention to Uber Eats peak hours

Food delivery most definitely has peak hours, and you can boost earnings by taking advantage of the best times to drive for Uber Eats. On the weekdays, the lunch surge, especially for businesses, goes from about 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. The real surge is for dinner, beginning at 4:30 pm and continuing until roughly 9:00 pm. Morning and mid-afternoon hours see minimal action. Also, keep in mind that peak hours will vary by location. 

Keep tabs on special events on TV

We’re in the season of politics. There are lots of political junkies glued to the television for the debates, election night, and other related events. Likewise, the Academy Awards, the Grammys, and other shows generate prepared food home deliveries. Be sure to work those nights. 

Work football season and other sporting events

From September until February, Sunday is a full day of professional football games, and women now comprise more than 50% of NFL viewership. Devotees find they enjoy the game much more when food is delivered. 

Pay attention to neighboring markets

As mentioned earlier, driving from the outer suburbs to more profitable areas is often worth the time and extra gas. 

Watch the trends tab on your Uber Eats app

One way to identify the best markets is to check the trends tab on your Uber Eats app. This feature gives you a 28-day history of what’s been happening in your market, showing you peak days and best times. 

Pick and choose your orders

Some orders are more profitable than others. Learn how to discern which ones to accept. Be careful about taking orders with a long driving distance. Once you drop off the order, returning to an area where more orders are available might take a while. That’s time you could be accepting and delivering other orders. Some orders are just not profitable and are an inefficient use of your time. When in doubt, use this handy Uber Eats earnings calculator. 

Pick and choose your restaurants

Some restaurants are better organized for the delivery business. When drivers arrive, the orders are ready and always correct. Other restaurants just can’t get the delivery business right; orders are often not ready to be picked up and are incorrect. As a driver, slow orders mean you stand around cooling your heels when you could be on the road making deliveries. Incorrect orders also affect tips. Always accept orders from restaurants you know are better for delivery. Avoid the slower, less organized ones. 

Consider bike and scooter deliveries

Food delivery gig workers have found bicycles and scooters advantageous in densely populated downtown areas. They can quickly maneuver through traffic while avoiding parking problems. Many of them earn as much or even more than if they were driving. 

Take advantage of Uber Eats driver incentives

Watch your Uber Eats app for additional earnings opportunities. Uber Eats offers a per-delivery bonus in some service areas if you remain in a specific territory. You can also take advantage of other Uber Eats bonuses, in which drivers earn extra money for completing a set number of orders in a designated time. 

How to increase Uber Eats driver tips

We’ve already discussed the factors contributing to Uber Eats driver pay. These include Uber Eats base pay, the delivery fee, any incentives Uber Eats offers, and customer tips. Of these four, customer tips is where drivers have the most influence. Tips often exceed 50% of food delivery driver earnings. 

Here are some ways to ensure better tips as an Uber Eats driver: 

• Ensure correct orders. One of the biggest complaints of food delivery customers is an incorrect order. This is likely the restaurant’s fault, but as the delivery person, you’re the last link in the chain and you get blamed. Check orders to ensure correctness. 
• Use a thermal bag. Cold food is another frequent customer complaint. A thermal bag should be an Uber Eats driver requirement. 
• Don’t forget the extras. Extra napkins, extra forks, and extra condiments are always appreciated.
• Deliver on time. Customers don’t like to wait. Avoid traffic, and don’t dawdle. 
• Communicate clearly. This is a customer favorite. Let them know when you have the order in your car and how long you expect to be. Also, let people know if the restaurant doesn’t have their order ready or if you get caught in traffic. 
• Leave a nice note on the app. Something as simple as “Enjoy your meal” or “Have a nice evening” impresses the customer. 
• Remember the regulars. If someone is a regular and you have contact with them, commit their name to memory. People love to hear their name; it’s their favorite word. 
• Smile. Even if you don’t see the customer face-to-face, they might be watching on their doorbell camera. People reward happiness. 
• Follow directions. Watch for special requests such as “Deliver to the pool in the backyard” or “Come to the side door.” People appreciate it when you follow their special instructions.
• Be mindful of your Uber Eats driver reviews. Customers check these things, and they like to reward winners. If you have five stars, you can expect better tips. 

