Whether it’s delivering restaurant meals, groceries, dry cleaning, or Amazon shipments, thousands of people are making money with delivery job apps. You may be familiar with names like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Instacart, but there are many other apps that offer the potential to earn a side hustle income with your vehicle.
To help you find the right job, we list the best delivery job apps and explain which states and cities you can use them in, what requirements deliverers must meet, and how much money you might expect to make.
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1. Uber Eats
Expected pay: $15 to $25 per hour
What we like: Flexible delivery, scheduling, and payment options
Launched in 2014, Uber Eats is an offshoot of the Uber ridesharing app and one of the best ways to get food delivered right to your door. The service is available in over 6,000 cities and 45 countries worldwide.
You can deliver for Uber Eats using a car, scooter, bicycle, or foot.
You can sign up for as little as an hour of delivery with Uber Eats. You’ll be shown the pay for a delivery job before you accept it, and 100% of the tips are yours to keep.
Pay is delivered automatically every week, or you can use InstantPay and cash out up to five times daily.
In addition, Uber Eats lets you choose whether to be an employee working set shifts or an independent contractor setting your hours.
Know that all Uber Eats applicants are subject to a background screening. Bicycle or foot applicants must be at least 18 years of age, and car or scooter applicants must be at least 19 years of age.
✨ Related: 8 Jobs Like Instacart
2. DoorDash
Expected pay: DoorDash doesn’t publish pay rates; however, the job offers plenty of flexibility, and there are ways you can increase your income as a delivery driver.
What we like: Huge customer base.
DoorDash is available in over 7,000 cities in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and Canada. Signing up to be a Dasher takes just a few minutes, and most Dashers start working within a few days.
You can drive with DoorDash if you have a car, bike, motorcycle, or scooter. There are no other vehicle requirements.
The DoorDash app displays the pay you receive for each job before you accept it. It also shows you where to pick up the order and where to drop it off.
You keep all of the tips you earn. Along with your per-job pay and tips, there are other opportunities to earn, such as Peak Pay promotions and Challenges.
Peak Pay pays you extra when you deliver during certain hours. Challenges pay you extra when you make a certain number of deliveries in a set amount of time.
Customers are encouraged to tip generously, but not all customers will tip. Providing excellent customer service will help you to earn more.
Learn more in our DoorDash review.
3. Instacart
Expected pay: $7-$20 per hour, depending on your job position and how much you earn in tips.
What we like: Flexible job positions.
Instacart was founded in 2012 and operates in all 50 states. One nice thing about Instacart is that you can choose between two jobs: In-Store Shopper and Full Service Shopper.
In-Store Shoppers are responsible for hand-selecting items for customer orders and preparing the orders for delivery.
As an In-Store Shopper, you don’t do the actual delivery part of the job. However, you must be 18 years old, have a smartphone, be able to lift 50 pounds, and be willing to create your own schedule.
As a Full-Service Shopper with Instacart, you will shop for customers’ groceries and deliver their orders. You must also be at least 18, have a smartphone, and be able to lift 50 pounds. You can set your own schedule too, but you need to have access to a vehicle.
In-Store-Shoppers are paid an hourly wage. Full-Service shoppers are paid per job and can also earn tips.
Getting started with Instacart is easy and only takes a few minutes. Once you’ve signed up, you’re usually approved to work within a few days.
4. Grubhub
Expected pay: $12-$20 per hour, depending on where you live and tips.
What we like: The minimum pay thresholds.
Grubhub is a restaurant delivery service founded in 2004. Today, it serves nearly 4,000 cities across all 50 U.S. states. One thing we like about Grubhib is that all locations have a minimum payment threshold.
That means if a job pays less than the area’s minimum pay threshold, Grubhub will cover the difference to bring it up to the preset minimum pay. This attractive feature helps ensure you’re earning a decent income with the company.
You can drive a car or ride a bicycle while working with Grubhub. Car drivers must have a valid driver’s license, and bicycle riders must have a valid state ID.
Pay is directly deposited every week. However, an option for Instant Cashout allows you to get up to $500 of your pay daily. With Instant Cashout, you can get paid today if you work today.
Note that there is a $0.50 charge for each Instant Cashout transaction. You can choose scheduled blocks to work for Grubhub or sign on whenever you’re available and work when you want.
However, note that drivers who choose scheduled blocks get priority over non-schedulers.
For more details, check out our DoorDash vs. Grubhub comparison.
5. Amazon Flex
Expected pay: $18 to $25 per hour
What we like: The Amazon Flex Rewards program
As an Amazon Flex driver, you’ll deliver packages for Amazon Prime members, groceries for Amazon Fresh customers, and other deliveries.
You’ll sign up in preset blocks of two to six hours, depending on your location and the work you’re delivering.
There are also Instant Offers for immediate and shorter blocks. Like Grubhub, Amazon has a minimum payment threshold, which you will see in the work offers you receive.
You can choose to get paid whenever you want, whether that be daily or weekly. You can even choose which day of the week you get paid.
