Chicago is a very active food delivery city in the US, and as a Chicago Uber Eats driver, you've probably been told you're able to earn as much as $30 an hour, specifically during the peak evening hours.
But is that really possible? And what are some of the variables that can impact how much you actually make?
In this article, we'll break down the actual figures, discuss topics that are going to help you find out about the most profitable times to work, and outline how much Uber delivery drivers make in Chicago.
Uber Eats in Chicago: What the numbers inform us
Indeed states that the average hourly pay of Uber Eats Chicago drivers is $30.75, which is 73% greater than the overall national average. That is a substantial amount higher than what food riders are receiving in most other cities.
Naturally, realistic earnings are subject to numerous variables such as weather, location, and tips from customers.
| Hours Worked/Week |
Hourly Rate |
Total/Week
|
Total/Month |
| $20 (part-time) |
$30 |
$600 |
$2,400 |
| $30 |
$30 |
$900 |
$3,600 |
| $36 (6/day, 6/wk) |
$30 |
$1,080 |
$4,320 |
When is the best time to deliver in Chicago?
Peak delivery times make a huge difference. The best hours during work days to deliver for Uber Eats in Chicago are usually lunch hours that start around 11 am and end around 2 pm, as well as dinner, where hours are between 5 pm and 9 pm.
When we talk about weekends, the usual busy hours for deliveries are evenings, especially Fridays and Saturdays. Some delivery workers report earning $30/hour or more on a regular basis during dinner rush. Working during these peak periods can significantly increase earnings.
What influences your earnings as an Uber driver in Chicago?
There are several factors that influence how much Uber Eats drivers make:
- Mode of transport - eBikes are faster and more economical than cycling or walking, even in the traffic of Chicago. On a high-speed e-bike like the Whizz Storm-2, you can cover more distance and transport more in one hour.
- Delivery distance - Closer distances translate to faster deliveries and more deliveries per hour. Being near restaurant-dense areas like River North or Wicker Park works in your favor.
- Tips - Tipping is a major share of your revenue. Friendly and quick service makes you more likely to earn higher tips.
- Promos and discounts - Uber generally offers incentives in the form of "Quests" and "Boost zones," which can increase your pay at a specific time or place.
- Weather conditions - Rain, snow, or freezing temperatures are not fun, but they have a way of keeping more drivers off the road and more people in the mood to order in. That translates to less competition for you and more surge earnings.
- Delivery platform experience - Knowing the busiest zones, accepting the most profitable orders, and knowing when to decline low-earning deliveries can all play a big role in earning potential. Experienced couriers earn more simply by acting strategically.
- Acceptance of orders - Even if you don’t need to accept every single order, refusing deliveries regularly can decrease your priority level for higher-paying ones. Being active and responsive, however, keeps you in the running.
Related: How much does an Uber Eats bike make
How e-bikes are making a difference in Chicago
If you're commuting in Chicago traffic or spending long periods of time in lines at restaurants and apartments, an e-bike will save you time and energy.
The Whizz Storm-2 is designed for gig workers, and most drivers who switch to riding an e-bike report picking up more orders per hour and expending less energy, meaning more hours and increased income.
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Expenses to have in mind
While profits are necessary, you need to monitor the expenses as well. Some of the typical expenses for Uber Eats food delivery riders can include gas (for car or scooter operators), which can be avoided by using e-bikes.
Also, parking tickets are one of the reasons why it is better to get on an e-bike instead of a car.
While we are on the topic of e-bikes, it is also important to mention bike servicing that can be avoided if the riders are renting an e-bike from Whizz.
Renting bikes slashes costs significantly. Using a rented Whizz e-bike eliminates most of these costs and offers consistent performance.
Delivery equipment that includes insulated bags and phone mounts is especially important for all riders who want to do the job effectively.
What Chicago's Uber drivers are saying
There are Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and forums filled with drivers who share their tips and their income. So, what did they say on the topic of how much Uber drivers make in Chicago?
There are reports that those working between 5 pm and 9 pm can easily earn $100.
Also, some said that Fridays and Saturdays are where the cash is. To maximize these peak times, they recommended running up consecutive deliveries. These are testimonials that show that with planning and the correct equipment, $30/hour and more is certainly achievable.
Read Also: Does Uber pay for gas
Final thoughts: How much do Uber drivers make in Chicago?
So, how much do Chicago Uber drivers make? The average is roughly $30.75 per hour, and with a little smart planning, peak-hour delivering, and proper equipment such as the Whizz Storm-2 e-bike, you can make $900/week or better.
That's over $3,000/month, especially if you do evening or weekend deliveries. If you want to seriously increase your earnings, upgrade your delivery with a high-performance, reliable e-bike. For other companies, such as DoorDash you can check out our website to find out more.
The Whizz Storm-2 offers speed, battery life, and backup that Chicago gig workers can count on. Get ready to ride smart. Book a test ride or find out more at Whizz today.
