📦 How much does a delivery driver make?

• Delivery pay: Couriers earn for completed pickups and drop-offs, plus distance pay and, in some cities, time pay. Source
• Tips: Customers may tip, and Uber says couriers keep 100% of the tips they receive. Source
• Promotions: Eligible couriers may earn extra through offers such as trip-count goals or area-based promotions. Source

In the United States, car couriers for Uber Eats generally must be 19 or older, or 21 in California and New York. Sign up in the Driver app, provide a valid license in your name and other required documents, and complete the background screening. Once Uber activates the account, you can accept delivery requests.

1. Choose a car, scooter, bicycle, or walking delivery option.
2. Meet the age and document rules for that delivery option.
3. Sign up in the Driver app and submit documents and a photo.
4. Complete the background screening and wait for activation.
5. Go online, accept a request, and deliver the order.

Qualifications and exams

For car delivery, Uber generally requires age 19 or older (21 in California and New York), a valid license in your name, an SSN, and a U.S. background screening.

A U.S. Uber Eats courier opens the app and checks the pickup, drop-off, and estimated time and distance before accepting a request. They collect the order, take it to the customer, mark it complete, and then decide whether to accept another delivery.

How much does a delivery driver make a year?

BLS does not count app couriers separately. Light truck drivers, who often deliver packages, had typical pay of $44,860 a year in May 2025. Source

Do couriers keep all their tips?

Yes. Uber says couriers keep 100% of the tips customers give them. Source

Why does pay change from one delivery to another?

Pay can change with estimated time and distance, multiple pickups or drop-offs, and local courier availability and demand. Source

Are extra bonuses guaranteed?

Not automatically. A Quest may require completing a set number of trips, while Boost+ applies to eligible deliveries in certain areas; offers and conditions vary. Source

When do delivery couriers get paid?

Uber offers weekly automatic bank deposits. With Instant Pay, couriers can cash out up to 6 times a day for a small fee. Source

Does delivery gig income have to be reported for taxes?

Yes. The IRS says gig income, including money from part-time or side work, must be reported on a tax return. Source

This section summarizes public sources. We only show numbers that have a source.