Most are familiar with Uber Eats as the delivery app that brings delicious meals and treats right to your doorstep. But did you know Uber Eats offers a quick way to earn cash while maintaining a flexible schedule? As an Uber Eats driver, you get to choose your work schedule and earn money either as a part-time or full-time driver. This delivery service has gradually become one of the top side hustles to conveniently and easily earn extra income.
In this article, we’ll be learning more about how delivering with Uber Eats works, Uber Eats pay, and how to get started.
How does Uber Eats work?
Uber Eats is a delivery food app that allows Uber Eats users to order food and have it delivered to them wherever they’re located. Using the Uber Eats app is quite easy. Uber Eats customers select a food vendor, choose items off a menu, then an Uber Eats driver picks up the request and delivers it to the customer.
Although Uber Eats seems quite similar to Doordash and Postmates, Uber Eats only makes prepared meal deliveries.
Uber Eats driver requirements
Don’t have a car? Not to worry! Uber allows deliveries via vehicle, scooter, and bicycle. However, there are requirements needed before a person can deliver with Uber Eats using their vehicle. Let’s look at some of these requirements below:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration
- You’ll need to have at least a minimum of 1-year license history
- Be to lift at least 30 pounds
- Have a 2-door or 4-door vehicle
Additionally, Uber offers a car rental program for those hoping to make extra money using their platform without a car.
How to be an Uber Eats driver
If you are new or already on the Uber platform, signing up to deliver with Uber Eats is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started as an Uber Eats driver.
Step 1
Download the Uber Eats app on your phone through Itunes or the Google play store.
Step 2
Sign up to become a driver.
Step 3
Agree to a screening. Once that is done, you’ll upload the required documents and a photo of yourself.
Step 4
Wait for a notification that you’ve been accepted.
Step 5
Once you’ve been approved, you can begin to get accepting delivery requests!
Already on the Uber platform?
If you’re already an Uber driver, here’s how you switch to Uber Eats delivery within the mobile app.
Step 1
Open your drivers’ profile, go to accounts, and select vehicles.
Step 2
Review the delivery terms. If it sits well with you, then accept and start taking delivering requests.
Step 3
Take on as many (or few) delivery requests within the app by turning delivery requests on and off.
How to deliver with Uber Eats
Delivery with the Uber Eats app involves these quick easy steps. They are:
- Open the Uber app on your mobile device
- Click on the status bar at the bottom of your screen
- Once that is done, a settings icon pops up also at the bottom of your screen. Click on it to see what notifications you’ve got
- Select deliveries that are within your location
- Then select the deliveries you wish to take on
How do Uber Eats drivers get paid?
The Uber Eats pay structure varies by city and vehicle. In the box below, the different payment plan for various cities are listed:
Uber Eats pay rate average in major cities
| City | Per-minute | Per mile | Per pick up | Per drop off |
| San Francisco, CA | $0.36 | $0.50 | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Denver, CO | $0.32 | $0.87 | $5.90 | $5.92 |
| Chicago, IL | $0.30 | $0.98 | $5.30 | $5.09 |
| Miami, FL | $0.22 | $0.69 | $4.30 | $4.37 |
| Seattle, WA | $0.34 | $1.14 | $5.75 | $5.74 |
| Nashville, TN | $0.26 | $0.77 | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Detroit, MI | $0.28 | $0.68 | $5.30 | $5.30 |
Who gets Uber Eats driver tips?
After the customer receives the delivery, they can decide to give the Uber Eats driver a tip in cash or add a tip in the app before or after an order. Regardless of how the customer pays the tip, 100% of the tip goes to the Uber Eats driver.
When does Uber Eats pay drivers?
Uber Eats earnings are either hourly, or weekly depending on your preference. On average, an Uber Eats driver could earn around $16 per hour. As an Uber Eats driver, your services are divided into two:
- Uber Eats full restaurant delivery
- Uber Eats instant delivery
Customers select their food choice using the app, while you have to use the app to find your customer’s location. These deliveries could either be drop-offs, walk-in or curbside.
Even though drivers are paid weekly, or hourly, you could choose an instant deposit as often as you would like for a fee.
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Best time to do Uber Eats
Practically, the more delivery demand you get equals the more profit you’re able to earn. Your Uber Eats income and tips can be doubled during these times:
- Peak hours like lunch (11am – 2pm) and dinner (5pm-9pm)
- When it’s raining
- During game days
- Delivering in busy areas with more Uber Eats restaurants like a downtown, these areas can typically offer more boost promotions.
To increase your income on these days, you’ll need to keep your notification on so that you can get as many delivery requests as possible.
Earn more cash with less stress
Delivering with Uber Eats allows almost anyone to earn more income on your terms. Whether you’re a college student needing a part-time gig or recently retired, delivering for Uber Eats offers a stress-free and flexible way to support your financial goals.
