Gig apps advertise earnings of $20-30/hour. What they're showing is gross pay during active time only—not including time waiting for orders, driving to pickup zones, vehicle expenses, or self-employment taxes. When you calculate total hours worked and subtract real costs, most gig workers net $10-16/hour. This guide compares actual take-home pay across major gig platforms.
Why Gross and Net Earnings Are So Different
Every gig platform shows you the highest possible number—gross earnings during "active" time. Here's what gets subtracted to reach your actual hourly rate:
| Cost Category | Typical Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid time (waiting, driving to zones) | -20 to -35% | Apps only count "active" delivery/ride time |
| Gas/fuel | -10 to -20% | Depends on MPG and local prices |
| Vehicle maintenance & depreciation | -5 to -15% | Oil, tires, brakes, repairs, value loss |
| Self-employment tax | -15.3% | On net profit after expenses |
| Insurance gap (if applicable) | -2 to -5% | Commercial coverage not included in personal policies |
Combined, these factors typically reduce gross pay by 35-50%. A driver showing $24/hour on the app might net $12-16/hour in reality.
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Essential Gear for Side Hustlers
- Dash Cam - Document your work and protect yourself
- Car Phone Charger - Stay connected on the go
- Portable Power Bank - Never run out of battery
- Phone Mount - Hands-free navigation
What to Realistically Expect
- Time required: For every "active" hour the app tracks, expect 1.3-1.5 hours of real work including commuting to zones, waiting for orders, and dead time between gigs. A 4-hour shift on the app is often 5-6 hours of your time.
- Earnings range: Net hourly rates across platforms typically fall in the $10-16/hour range for most workers in most markets. Top performers in high-demand urban areas might hit $18-22/hour net. Rural and suburban areas often see $8-12/hour net.
- Main tradeoffs: Flexibility to work any hours vs. no guaranteed minimum. Your earnings depend heavily on your market, vehicle efficiency, and willingness to work peak (often inconvenient) hours.
Real Hourly Rates by Platform
Based on driver reports and earnings data, here's what workers actually take home:
| Platform | Gross (App Shows) | Net (Actual) | Key Variables |
|---|---|---|---|
| DoorDash | $18-25/hr | $11-16/hr | Market density, tip culture |
| Uber Eats | $16-24/hr | $10-15/hr | Surge pricing, order stacking |
| Instacart | $20-30/hr | $13-18/hr | Tip percentage, batch quality |
| Amazon Flex | $18-25/hr | $13-18/hr | Block availability, route efficiency |
| Uber (rideshare) | $20-35/hr | $12-20/hr | City, time of day, surge |
| Lyft | $18-30/hr | $11-18/hr | Similar to Uber in most markets |
| TaskRabbit | $25-60/hr | $18-40/hr | Skill level, task type, no vehicle costs for many tasks |
| Shipt | $18-28/hr | $12-17/hr | Member matching, tip consistency |
Net rates assume: 28 MPG, $3.50/gallon gas, 15 miles/hour driven, $0.10/mile maintenance, and 15.3% SE tax on net profit. Individual results vary significantly based on vehicle, market, and strategy.
Factors That Make or Break Your Hourly Rate
Factors that increase earnings:
- Fuel-efficient vehicle: 40+ MPG vs 20 MPG can mean $3-5/hour more net
- Urban, dense market: Less driving between orders
- Peak hour focus: Lunch/dinner consistently pay 30-50% more
- Multi-apping: Reduces waiting time between orders
- Strategic order selection: Declining $4 orders for $8+ orders
Factors that decrease earnings:
- Gas-guzzling vehicle: SUVs and trucks destroy margins
- Suburban/rural market: Long drives, fewer orders
- Off-peak hours: Afternoons and late nights often slow
- Accepting every order: Low-pay orders tank your average
- Poor zone knowledge: Driving to wrong areas wastes time
Non-Driving Gig Alternatives
Not all gig work requires a car. These platforms often have better net hourly rates because vehicle expenses don't eat into earnings:
| Platform | Typical Net Rate | Work Type |
|---|---|---|
| TaskRabbit (handyman) | $25-50/hr | Furniture assembly, mounting, repairs |
| Rover (pet sitting) | $15-25/hr | Dog walking, boarding, drop-ins |
| Care.com (caregiving) | $15-25/hr | Babysitting, senior care, housekeeping |
| Wonolo (warehouse) | $14-20/hr | Warehouse shifts, event staffing |
| Instawork (hospitality) | $15-22/hr | Restaurant, catering, hotel shifts |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gig work worth it compared to a regular job?
It depends on your alternatives. If you can get a W-2 job paying $15+/hour with benefits, that often beats gig work after expenses. If your options are minimum wage or nothing, gig work with a fuel-efficient car in a good market can be competitive.
Which gig app pays the best?
It varies by city and time. TaskRabbit typically has the highest net rates but inconsistent demand. For driving apps, Instacart and Amazon Flex often edge out DoorDash and Uber Eats, but market-specific factors matter more than platform choice.
How do I maximize my hourly rate?
Work peak hours only (11am-1pm, 5pm-9pm, weekends). Multi-app to reduce idle time. Set a minimum acceptable order value (typically $6-8 minimum, $1.50-2/mile). Know your zone—which restaurants are fast, which areas tip well.
Should I track all my hours or just active hours?
Track all hours from leaving home to returning. This is your real time investment. If you only count active app time, you'll overestimate your hourly rate by 25-40% and make poor decisions about whether gig work is worth your time.
Is it worth buying a car specifically for gig work?
Rarely. If you need to buy a car just for gig work, the depreciation and payments often eat most of your net earnings. Gig work math works best when you already own a fuel-efficient vehicle and the gig income is supplemental. Don't take on car debt expecting gig work to cover it.
Do tips make a big difference?
Huge difference. Food delivery and grocery shopping (Instacart, Shipt) rely heavily on tips—sometimes 30-50% of total earnings. Rideshare tips are less common but still meaningful. Learning to maximize tips (fast delivery, good communication, presentation) directly impacts your hourly rate.
What about the wear and tear on my car?
Most gig workers underestimate this. At $0.10-0.15 per mile for tires, brakes, oil, and repairs, plus accelerated depreciation, you're spending $3-6 per hour just on vehicle costs. This is real money that reduces your effective pay—not just a number on paper.
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