Last updated Jul. 10, 2024 by Peter Jakes
The rise of food delivery services has revolutionized the way people dine, offering convenience at their fingertips. For drivers, these platforms provide an opportunity to earn a steady income on a flexible schedule. Here, we explore the best food delivery apps that pay drivers well in 2023.
Uber Eats
Overview
Uber Eats, extending from the Uber rideshare platform, has become a dominant player in the food delivery market. Being one of the pioneering services, it boasts vast market penetration and a user-friendly interface.
Earnings
Uber Eats drivers can earn between $10 to $20 per hour, depending on factors like location, demand, and hours worked. Peak times and incentives can also bump up earnings significantly.
DoorDash
Overview
DoorDash continues to lead in the delivery service industry, thanks to its vast reach and dedicated user base. Unlike other platforms, DoorDash diversifies its delivery options, extending beyond food to groceries and alcohol.
Earnings
DoorDash drivers, known as Dashers, can make around $15 to $25 per hour. The platform also offers periodic bonuses and promotions, boosting potential earnings.
Grubhub
Overview
Grubhub is another major player in the food delivery sector, recognized for its robust app and widespread network of restaurant partnerships.
Earnings
Grubhub drivers earn around $12 to $18 per hour. The company provides guaranteed minimums in certain markets and offers opportunities to earn more during busy hours through incentives and bonuses.
Instacart
Overview
Instacart is a bit different as it focuses on grocery delivery. However, the surge in demand for grocery deliveries has made it a lucrative option for drivers.
Earnings
Instacart shoppers can typically make between $15 to $20 per hour, including tips. As a shopper, you take care of picking, packing, and delivering groceries, making it a comprehensive job compared to just delivering prepared food.
Postmates
Overview
Postmates, now a part of Uber Eats, remains a standalone app offering delivery services for food, groceries, and even goods from local stores.
Earnings
Postmates drivers earn between $10 to $18 per hour. The variability in earnings comes from tips, promotional periods, and peak times.
Amazon Flex
Overview
Although not strictly a food delivery service, Amazon Flex offers considerable earnings potential for drivers by providing a platform to deliver Amazon packages, groceries through Amazon Fresh, and even restaurant orders.
Earnings
Amazon Flex drivers can earn between $18 to $25 per hour, making it one of the highest-paying delivery gigs available.
Caviar
Overview
Caviar, traditionally perceived as a premium food delivery service, focuses on higher-end restaurant deliveries. It’s designed to cater to a market willing to pay a premium for quality service.
Earnings
Caviar couriers can earn about $15 to $25 per hour. The premium segment often means higher tips, especially in high-end markets.
Shipt
Overview
Similar to Instacart, Shipt specializes in grocery delivery. It operates prominently in many regions across the U.S., offering another alternative for those interested in this niche.
Earnings
Shipt shoppers reportedly earn between $15 to $22 per hour, often depending on the complexity and size of the grocery order. Tips also play a significant role in enhancing earnings.
Deliveroo
Overview
Deliveroo is a popular app outside the U.S., particularly strong in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Known for its robust restaurant partnerships, it provides ample earning opportunities for drivers.
Earnings
Deliveroo drivers earn on average $12 to $20 per hour. The earnings largely depend on delivery volume, demand, and tips.
Favor
Overview
Favor is an app gaining traction in selected states. It offers delivery of a wide array of items, from food to groceries and personal items.
Earnings
Favor drivers, called Runners, average earnings can range from $10 to $18 per hour. Tips are a significant part of the income, and Favor promotes a strong tipping culture among users.
Deliver That
Overview
Deliver That focuses mainly on catering and larger order deliveries, which can offer bulk or higher pay than standard food delivery services.
Earnings
Drivers on Deliver That can expect to make between $20 to $30 per hour. The specialized market of catering and high-volume orders ensures substantial earnings.
Roadie
Overview
Roadie is a unique delivery service that integrates everyday individuals needing to send items with drivers. It covers a wide range, from food to small parcels or even larger items.
Earnings
Roadie drivers earn between $8 to $25 per gig, depending on the size and type of delivery, as well as the distance involved.
Conclusion
Choosing the Right App
Selecting the best app depends largely on individual circumstances, including location, preferred delivery types, and available hours. By signing up for multiple platforms, drivers can optimize their earnings, leveraging peak times and special incentives offered by different services.
✓ Short Answer
Choosing the best food delivery app to drive for in 2023 involves considering multiple factors, including earning potential, flexibility, and the type of deliveries you prefer. Platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart offer competitive earnings and flexible schedules, making them popular choices for drivers. Additionally, exploring lesser-known apps like Deliver That and Favor could yield higher earnings in specialized markets.
FAQs
Which food delivery app is the best to drive for in 2023?
The best app depends on your goals and location. DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart are generally the top choices due to their competitive pay and flexible schedules.
How much can food delivery drivers make in 2023?
Earnings can range from $10 to $30 per hour, depending on the app, location, time of day, and tips.
Are there any special requirements to drive for these apps?
Most apps require you to be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and pass a background check. Some might also require vehicle insurance and a reliable mode of transportation.
Can I drive for multiple delivery apps at the same time?
Yes, many drivers sign up for multiple apps to maximize their earnings. This allows them to switch between platforms based on demand and availability.
Do food delivery drivers get tips?
Yes, tips can constitute a significant portion of a delivery driver’s income. Almost all platforms enable tipping, and some encourage customers to tip generously.
Are there advantages to driving for lesser-known apps?
Lesser-known apps like Deliver That and Favor often face less competition among drivers. They may also offer higher earnings for specialized deliveries.
By leveraging the opportunities presented by these various platforms, drivers in 2023 have numerous avenues to maximize their income and enjoy a flexible work schedule.