Amazon Flex also has a rewards program where you can earn points for delivering with them. You can use your points to get cash back, purchase discounts, and more.
Note that you must be at least 21 years old and eligible to work in the U.S. to work at Amazon Flex. You’ll also need a midsize or larger sedan or SUV to deliver for Amazon. Smaller cars, trucks with open beds, scooters, or other motorized bikes do not qualify.
6. Caviar
Expected pay: $15 to $25 per hour, possibly more with tips
What we like: Delivery from upscale restaurants
Caviar was launched in 2013 as a delivery service for restaurant patrons in the San Francisco area. It quickly expanded to Seattle and New York City and was purchased by Square in 2014.
Caviar’s big boast was that it had access to deliveries from higher-end restaurants that wouldn’t typically partner with DoorDash and similar delivery companies.
In 2019, DoorDash purchased Caviar from Square for a hefty $410 million in cash and stock options.
Caviar still retains its list of high-end restaurants to which drivers can deliver. However, thanks to DoorDash’s acquisition, Caviar drivers can now deliver to a wider range of restaurants.
Driver requirements and pay match the parent company’s pay, the details of which you can find on the DoorDash website.
This partnership means more delivery opportunities at upscale restaurants and lower-end fast food places. Either way, the expanded opportunities can result in higher earnings for you. You might earn more significant tips if you can secure some Caviar deliveries.
7. Saucey
Expected pay: $10+ per hour, depending on location and tips.
What we like: Limited overnight/late night shifts.
Saucey is a delivery service that focuses solely on delivering alcohol. You will deliver wine, beer, and other liquor to paying customers.
Because you deliver only when liquor stores are open, you probably won’t work many late-night or overnight shifts.
Saucey operates in dozens of U.S. cities, including New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Minneapolis, Dallas, and Orlando.
One thing to note about delivering for Saucey is that you’ll have to ID all your customers upon delivery. This is a requirement for deliverers.
Saucey has a preset pay amount for every job, which is higher if you’re willing to schedule blocks of delivery time. You must be at least 21 years old and own a reliable vehicle to deliver with Saucey.
Saucey requires a clean driving record, and you must have insurance on your vehicle.
8. Shipt Shopper
Expected pay: $15 to $21 per hour
What we like: Ability to accept more than one order at a time
Shipt was founded in 2014 as a grocery shopping/delivery service and was purchased by Target in 2017. Since then, the service has expanded to thousands of U.S. cities.
When you deliver for Shipt, you’ll also be expected to shop and need a good working knowledge of selecting quality produce.
With Shipt, you can accept more than one delivery at a time, which helps you better use your working hours. Orders are paid for using your Shipt card, which has enough money to pay for your orders.
To deliver for Shipt, you must be at least 18 years old. You also need a 1997 or newer vehicle with insurance and the ability to lift 50 pounds.
Deliverers will earn a preset pay per order and be rewarded with discounts on products and services in their area. You can earn tips as a deliverer, too, and you’ll have the opportunity to earn perks and bonuses.
Shipt deliverers are paid every Friday via direct deposit. It’s one of many flexible jobs for college students and others looking to earn extra cash.
✨ Related: Get Paid Today: 17 Ways to Make Money in Your Spare Time
9. Favor Delivery
Expected pay: $10+ per hour.
What we like: You can deliver a variety of items.
If you live in Texas, you might want to consider delivering for Favor. The company operates in dozens of cities, including Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, etc.
Favor allows you to deliver groceries and restaurant orders. However, you may also have other opportunities, such as dry cleaning, pharmacy, or pet store deliveries. The variety can make the job more enjoyable.
If you’re delivering by car, you must have a valid driver’s license, but you can also deliver by bicycle with a valid state ID.
Applicants are subject to background checks. Regarding pay, you can expect to get 35% of the delivery fee and 100% of the tips you earn. Pay is delivered via direct deposit.
There are minimum pay guarantees if you’re willing to schedule yourself to work block shifts for the company.
Note that you must be 18 years old to deliver for Favor.
10. Eaze
Expected pay: $18 to $26 per hour
What we like: Attractive pay rates.
Eaze drivers deliver cannabis products from licensed retailers to customers in California and Michigan. Eaze operates in hundreds of California cities and nearly 50 cities in three different Michigan counties.
To deliver using the Eaze platform, you must be at least 21 years old and complete a criminal background check. Your vehicle must also be a 2005 model year or newer.
Eaze pay rates are higher than many other delivery services. Drivers can earn an hourly wage plus mileage and tips.
Eaze has the tightest driver requirements on our list, and it can take several weeks to get approved as a driver. However, the attractive pay rates may be worth the time and effort.
11. Gopuff
Expected pay: $14 to $20 per hour
What we like: One central pick-up location.
Gopuff has been around since 2013 and now operates in over 650 locations throughout the U.S.
