10 Ways To Make Money Driving

Written by Jason Michaels Last Updated: May 8, 2024

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The idea of being your own boss is really appealing. The flexibility and freedom to work the job you want and when you want is ideal. It sounds too good to be true, but there are many real opportunities out there. Some of them revolve around driving in your own car all day long.

Between the freedom, fresh air, and good pay, I can see why people love to make money driving. And there are gigs out there for everyone. Even if you don’t have a nice car, you can still get a job driving.

Below I’ve covered 10 ways to make money driving. Each one offers different pay and unique benefits. Check out my list to find your best fit.

Table of Contents

1. Postmates

Highlights

Postmates is an on-demand service that customers use to get food from restaurants, groceries, retail items, and more. As a Postmates driver, you pick up and drop off goods that customers order.

This gig is another highly flexible option. There are no set hours you have to meet. You simply turn on the app whenever you feel like working. If you’re up for running errands and delivering items, consider becoming a Postmates driver.

Postmates Driver Qualifications

Postmates driver qualifications are discussed in several of their FAQ articles. To save you some time, I browsed these posts to find the major highlights. Postmates requires you:

To be 18 or older.
To pass a background check.
To have an insured vehicle or bicycle.
To provide your bank information for receiving payments.

As you can see, these requirements are pretty easy to meet. I suggest browsing the FAQ articles linked above. You can learn about vehicle requirements, deliveries, using the app, and more.

Postmates Driver Pay

Postmates delivery driver earnings are based on many factors. You get paid per food pick up, food drop off, a per mile rate, and more. Rates also vary depending on what city you work in. You can get the full details here. The most common average wage listed on Glassdoor.com is $11.33 per hour. Overall, drivers report earning anywhere between $9 to $14 per hour.

Postmates pays within 4-5 business days of each delivery you make. You can boost your earnings with peak hours, bonuses, and other options listed here. Drivers keep 100% of the tips they earn, too. You get paid through direct deposit to your bank account.

2. Instacart

Highlights

Instacart provides personal grocery shopping and/or grocery delivery services to customers. The company hires in-store shoppers and full-service shoppers. As a full-service shopper, you shop and deliver groceries.

Instacart says that full-service shoppers choose hours based on the personal schedules and preferences. Workers report a good hourly wage for both positions. If you’d like a flexible and unique driving gig, Instacart is worth checking out.

Instacart Shopper Qualifications

Instacart lists pretty straightforward requirements. These are listed as their basic qualifications:

You must be 18 or older.
You must have consistent vehicle access.
You must have two or more years of driving experience.
You must be eligible to work in the United States.
You must have a smartphone that’s an iPhone 4s/Android 4.0 or newer.
You must be able to lift 30 to 40 pounds.

The company also notes that they evaluate criminal histories, so you can anticipate a background check. Compared to other driving gigs, the Instacart shopper qualifications aren’t at all difficult to meet.

Instacart Shopper Pay

Indeed.com shows that Instacart delivery drivers report earning $13.25 to $16.02 per hour. Instacart shoppers report earning $18.48 to $24.00 per hour. Instacart pays workers on a weekly basis.

3. Lyft

Highlights

Lyft is another ridesharing service that’s popular throughout the country. The service is available in about 300 cities, and the number continues to grow. Lyft drivers get to set their own schedules. Many Lyft reviews from drivers are positive and say the job is fun, pays well, and the company is helpful.

You can even be a driver for Uber and Lyft at the same time. Driving for both is a great way to make a part-time income.

Lyft Driver Qualifications

Lyft provides plenty of detail about what you need to be a driver. To get started, you need to:

Be 21 or older.
Pass a DMV check
Pass a background check.
Have your driver’s license for at least one year.
Provide proof of auto insurance.
Provide proof of a car inspection.
Provide a photo of yourself.
Have valid license plates and updated registration.

There are additional requirements you need to meet, which you can read about here. Your car also needs to meet their list of criteria for you to start driving for Lyft.

Lyft Driver Pay

Glassdoor.com reports that Lyft drivers earn an average of $16.28 per hour. The payment structure is pretty similar to Uber. You can also get paid weekly bonuses and referral bonuses. Your exact earnings depend on many different factors.

Use the Lyft Driver Pay Estimator to get a good look at how much money you’ll make. This helpful tool lets you see estimates based on your location and how many hours you want to drive. Lyft pays drivers weekly via direct deposit.

4. Amazon Flex

Highlights

Amazon Flex is an up-and-coming service for Amazon Prime members. As a Flex driver, you get paid to deliver packages to Prime Members in your area. You pick up the packages from a local Amazon warehouse, and you’re on your way.

You set your own schedule and earn a high hourly wage, but you do have to work in shifts. Amazon calls these shifts ‘blocks’, and they last about four hours depending on your location. If you can commit to that, this well-paying gig is a solid pick.

