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March 13, 2025
Want to maximize your earnings as a delivery driver in 2025? With so many food and package delivery apps available, choosing the right platform can make a big difference in your earnings. We’ve ranked the top-paying platforms of 2025 so you can earn more with every shift.
According to recent industry reports, top earners on certain apps can make over $30 per hour, while others struggle to cross $15 per hour due to lower demand and pay structures.
With more people turning to delivery apps for flexible income, choosing the right platform matters. Some services in 2025 stand out with higher base pay, better customer tips, and rewarding incentives.
For both seasoned couriers and newcomers, delivery earnings aren’t one-size-fits-all. Where you work, when you log in, and how often you receive tips and bonuses can make a huge difference.
If you’re looking to maximize your earnings and make every shift count, so, buckle up as we break down the top-paying delivery apps of 2025. Companies with wider availability and extended working hours ranked higher on our list.
What to Look for in a High-Paying Delivery Job
Delivery jobs do not all pay the same; the reason goes beyond the hourly wage. The issuance of preference in terms of delivery jobs involves the following:
1. Type of Delivery Matters
Each delivery service has its own requirements. Some require a car, while others allow bikes, e-bikes, or scooters. Choose the best fit for your needs.
2. Flexibility vs. Stability
Do you want to choose your hours or be set with a schedule? Whereas you have the option to work anytime you want in most delivery apps, some of them would prescribe fixed shifts. Depending on your goals in earning, select one according to your time availability.
3. Hidden Costs Can Add Up
Consider costs such as gas, car maintenance, and insurance. Some opportunities involve a larger initial investment, so consider these expenses when considering potential pay.
4. Physical Demands
Long hours of driving or handling heavy packages may not be suitable for all. Before signing up, ensure that the job suits your comfort zone and physical tolerance.
5. Payment and Perks
When do you receive payment? Do you get a bonus during peak hours? Do you get tips? Knowing how you’re being paid is essential to earn more.
Want to Earn More as a Delivery Driver? Here’s What Affects Your Pay
Let’s dissect the figures and what’s in store for delivery drivers. Delivery drivers on average get between $15 and $25 an hour, but those driving in high-demand locations or working peak hours get a lot more. Your real earnings are based on a number of factors, including:
- Your Location: Higher-paying delivery work tends to occur in city centers.
- Hours Worked: More hours, particularly around rush times, equate to more pay.
- Type of Deliveries: Food, grocery, and parcel deliveries all have different pay.
- Company Bonuses: Certain companies provide bonuses for making a specified number of deliveries.
- Customer Tips: Good service can translate into improved tips.
Note: The rise of on-demand services means more opportunities for drivers. Choose the right gig and maximize your income.
Top Delivery Apps That Pay the Most in 2025
Are you looking for the highest-paying delivery jobs? The apps mentioned below provide excellent pay, bonuses, and flexibility, whether you deliver food, groceries, or parcels. Have a look!
1. DoorDash – The Market Leader in Earnings
Founded: 2013
Average Earnings: $20–$25 per hour
Bonus/Incentives: Peak pay, challenges, tips
DoorDash consistently ranks as one of the highest-paying delivery applications. The pay comprises base pay, peak pay incentives, and generous customer tips. Peak meal hours offer the greatest potential for drivers to maximize their earnings.
The app also features “Challenges,” wherein drivers can gain extra bonuses by successfully completing a set number of deliveries within a timeframe specified in the challenge prompt.
Pro Tip: If you wish to earn as high as possible, consider working during peak lunch and dinner rushes while accepting above-average tip orders from premium restaurants.
| Pros | Cons |
| 100% of your tips go straight to you | $1.25 charge for instant cashouts to a debit card |
| Total flexibility—choose when and how much you work | Cashouts limited to six times per day |
| Extra earnings per mile in addition to base pay | Must pass a background screening |
| Fuel savings of up to $0.07 per gallon |
2. Uber Eats – Best for Surge Pricing
Founded: 2014
Average Earnings: $18–$24 per hour
Bonus/Incentives: Surge pricing, tips, hourly guarantees
Uber Eats remains one of the strongest options. Its unique surge pricing feature boosts payments during busy times. Some regions offer guaranteed hourly earnings, ensuring drivers receive a minimum pay per hour worked.
The app links up with Uber Rideshare, allowing drivers to toggle between food deliveries and picking up passengers for more earning potential.
Pro Tip: Drivers should ensure they keep checking [for things such as] surge zones and stack orders: accept multiple deliveries for just one trip.
| Pros | Cons |
| Get paid immediately with DasherDirect¹ | Fees apply for daily payment withdrawals |
| Save on gas with cashback rewards using a DasherDirect card | Fast Pay requires a linked debit card |
| Access discounts on taxes, vehicle upkeep, medical care, and more | — – – – – – — |
3. Grubhub – Great for Consistent Orders
Founded: 2004
Average Earnings: $15–$22 per hour
Bonus/Incentives: Tips, promotions
Grubhub may not offer the most competitive base pay, but it does keep orders flowing regularly, particularly in the cities. With tips from customers and promotional pay incentives, earning a fairly good wage is possible.