With Gopuff, you’ll pick up your deliveries at the Gopuff warehouse fulfillment center instead of going to various stores. Customers can order groceries, cleaning supplies, personal goods, alcohol, electronics, health and beauty items, and more.
Gopuff drivers must be at least 21 years old, as they may be required to deliver alcohol. They must also pass a background check.
You’ll need a reliable vehicle, insurance, and a valid driver’s license to drive for Gopuff.
You can sign up for on-demand deliveries or schedule a shift. There is a per-pay delivery amount, and you can also earn tips.
Shift workers get a bonus pay rate for time spent waiting at the fulfillment warehouse. Some locations offer weekly bonuses and Boosts (per-order bonuses offered during high-demand delivery blocks.)
12. Delivery.com
Expected pay: $16 to $20 per hour, depending on delivery location.
What we like: Driver support call center
Delivery.com is the longest-running delivery service on our list; it was founded in 1995.
The company delivers groceries, alcohol, gifts, and dry cleaning, covering more than 33 states and thousands of cities in the U.S.
Driver requirements are minimal; you’ll need a valid driver’s license and a car with insurance. You must also be 21 years old and agree to a background check.
You’ll be offered a base pay rate for each delivery and keep 100% of the tips you earn. There are opportunities to earn bonuses as well.
If you have questions about deliveries you’re scheduled to complete, the company’s driver support call center is available. You’ll get paid via direct deposit, but you can also choose daily pay for a fee.
13. Dolly
Expected pay: $50 per hour on average for Helpers and $35 per hour on average for Hands.
What we like: Highest earning potential
Dolly works a bit differently than the other delivery services on this list. When you work as an independent contractor for Dolly, you can work as a Dolly Helper or a Dolly Hand.
Dolly Helpers must own a pickup truck, a car with a trailer, a cargo van, or a box truck to help customers move or transport items.
Dolly Hands help people move items; no transporting is required.
Both positions require you to be able to lift at least 75 pounds. You earn more money for being a Helper than a Hand, but both positions pay well.
Pay is distributed via PayPal on Fridays and Tuesdays. You’ll work as an independent contractor when you deliver for Dolly.
That means you’ll be expected to keep track of your income and expenses and report them to the IRS at tax time.
All applicants are subject to background checks, and they can expect to be approved to start working in five to ten days. Use the Dolly app to find jobs near you.
How to Choose a Delivery App
There are a few factors to consider when deciding on a delivery app. First, you’ll need to ensure the app is available where you live. Unless you live in a very rural area, most of the major apps, such as Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats should be in the area.
Second, make sure you can meet the driver requirements. For example, to make alcohol deliveries for Saucy, you must be 21 or over. If you want to deliver for Dolly, you must be able to lift at least 75 lbs. Of course, there are the vehicle requirements. Depending on the app, you may need to own a reliable vehicle of a certain model year or newer.
Lastly, make sure the app works with your schedule. For example, if you’re never available during the evenings or on weekends, you might not be able to maximize your earnings during peak hours with certain apps.
How to Make More Money as a Delivery Driver
Delivery apps can make a great side hustle, but your earnings can get squeezed if you’re not careful. Here are some tips for maximizing your earnings as a delivery driver.
- Drive during peak hours: If you’re going to spend your precious time delivering groceries or restaurant meals, you want to make it worthwhile. Try to work during the busiest times. This is often evenings, weekends, and holidays, but some restaurants are also busy during lunch.
- Watch your expenses: It doesn’t matter how much money you make if you can’t keep your expenses under control. And being a delivery driver can be costly. Try to drive an affordable, fuel efficient vehicle. Lastly, avoid hitting the drive thru and spending your hard-earned money on expensive fast food or lattes while you work.
- Focus on providing great customer service: Being kind, cheerful, and helpful will result in more tips. Go the extra mile when you have the opportunity. People often give better tips for great service.
- Work efficiently: Making the best use of your time by getting deliveries where they need to go quickly and safely is another way to increase your earnings. You’ll earn more tips and complete more jobs.
- Take advantage of promotions and challenges, and peak hours: Many delivery companies offer higher pay when running promotions or challenges. Take advantage of these opportunities and increase your income.
FAQs
According to Yahoo Finance, DoorDash is the most popular food delivery service in the U.S., with over 60% market share as of 2023.
While earnings can vary depending on where you live, when you work, and how often you work, some delivery apps, including Instacart and DoorDash, are known to offer higher average hourly pay.
If you own a reliable vehicle, enjoy driving, and want a side hustle that offers flexible hours, DoorDash can be a good option. You’ll need to live in a DoorDash service area, but there’s a good chance you are; it’s the largest delivery app in the U.S. and is available in over 7,000 cities and all 50 states.
Final Thoughts on the Best Delivery Job Apps
The best delivery job apps help you work around your schedule while making a decent wage. Some delivery apps allow you to work for more than one company simultaneously. You can create a successful side hustle stack by working for multiple delivery job apps. If you’re looking for a new way to earn extra cash, there’s no better time than now.