Flex Driver Qualifications

The requirements for Flex drivers is pretty simple. To be eligible for this job, you need to:

Be 21 or older.
Provide your Social Security Number.
Have a valid driver’s license.
Have valid auto insurance.
Pass a background check.
Have a smartphone that meets the criteria listed under Getting Started.
Have a four-door midsize car or larger vehicle.
Provide your tax info and bank info.
Be available to work four-hour shifts.

If you’re eligible, you can start the easy application process. It doesn’t take long to get started, but you’ll need to wait 3-5 days for background check results.

Flex Driver Pay

Amazon pays Flex drivers $18 to $25 per hour. You can also get tips from Prime members, and you keep 100% of them. Indeed.com reviews say that the average pay is $18.00 to $21.22 per hour. The number of shifts you work per week have a big impact on your earnings, too.

As a Flex driver, you’re paid through direct deposit every Tuesday and Friday. Amazon says you’ll usually see payments in your bank account within one business day. The Flex driver app keeps you updated on how much you earn each shift.

5. Grubhub

Highlights

Grubhub is a unique service that expands food delivery options. Customers can order food from any eligible restaurant in their area, and Grubhub drivers deliver their orders.

The company works with chain restaurants and local hot spots. Grubhub drivers get paid to make deliveries using their own car or bicycle. You set your own hours, so this is yet another flexible delivery driver job.

Grubhub Driver Qualifications

Grubhub delivery driver criteria are listed on their main employment page. To be eligible, you need to:

Be 19 or older (21 or older in Chicago)
Have at least two years of driving experience
Have an iPhone with iOS 8 or higher or an Android with 4.0 or higher.
Have a valid driver’s license.
Have valid auto insurance.
Have a valid state ID if you plan to deliver via bicycle.
Have a checking account to get paid.
Pass a background check

These standards are pretty easy for the average person to meet. If you have any questions, explore the Grubhub FAQ section.

Grubhub Driver Pay

Grubhub drivers are paid per delivery order, and they earn $0.50 per mile driven between restaurants and customers. In some cities, drivers earn a guaranteed hourly minimum.

You also keep 100% of the tips that you earn. Indeed.com shows that Grubhub drivers report earning an average of $11.72 per hour. Glassdoor.com shows average earnings of $13.00 per hour. In online forums, drivers commonly report earning as much as $20 per hour.

As a driver, you’re paid each Thursday by direct deposit. Your weekly payment covers the amount you earned Monday through Sunday of the previous week. Drivers who schedule blocks – set hourly shifts – are reportedly given priority for receiving delivery orders.

6. Taskrabbit

Highlights

Taskrabbit is a diverse online marketplace that lets clients hire Taskers to complete all types of work. As a Tasker, there are several driving-based gigs to choose from.

Examples include delivery services, pickup and dropoff services, moving services, and more. You get to pick your hours and set your own hourly rate. This is truly a gig where you get to be your own boss. If you have transportation and basic skills, consider becoming a Tasker.

Taskrabbit Tasker Qualifications

Taskrabbit criteria are surprisingly simple to meet. To become a Tasker, you need to:

Be 21 or older.
Have a valid U.S. Social Security Number.
Pass a background and identity check.
Have a checking account.
Have a smartphone. You’ll need iOS 7.0 or later, or Android 4.0.3 or later.

When your application is approved, you set up a profile. This is where you list the tasks you’ll complete, your work experience, your hourly rate, and other details. It may take a few weeks to get a response to your application. You may also need to complete a digital interview and orientation session.

Taskrabbit Tasker Pay

Tasker pay depends on many different things. First, you need to pick your hourly rate. Suggested rates are listed on the Tasker site. Taskrabbit takes a 30% commission from your earnings.

Your availability and the demand from customers also impact your earnings. Glassdoor.com shows that Taskers earn anywhere from $8 to $37 per hour.

You submit an invoice after you complete each task. Your customers have 24 hours to provide payment, and Taskers get paid via direct deposit. Tasker reviews commonly say payments are received 3-5 business days after the customer pays.

7. GoShare

Highlights

GoShare is a professional delivery service that matches customers with local delivery drivers. GoShare drivers use their vehicles to transport cargo for customers. You’ll be helping customers move, haul items, and you’ll deliver large items.

For this gig, you need to drive a small pickup truck, large pickup truck, cargo van, or box truck. You set your own hours and earn a high hourly wage. If you’re willing to do a bit of manual labor, you can quickly earn money as a GoShare driver.