Gridwise helps increase Uber Eats driver pay

Another way to increase Uber Eats driver pay is by taking advantage of every tax write-off available as a gig driver. Gridwise helps you do this through the Gridwise mileage tracker. 

Program it once—it’s a simple process—and you won’t have to think about it until tax time. Then, download the report. Gone are cumbersome mileage logs and a day spent adding up miles for taxes. 

The Gridwise app also includes other features, such as When to Drive and Where to Drive, that help you know when and where to find target-rich environments for food delivery opportunities. 

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Check out these links to learn more about driving for Uber Eats, or to learn about valuable Gridwise services. 

• How Much Do Uber Drivers Make?
• How Much Do Lyft Drivers Make?
• How Much Do DoorDash Drivers Make?
• Everything You Need to Know About Amazon Flex
• Walmart Spark Delivery Driver Pay: How Much Does a Walmart Spark Driver Make?
• How Much Can You Make on Instacart?
• How Much Do Shipt Shoppers Make?How to Make $1000 a Week with Uber Eats
• Here's how to make $1000 a week with DoorDash
• Everything You Need to Know About Driving for Uber Eats
• Uber Eats vs. DoorDash Pay: How Much Are Drivers Earning?
• Check out the Gridwise Job Board
• Download the Gridwise App 

Winter is far from over, and with January in full swing, extreme weather continues to grip much of the U.S. From heavy snowfalls to icy roads, the season demands extra caution—especially when it comes to driving.

In this blog, we’ll cover essential tips to help you stay safe behind the wheel during winter’s toughest conditions. Whether you're navigating snowy streets, or freezing rain, a little preparation and awareness can make all the difference.

Whether you’re picking up passengers or dropping off orders, here’s what you need to know to navigate snowy conditions with confidence.

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Most people are not used to driving in bad weather

Yeah, gig driving in extreme winter conditions is serious business—but you are a gig driver, and there are people that need to go places or have food and packages delivered. They expect Doordash during a snowstorm. 

If you live in an area of the country where the winters are severe, such as most of the US northern latitudes, snow is a fact of life. Even if you don’t live in the traditional snow states, there are times when you will encounter it. According to Tom Skilling, chief meteorologist for WGN-TV in Chicago, it snows in 49 out of the 50 states at least once a year. 

Added to that, populations are shifting. A report by the Brookings Institution reveals a decline in the nation’s 56 major metropolitan areas (populations exceeding one million). People have moved out of the larger cities. The smaller metro areas are growing, experiencing the greatest population gain in over a decade. In many of these burgeoning regions, however, the infrastructure is still catching up with better roads and the ability to get snowplows out in the winter. 

But many people find the tranquil summers of their new home offset by some serious winters and weather that they have never experienced, much less driven in. You might be one of them, and if you brought your gig driving job with you (because one of the nice things about gig driving hustles is that they are portable), driving Uber or Lyft in a snowstorm is a challenge. The same is true for food delivery. You need to know how to drive safely in snowy and icy conditions. 

Preparing your car for winter driving

First, prepare your car for the winter season. Ideally, check all these things before the first snow falls, and recheck them as needed throughout the winter. 

Maintain your car. This is an autumn ritual. Take time to replace the wiper blades, check that headlights and running lights are in good working order, and consider replacing the fluid in your radiator with a more appropriate mix of antifreeze. Starting your car on cold winter mornings puts extra demand on the battery. You might want to replace it if it’s nearing the end of its life. 

Check your tires. Tires are arguably the most important component of snow driving. They are your contact with the road. Evaluate the tread on your tires to determine if they are sufficient to get you through the cold season. Air contracts in volume in lower temperatures, so make sure you check your tire pressure regularly. Later we’ll discuss snow tires and chains. 