Pro Tip: Cater or group orders are larger-size orders that may increase total earnings because they come with bigger tips.
| Pros | Cons |
| Access to instant cashouts with no extra fees | Instant Cashout incurs a $0.50 charge for most banks and debit cards |
| Special grants designed for Grubhub drivers | Hiring for new drivers may be restricted at times |
| Guaranteed earnings if no orders are received during a scheduled block | Alcohol delivery requires drivers to be at least 21 |
4. Postmates (Now Part of Uber)
Founded: 2011
Average Earnings: $18–$22 per hour
Bonus/Incentives: Peak pay, tips, challenges
The merge with Uber Eats allows Postmates to let its drivers deliver food, groceries, and retail items. This increased variety of deliveries provides more delivery requests. This, in turn, can bring a driver additional pay on top of the already good payout.
Pro Tip: When you’re driving for Uber Eats and you enable Postmates deliveries, your earnings increase because you’re getting many more delivery requests.
| Pros | Cons |
| Drivers earn both a per-mile rate and a set fee per pickup | A background check is required before starting |
| Some cities offer additional pay based on time spent on deliveries | Higher minimum age restrictions apply for drivers |
5. Shipt – Best for Grocery Delivery
Founded: 2014
Average Earnings: $15–$22 per hour
Bonus/Incentives: Tips, bonuses, hourly guarantees
Shipt delivers groceries, which probably results in higher order values and better tips. In certain areas, hourly guarantees offer a safety net for earning a minimum salary, and drivers might receive bonuses for making multiple deliveries in a short period of time.
Pro Tip: Large grocery orders usually mean larger tips, so focusing on high-value orders could increase earnings considerably.
| Pros | Cons |
| Complimentary Shipt membership | Only drivers with 4-door vehicles qualify |
| Join a network of other Shipt shoppers for support | Must handle deliveries up to 50 lbs |
| Guaranteed minimum pay per order | A 1% fee applies to instant payouts |
6. Instacart – Ideal for Shoppers Who Enjoy Bulk Orders
Founded: 2012
Average Earnings: $15–$20 per hour
Bonus/Incentives: Tips, batch bonuses
Instacart has an entirely different way to go about grocery delivery, whereby shoppers pick and pack groceries before delivering them. This platform provides two distinct options:
In-store shoppers: In-store shoppers are part-time employees picking and staging orders at assigned locations. No delivery means a car isn’t needed. They earn an hourly wage and enjoy flexible shifts.
Full-service shoppers: work as independent contractors to shop for and deliver groceries. They set their hours working, and for each batch that they turn in, they’re paid based on how large the order is, how far away it is, and how long it takes to shop it. But to be a full-service shopper, one must have a vehicle with insurance.
Pro Tip: To increase your pay even more, accept batch orders that allow you to shop for more than one customer.
| Pros | Cons |
| Full-service shoppers enjoy complete flexibility—work whenever you want | Recent reductions in base pay rates |
| No vehicle required for in-store shopping positions | Must be able to lift at least 30 pounds |
| Company covers missing tips on orders without disputes | Instant cashouts come with a $0.50 fee |
7. Amazon Flex – Best for High Hourly Pay
Founded: 2015
Average Earnings: $18–$25 per hour
Bonus/Incentives: Hourly pay, tips
Amazon Flex represents a flexible method of making money delivering Amazon orders, including Prime Now and Amazon Fresh. Different from other delivery gigs dependent on demand, Flex allows drivers to schedule delivery blocks ahead of time and, thus, have a more predictable work schedule.
For orders that do not come with tips, Amazon guarantees a minimum payout. A two-hour shift marked $36 to $50 ensures a minimum of $36, with any additional tips boosting your pay.
| Pros | Cons |
| Competitive pay ranging from $18 to $25 per hour (Amazon estimate) | Tips are only available on certain orders |
| No-cost commercial auto insurance for drivers | Driver opportunities are city-specific |
| Exclusive fuel and vehicle maintenance discounts via Amazon Flex Rewards | No passengers or pets allowed during deliveries |
8. GoPuff – Best for Quick and Easy Deliveries
Founded: 2013
Average Earnings: $16–$20 per hour
Bonus/Incentives: Tips, promotions
GoPuff works a little differently than other delivery services as it stores its inventory so drivers don’t have to pick up orders from restaurants or stores. This makes getting the orders delivered faster and more efficient, bringing the drivers consistent earnings.
Pro Tip: GoPuff set pickup locations, you can do multiple deliveries very quickly, thus earning more per hour.
| Pros | Cons |
| Fixed earnings per order instead of per mile | Service area is limited to specific cities |
| Faster delivery process with fewer restaurant/store stops | Drivers must handle their car expenses |
| Choose your hours, including late-night shifts | No extra pay for time spent waiting or driving long distances |
Wrapping Up
To make the most money, it’s essential to understand how each delivery app pays the most for drivers, including factors like base pay, tips, and bonuses. Strategically working during busy hours and in high-demand locations will help you maximize your earnings across multiple platforms.
Now is the perfect time to break into the food delivery market and take advantage of the rising demand. Launching your own food delivery platform allows you to serve customers efficiently while providing delivery drivers with competitive pay, bonuses, and flexible work options.
However, the market is growing, and if you want to enter this space, TekRevol can help you build the best on-demand food delivery app that stands out.
With our expertise in app development, we ensure your platform is feature-rich, scalable, and optimized for seamless user experience.
- Want to build a profitable food delivery app?
- We have the expertise to create a feature-rich, scalable platform that stands out.
