Rideshare was one of the first gig-driving jobs to go mainstream, starting with Uber in 2010, followed by Lyft in 2012. Drivers quickly found it to be a great part-time job, and others have turned it into a full-time gig. As of the beginning of 2022, drivers across the US averaged $22.67 per hour. In select cities, drivers made more than $30.00 an hour. Driver earnings for Uber and Lyft are close, and which company pays the most goes back and forth.
The secret to being a successful rideshare driver with one of these companies is developing a strategy of where and when to drive. Read on as Gridwise examines the rideshare business, looks closer at Uber and Lyft, and also tells you about some of the other options for rideshare drivers. We link to many recent articles on the Gridwise blog, all of them packed with information about how you can be a better rideshare driver.
Uber vs. Lyft: a rideshare company comparison
The first question for anyone contemplating a gig job as a rideshare driver is which company they should choose. Since the pay is so comparable, for most people it comes down to personal preference. Others report they have a friend who drives for one of the rideshare companies and they decided to go with the same company so they have someone to answer questions about the app and business. Here is a closer look at Uber and Lyft, as well as some of the alternatives.
- Gridwise looks at Uber and Lyft, their differences and similarities (including what drivers made in Q1 2022) and helps you decide Which Rideshare Service Should You Drive For [2022]? Also find out about Lyft and Uber driver requirements.
- There are also creative alternatives to rideshare driving. Check out A Rideshare Rival for Uber and Lyft.
Rideshare driver earnings and insights
To help in your decision, we take a closer look at Uber and Lyft drivers and the most recent figures on how much they make, as reported through the Gridwise app. We also examine the top cities to drive in and how drivers earn extra money through tips.
- This is the best info available on How Much Do Uber Drivers Make: Uber Driver Pay in 2022. Check it out to see how much Uber drivers earn per week.
- How much do Lyft drivers make a week? Read the latest Lyft data on How Much Are Lyft Drivers Getting Paid?
- Some cities are target-rich environments for rideshare drivers. A recent blog post, Top US Cities for Rideshare and Delivery Driving, examines the most profitable cities.
- For those who want an occasional break from rideshare, you can try package delivery with Amazon. Read about it in Amazon Flex Driver Pay Q1 2022: What Is Amazon Paying Their Drivers?
- The best drivers cash in on the tips. Learn how by reading How to Boost Rideshare Driver Earnings and Earn Bigger Tips.
Lyft and Uber driver advice: How to earn more as a rideshare driver
There are strategies and tactics to boost your earnings as a rideshare driver. Check out these articles.
- Gasoline is a major expense, but there are ways to save. Read this piece on 13 Ways to Save Money on Gas as a Rideshare or Delivery Driver.
- You can add to your bottom line by getting the right phone plan. Learn about it here in US Mobile: Affordable Phone Plans for Rideshare and Delivery Drivers.
- Passengers are motivated to tip the best drivers, and many of them make this decision based on driver ratings. Check out How to Improve Your Rideshare Driver Ratings.
- New riders don’t understand the need to regularly update their rideshare app. If you neglect this important task, you will see a drop in the rides directed to you. Learn about this tip and others in How to Earn More as a Rideshare Driver.
- Most drivers have a story about the biggest tip they ever got. Learn how to increase your income when you read 12 Ways Rideshare Drivers Can Earn More Tips.
- The smartest drivers save money on their cars. Read how in 4 Ways for Gig Drivers to Reduce Auto Costs.
- You can earn more as a rideshare driver by setting goals and using tools designed to help you get there. Read all about it in 3 Steps to Making More as a Gig Driver.
- Are you contemplating a break from rideshare and going to work in an Amazon gig job, or maybe you want to augment your Lyft or Uber earnings? There are strategies and tactics for Amazon Flex. Check out 13 Tricks to Earn More as an Amazon Flex Driver.
Insurance for rideshare drivers
New drivers hear that Lyft and Uber carry $1 million insurance policies and think they don’t have to worry. They didn’t read the fine print, though.
- You need to know when and where the rideshare company’s insurance covers you and the limits of that coverage. Not knowing can cost you lots of money. Learn more in Insurance Basics for Rideshare and Delivery Drivers.
- Delve into the topic a little deeper by reading about the 5 Common Insurance Mistakes Rideshare and Delivery Drivers Make.
- Every rideshare driver must know what is expected of them if the worst happens and they get into an accident. Gridwise covers the basics of What to Do If You’re in an Accident as an Uber or Lyft Driver.
- Insurance isn’t just for your gig driving job. Learn about this vital topic at Health Insurance for Gig Drivers: Everything You Need to Know.
Vehicle advice for rideshare drivers
As a rideshare driver, your car is one of your most critical tools. Take care of it, and know about important options for having the best car for ridesharing.
- There are few things worse than a breakdown when you are ridesharing, especially if you have a passenger in the car. Learn how to keep your vehicle in top condition with The Car Maintenance Schedule Every Gig Driver Should Follow [2022].
- If you find yourself needing to buy a new car, which you plan on using for rideshare, make sure you get the best deal. Read all about it at How to Buy a Car to Drive for Rideshare (Uber and Lyft) Companies. By the time you finish, you’ll know all about Lyft and Uber vehicle requirements.
How to be safe as a rideshare driver
Every driver has stories about the things that have happened to them while ridesharing. Some are hilarious, others are scary. Despite the coverage in the media, if you look at the numbers, you’ll find violence against rideshare drivers is very rare. Nevertheless, you should be prepared.
- We’ve all seen the YouTube videos of attacks on rideshare drivers. Self-defense is a last resort, but you should know How to Protect Yourself as a Rideshare Driver.
- Road rage is a reality, and if you are a rideshare driver, you are on the road a lot. Learn How Rideshare and Delivery Drivers Can Protect Themselves from Road Rage Drivers.
- Finally, this is not as much of a danger as it is annoying and often disgusting. Learn How to Deal with Drunk Uber or Lyft Passengers.
Other advice for rideshare drivers
There are other valuable pieces of advice you can find on the Gridwise blog that don’t fit into any of the topics we’ve just covered. You should, however, be aware of them.
- If you are a rideshare driver in a major city, the airport is a frequent destination. Know the rules for the airports in your region. We give you some pointers in Airport Pickups: Rules for Uber and Lyft Drivers.
- Gig driving presents a unique set of challenges. Gridwise outlines a few and suggests ways to address them in 8 Common Gig Driver Problems and How to Fix Them.
- Has it occurred to you that you might be able to work for Uber and Lyft at the same time? Lots of drivers do. There is even a name for it. Read The Art of Multi-Apping: How Tos and Strategies for Gig Drivers.
- We all need a vacation, even gig drivers. Gridwise suggests some preparations in How to Plan for Vacations as a Rideshare or Delivery Driver.
Use tools to maximize your Uber/Lyft pay
As a new rideshare driver, or even if you’re a veteran, one of the best things you can do is stay organized and informed. Use a mileage and earning tracker to manage your income – like the free Gridwise mileage and earning trackers!
Drivers are staying informed on peak times and locations in their area with Where to Drive and When to Drive, as well as the best airport arrival and departure times.
Gas is eating into your income? Check out the Gridwise Gas program to save up to $50/month on gas!
And have fun out there.