Check other items that wear out. Rubber and plastic components freeze and crack in the cold. Check all your hoses and belts. Replace any that look suspect. Also, check the bushings and rubber bearing boots underneath your car for excessive wear. PRO TIP: Components on a car tend to wear out in pairs. If there are two of anything on your vehicle and one wears out, the other is likely not far behind. This is true of belts, hoses, and even headlights. If you replace one, replace the other. 

Make sure you can see. Those low winter temperatures mean ice on the windshield. Replace the wiper fluid in the reservoir with a solution formulated for winter. PRO TIP: A quick way to rid the windshield of ice on cold mornings (instead of standing there for 10 minutes laboring with an ice scraper) is to combine isopropyl alcohol and water in a spray bottle. Spraying this solution directly onto the ice melts it on contact.

This might be the time for a yearly professional oil change. Do you change the oil yourself? Lots of people do. But that late fall oil change might be the time to take it into the garage. Have them lubricate the underside of the chassis, the ball joints, and anything that needs attention. Ask the mechanic to examine the car for any problems you need to remedy before that first snow. 

Don’t forget to save your receipts. As a gig driver, these expenses are tax deductible. 

Transitioning to winter driving habits

The second change you need to make as winter approaches is in your driving habits. Driving requires concentration, but even more so when the weather turns cold and snow falls.  

Do you really have to drive in the snow? The first tip for driving in the snow is just don’t do it. There is a high risk of an accident. True, most are low-speed fender benders with less of a chance for injury, but you don’t need the hassle of tow trucks and car repairs, and squabbles with your insurance company. There is always the reality of getting hurt, too. But driving during a snowstorm is a reality if you earn your income from gig driving. 

Give other cars additional space. Driving instructors recommend a car length, perhaps a length and a half, for every ten miles of speed, and that’s in good weather. In the snow, however, steering is less responsive, and braking takes longer. You need extra time. Consider two lengths minimum, and perhaps even three. You’ll also need extra time for most other driving maneuvers such as pulling out into traffic and lane changes. 

Avoid driving alongside other cars. Sudden braking or evasive maneuvers can send you in unpredictable directions. Maintain space so that if you go into a spin, you will be less likely to hit another car or fall victim to another driver’s misfortune.

Back off the accelerator. Find a speed you are comfortable with in the snow, and then reduce it by ten miles an hour. That’s your ideal snow speed. You want plenty of time to react to any situation, from a red light to a car spinning out of control in front of you. 

Periodically test your car and conditions. Different road surfaces react differently in the snow. If you have a spot where you have plenty of extra space on the road, tap on your brakes to get a feel for how your car reacts. This way, when you have to hit the brakes, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect. 

Remember to steer into a skid. Should you hit ice and the rear wheels lose traction and start to drift, steer in the same direction that they go. If your car's back end drifts to the right, then turn your steering wheel to the right. If the back end drifts to the left, then steer to the left. If you want a clearer explanation of how to steer into a skid, check out this video from CNN.com. 

Resist hitting the brakes if you start to skid. Your first reaction should be to take your foot off the accelerator. Hitting the brakes won’t stop you, and when the wheels gain traction, your car will go whichever way they are pointing, like into the next lane. 

Give a wide berth to semi-trucks. It’s never a good idea to mess with a semi-truck. Fully loaded, the tractor and trailer weigh 40 to 50 tons (more in states where they allow three trailers). Even if you are in the right, you will lose. In the snow, these trucks are tough to stop. Truck drivers maintain as much space as possible. Let them have it. 

Keep the gas tank full. A full tank helps avoid ice in the fuel lines. You also want a full tank if you become stranded in the snow. You’ll need to run the engine to use the car’s heater. 

Chains vs. snow tires

For those who have recently moved to snow country, one of the big questions is, chains or snow tires? The answer depends on how severe the winters are. If they are intense, snow tires are an absolute must. People without snow tires are the ones who end up in the ditch during a snowstorm.  They are more expensive than chains, but an article in Forbes magazine reports that snow tires give you better performance, especially in mountain driving and the coldest weather. 

