Side hustles can be a great way to make an extra income. Unfortunately, not all side hustles were created equally, and some are more lucrative than others.
Delivery jobs are one of the better-paying side hustles in the gig economy. The best ones let you make money in your spare time, offer flexible payment options, and allow you to tailor your side hustle to your life.
In this article, we’ll share our favorite delivery job apps and why we like them. You can decide which delivery app will be your go-to for earning extra cash this year.
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The Best Delivery Job Apps
This list of the best delivery job apps will let you know which states and cities you can use the app in, what requirements are needed for deliverers, and how much money you might expect to make.
Of course, earnings depend on several different factors, such as the area you live in, your customer service skills, and your ability to hustle.
Read the section at the end on how to make your delivery job as successful as possible.
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, or bicycle or on 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 per day.
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.
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. It takes just a few minutes to sign up to be a Dasher, 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 will display your pay for each job before you accept it. It’ll show you where you need 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. Using great customer service skills 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 then 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 the customer 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 that was founded in 2004. Today it serves nearly 4,000 cities across all 50 U.S. states. One of the reasons Grubhub qualifies for our list of best delivery job apps is that all locations have a minimum payment threshold.
That means if a job doesn’t pay as much as the area’s minimum pay threshold, Grubhub will cover the difference to bring it up to the preset minimum pay.
This is an attractive feature that helps ensure you’re earning a decent income with the company.
You can drive a car or ride a bicycle while working with Grubhub. All car drivers must have a valid driver’s license, and all bicycle riders must have a valid state ID.
Pay is direct deposited every week. However, there is an option for Instant Cashout that 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 between two and six hours, depending on your location and what you’re delivering.
There are also Instant Offers for immediate and shorter blocks. Like Grubhub, Amazon always 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 of age to work at Amazon Flex and be eligible to work in the U.S.
You’ll 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 started as a delivery service launched in 2013, catering to patrons of restaurants 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 drivers can deliver to. However, now Caviar drivers can deliver to a wider range of restaurants thanks to the acquisition by DoorDash.
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 opportunities for delivery at upscale restaurants and lower-end fast food places. But either way, the expanded opportunity can result in higher earnings for you.
If you can secure some Caviar deliveries, you might earn bigger tips.
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. Note that you must be at least 21 years of age to deliver with Saucey and drive a car that is 2007 or newer.
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 is loaded with enough money to pay for your orders.
You must be at least 18 years of age to deliver for Shipt. You also need a 1997 or newer vehicle with insurance and be able to lift up to 40 pounds.
Deliverers will earn a per-order preset pay amount 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.
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 in Texas, including Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, etc.
Favor allows you to deliver groceries and restaurant orders. However, you may get other opportunities, such as dry cleaning deliveries, pharmacy orders, or pet store deliveries.
The variety can make the job more interesting.
You must have a valid driver’s license if you’re delivering by car, 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 cities in California and nearly 50 cities in three different Michigan counties.
You need to be at least 21 years of age to work for Eaze, and you will need to complete a criminal background check. Also, your vehicle must 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 it takes to get approved.
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 of age, as they may be required to deliver alcohol. A background check is also a requirement.
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’ll also need to 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.
The company’s driver support call center is available if you have questions about deliveries you’re scheduled to complete.
You’ll get paid via direct deposit, but there is also an option to choose daily pay for a fee.
13. Bite Squad
Expected pay: $15 to $20 per hour, depending on which shifts you work
What we like: Cash out anytime.
Bite Squad is a company that delivers restaurant food and operates in over 200 U.S. cities. When you deliver for Bite Squad, you’ll get paid based on the delivery distance and the time of day.
You’ll earn a base pay amount and keep any tips you earn. There is a minimum payment amount if you work during surge hours like the lunch and dinner rush.
Bite Squad has a default payment plan via direct deposit every two weeks; however, you can cash out anytime through the app. Take on as many or as few deliveries as you’d like when you choose to work.
You’ll need your own vehicle, including current insurance and a valid driver’s license. And you’ll have to have a Social Security number and agree to a background check.
14. Dolly
Expected pay: $50 per hour on average for Helpers, $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 one of the following: a pickup truck, a car with a trailer, a cargo van, or a box truck to help customers move or transport items.
Dolly Hands are there simply to 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 you do for being 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 can expect it to take five to ten days to get approved to start working. Use the Dolly app to find jobs near you.
How to Earn More Money as a Delivery Driver
You can do several things to maximize your income as a delivery driver.
1. Provide 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.
2. 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.
It can be easy to waste time on your phone between deliveries or drive around a neighborhood you haven’t been through simply to enjoy the view, so keep in mind that distractions will reduce your income-earning potential.
4. Take advantage of promotions, challenges, and peak hours.
Many delivery companies offer higher pay when running promotions or during peak hours (when more drivers are needed). Take advantage of these opportunities and increase your income.
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 more than one delivery job app. If you’re looking for a new way to earn extra cash, there’s no better time than the present.
Get started with the delivery company that works best for you.