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How much do Grubhub drivers make

January 31, 2025

Author:

Anastasiia Chub

How much do Grubhub drivers make on average?

Grubhub is one of the most popular food delivery platforms in the United States. 

Working for it is an open opportunity for workers who need to work flexibly and make money through food delivery.

This article explains in detail the breakdown of Grubhub pay, the average earnings, and ways of maximizing it.

Average earnings of Grubhub drivers

The earnings for Grubhub workers vary a lot according to location and demand. 

According to Indeed, an average Grubhub driver makes around $14 per hour. Many people, however, have reported higher earnings. 

Just like with most other jobs, there are good and bad states and areas for delivery drivers.

High-demand locations, such as in New York and in Los Angeles, pay $20 to $25 an hour, specifically during peak hours.

Suburban and less populous locations pay near the minimum wage.

Some claim to earn $1,000 a week or even more, but full-time work and working during high-demand times is a must for most.

Factors that affect Grubhub earnings

Many factors affect your earnings as a Grubhub delivery rider. This includes:

  • Location: Densely urban areas with high volumes and high activity will produce more orders, with high earning potential. Urban drivers will have an edge with shorter delivery routes and more orders in a delivery zone.
  • Peak hours: Lunch (11 AM–2 PM) and evening (5 PM–9 PM) peak times will have a propensity for generating increased pay and tips. Evening orders in high-traffic areas can pay high, with fewer drivers competing for them in off-hour times.
  • Grubhub award programs: Experienced drivers with high acceptance and low cancellation will have scheduling preferences and increased offerings of jobs for increased earnings and access to high-pay jobs.
  • Promotions and bonuses: As mentioned before, Grubhub will have contests periodically, including double pay for completing a specific quota of jobs in a specific time period. Staying in tune with when and planning shifts in kind can maximize earnings.

Of course, it also depends on how many hours per week you choose to work. Grubhub offers flexible working hours, so weekly pays can differ greatly. 

Most people have reported working between 4 and 8 hours a day, but only a few days in a week. Still, they all agree that working for Grubhub is a very profitable business, making it one of their favorite side hustles.

How Grubhub pays its drivers

Grubhub drivers are typically paid based on an offer system, meaning they receive a set amount per order. 

Pay consists of three parts: base pay, tips, and bonuses & promotions.

  • Base pay: Varies with distance, predicted delivery duration, and demand in a marketplace.
  • Tips: 100% of tips go to workers, and tips make a big contribution towards earnings.
  • Bonuses and promotions: Grubhub pays incentives at times, including high-demand pay during peak hours and delivery bonuses for a specific delivery quota.

Grubhub also has a minimum guaranteed wage, or Grubhub contribution, that depends on the state and area. 

If the delivery driver doesn’t earn a specific amount of money on their workday, Grubhub will pay them a guaranteed minimum, which is usually equivalent to or less than the minimum hourly wage.

Delivery drivers can get their pay in one of the two possible ways:

  • Direct deposit, which will be delivered to their bank accounts every Tuesday.
  • Instant Cash Out, which is free for Chase Bank customers and costs $0.50 per transaction for other bank customers. It’s also possible to get money instantly on a debit card, but for the price of $0.50, regardless of the bank.

Expenses Grubhub drivers should consider

Another thing Grubhub delivery drivers should consider is the expenses that come with the job. 

Here are some things you need to take note of:

  • Gas and car maintenance: For car owners, fuel, oil, and maintenance can burn earnings, with efficiency at pumps a key consideration.
  • Bike maintenance: Whether you are riding a bike or an e-bike, you will be the one responsible for the maintenance fees.
  • Auto and commercial insurance: Car drivers are required to have car insurance. Some types of cargo might also require commercial insurance. This is something you might want to check with the company, as the regulations might vary depending on the state. 

Of course, you are also the one responsible for buying or renting a vehicle of your choice. 

As such, many Grubhub drivers choose to deliver on an electric bike. 

There are many benefits to using an electric bike for delivery. This includes reducing expenses that go with working for the food delivery industry. 

How to maximize earnings on Grubhub

grubhub_delivery_rider.jpg

Let’s face it: Everyone wants to get the most out of their food delivery job. While Grubhub already offers a fairly high pay, it doesn’t hurt to do all you can to maximize your earnings. 

Here’s what you might want to do:

1. Get a proper electric bike. By buying a high-quality e-bike, you are decreasing your expenses, such as maintenance and charging fees, and thus increasing earnings. 

Check our current offer here, use code "WOW," and get $30 off your first month of rent.

2. Prioritize high-value orders. Long-distance orders with less pay will not pay out. For taking distance, duration, and tip value for each delivery into consideration, earnings can maximize.

3. Stack orders. Ordering many orders at a single stop can maximize efficiency and save time. Saving time and earning earnings per hour, multi-order orders maximize efficiency and save time.

4. Drive during peak times. Peak times, including lunch and dinner rushes, generate orders and high tips. Operating during high-rate, high-rate city locations during late shifts can generate high-value, same-hour orders.

5. Be a service superstar. Friendliness and punctuality can generate tips and positive feedback. Keeping in the loop with any change in delivery times helps build trust and maximize earnings overall.

6. Understand hot areas. Familiarity with high-demand locations and restaurants with high processing efficiency can enable drivers to make the best delivery options.

7. Use incentives and deals. Staying updated about Grubhub’s incentives for drivers and taking full use of peak pay times can make a big contribution to earnings.

Grubhub also notes that drivers who are 21+ can utilize orders containing alcoholic beverages, as these tend to pay more. However, it’s important to be careful and comply with local laws and regulations. 

Is driving for Grubhub worth it?

Now you have the answer to the question, “How much do Grubhub drivers make?”

Grubhub can be a sound source of earnings for flexible workers in search of a flexible work arrangement. 

Not only that, but you can greatly increase your earnings by following the tips we’ve mentioned, leading to a great profit.

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