GoShare Driver Qualifications

The minimum requirements for GoShare drivers are listed on their main hiring page. To start out, you need to:

Be 18 or older.
Have a vehicle from 2003 to present date.
Have valid vehicle insurance.
Have valid health insurance.
Pass a background check.
Pass a driving history check.
Have a smartphone that can run the GoShare app.
Have a checking account to get paid.
Speak English.

The background check takes 2 to 7 days. If your application is accepted, you’ll also need to watch orientation videos and pass a test. The GoShare Driver Help page discusses this and offers more helpful details for potential drivers.

GoShare Driver Pay

GoShare Drivers earn $47.52 to $71.52 per hour. Your hourly wage depends on the type of vehicle you drive. You can also earn tips from customers for providing good service. GoShare pays via direct deposit. You’re paid within 3-7 days of each project you complete.

8. BuddyTruk

Highlights

BuddyTruk is another platform that hires drivers to transport cargo for customers. BuddyTruk delivery drivers are called Buddies. As a Buddy, you pick up customer items, deliver them, and provide moving assistance when necessary.

You can view photos of items before you accept a delivery, so you know if you’re capable of moving them. If you’re up for these tasks, you can earn a good hourly wage through BuddyTruk.

BuddyTruk Buddy Qualifications

BuddyTruk has pretty simple requirements for potential drivers. To get hired as a Buddy, you need to:

Be 21 or older.
Have a strong driving record.
Be able to lift at least 50 pounds.
Pass a DMV check.
Pass a criminal background check.
Have valid auto insurance.

The vehicle requirements aren’t listed on the Buddytruk Help page. This page does state that Buddytruk team member will also provide a vehicle questionnaire addressing the condition of your vehicle.

BuddyTruk Buddy Pay

The amount you earn as a BuddyTruk Buddy depends on a few factors. BuddyTruk uses an algorithm for charging customers that includes haul time, driving distance, and so on.

The FAQ page says you can earn an average of $40 to $60 per hour-long transaction. You receive payment via direct deposit two days after completing a transaction.

9. UberEATS

Highlights

UberEATS is a service offered by Uber, but the driver responsibilities and criteria are different. Customers use UberEATS to order food from restaurants, and you pick up and deliver the orders.

You can deliver using any type of vehicle – walking and cycling are options, too. The hours you work are 100% flexible. If you need a driving gig with simple vehicle requirements, UberEATS is the way to go.

UberEATS Driver Qualifications

It’s very easy to become an UberEATS driver. You just need to:

Be 19 years or older
Have one or more years of driving experience.
Have a valid driver’s license
Have valid auto insurance and vehicle registration.
Be capable of lifting up to 30 pounds.
Have a 2-door or 4-door car made after 1998, any model or make of 2-wheel scooter, or have a bicycle.

You can read a little bit more about delivery here. But overall, almost anyone can become an UberEATS delivery driver.

UberEATS Driver Pay

UberEATS drivers earn based on a structure of base pay, time of the trip, distance of the trip, and surge pricing. The base, time, and distance pay will vary by city. Glassdoor.com shows that UberEats drivers report earning an average of $11 per hour.

UberEATS offers an Instant Pay feature where drivers can get paid up to five times per day. You simply need a debit card for this feature. Alternatively, weekly payments are another option.

10. Uber

Highlights

Uber is one of the most popular ridesharing services available. As an Uber driver, you use your car to pick up and drop off customers. You can driver for Uber 24/7 and 365 days a year. Drivers set their own schedules. You can work a few hours on the weekend or make it a part-time job. If you want a super flexible gig, Uber is one is worth considering.

Uber Driver Qualifications

Uber thoroughly explains their qualifications on their website. These are the major ones you’ll need to meet. You must:

Be at least 21 years old.
Have three or more years of driving experience.
Have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance.
Have a four-door car that meets their criteria.
Provide proof of vehicle registration and vehicle insurance.
Pass a background check that looks over your criminal history and driving record.

You can read the full list of qualifications here.
Uber Driver Pay

Uber drivers are paid per ride they give. The pay per ride depends on the length of the ride, how long the ride took, surge pricing, and a few other different factors. Drivers also keep 100% of the tips they earn. Uber offers an in-depth explanation of this and an earnings estimator here.

Glassdoor.com reports that Uber driver pay averages $14.83 per hour. Keep in mind your earnings depend on how often you work, the demand in your area, and so on. You can see more Uber hourly wages in my review linked above. Uber drivers are paid weekly through direct deposit.

More Ways To Make Extra Money From Home

These driving gigs are pretty great jobs for many people. But they aren’t the only way you can make extra money from home. Whether you’re driving, in a home office, or using your smartphone, you have tons of options. I suggest checking out these posts to see some examples.

That’s over 60 side gigs at the tip of your fingers! You can find hundreds of additional ideas in our Make Money section. When it comes to earning extra income, Frugal For Less has you covered.