When temperatures drop, the rubber used in all-weather tires hardens. This means less contact with the road. Snow tires employ formulated rubber that remains soft in colder temperatures, spreading out and almost “gripping” the road. Snow tires also have specially designed treads, enhancing their effectiveness. Some designs even incorporate metal studs. 

Some states in the continental US require snow tires or chains under certain conditions. Large parts of Canadian British Columbia legally mandate snow tires for as much as six months out of the year.   

Snow tires wear out quickly in warmer weather. So when spring comes around, it’s time to go back to your tire store or garage and switch to your all-season tires. If you are a purist, you can purchase an extra set of rims to have them mounted on and do the transition yourself. Worried about the cost? Some places like Discount Tire offer discounts to gig drivers.

Snow chains are a less expensive option and store easily in your trunk. In areas that are cold enough and get snow regularly, you’ll see signs telling you to use chains with special roadside pull-outs for mounting them. When you purchase your snow chains, look for brands featuring a YouTube video for how to install them. When there is no snow, practice a few times in your driveway so that when you have to mount them, you’ll know how. 

Read your car manual for instructions on using chains. You typically mount chains on the drive tires of your car. For cars with all-wheel drive, once again, check the manual. 

Are you thinking about purchasing a new car for your gig driving activities? According to Shift.com and many other sources, front-wheel drive cars or all-wheel drive cars generally perform better in snow and ice. 

Whatever maintenance you get done to prepare your car for bad weather, make sure you look for special discounts for drivers. Those dollars add up fast!

Getting stranded in a snowstorm

One of the harshest realities of living and driving in harsh winter is getting stuck in your car in a snowstorm. It happens more than you may think. 

• In January 2022, hundreds of motorists were stranded all night in freezing temperatures along a 50-mile stretch of Interstate 95 in Virginia, as reported in the Washington Post. Adding to the difficulty, several tractor-trailers jack-knifed, leaving the roads impassable. 
• In December 2014, ABC News reported on a snowstorm in Southern California that trapped drivers overnight on Highway 138 in the San Bernardino Mountains. 

Here are a few tips on preparing should you get stranded.

Stay in your car. This is the safest option. As cold as it may get in your car, it will be colder outside. This is another reason why you should always keep a full tank. You can run the engine regularly without fear of running out of gas. Most experts suggest running the engine and heater for ten minutes every hour.  

Carry an extendable, window-mounted antenna in your car. These are available on Amazon. They allow you to monitor weather channels, and they double as a mounting pole for a bright-colored piece of cloth, making you more visible to searchers. 

Keep a foldable shovel in your trunk. Before running the engine to stay warm, use the shovel to ensure the tailpipe is not blocked by snow. You don’t want deadly carbon monoxide fumes backing up and leaking into the engine compartment. 

Carry snacks. Your body burns more calories in lower temperatures. Keep a supply of high-calorie food: energy bars, nuts, jerky, and granola. You’ll be glad you did.

Keep a bag of road salt and another of kitty litter. You’ll need road salt to help melt the snow when it becomes manageable and kitty litter to help gain traction on snow and ice. 

Maintain a snowstorm survival kit. These are the smart items to have: 

• first aid kit
• extra water
• important medications
• jumper cables
• duct tape
• scraper for removing ice from windshield and mirrors
• tow strap
• tire pressure gauge
• extra change of clothes
• extra winter jacket
• mittens and hat
• work gloves
• good snow boots
• battery-powered radio
• spare charged battery packs for your cell phone
• flashlight
• book of crossword puzzles
• pens and pencils
• folding knife
• kit of essential tools
• spare change and cash
• compass
• thick blanket

Other tools to stay safe

Good advice on how gig drivers can stay safe in a snowstorm is just one of the many things you learn from the Gridwise blog.

There are tons of discounts exclusive to Gridwise that will save you $100s on everything from car maintenance to phone protection.

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