If you're looking to make some extra money, you can cruise around in your car making deliveries to people. The best delivery app jobs are no longer side hustles meant for high school or college students. The beauty of gig work like food delivery service is you don't have to commit to one- you can try out different gigs simultaneously. The tips are also a good incentive to keep working.
There are so many reasons why a person should try an app delivery job.
- It will let you deliver parcels in your local area,
- work to your own schedule,
- supplement your income,
- and enjoy a great work-life balance.
But there are a few elements of the job and the companies involved that you need to be aware of. I figured it was the right time to take a deep dive into these companies and help you figure out the best delivery app jobs.
To help you navigate the complicated food delivery market, I'll break down the different delivery apps, their business models, minimum vehicle and job requirements, and what they pay.
Top Delivery Apps to Make Money
If you already have a vehicle, several companies are looking for drivers to make on-demand deliveries. But it's vital to ensure your delivery app job provides fair wages.
The average amount of money delivery drivers make in the United States is $19.12 per hour. The actual amount varies from city to city. Delivery drivers in Houston, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Seattle earn more than the national average.
Most food delivery apps look and work similarly and have the same restaurant choices available. The process is to receive an order, accept it, pick up the package, then drop it off. Rinse and repeat.
Some package delivery apps currently operate in limited locations but continue to widen their reach. Keep reading to learn more about the best delivery app jobs that are worth your while if you are looking to make money.
1. Instacart
Here's the app I recommend as the first option to try out – Instacart!
Founded in 2012, Instacart allows you to deliver groceries to people's homes. As an exclusive grocery delivery service, the Instacart app has one of the largest grocery store selections out there.
The online grocery delivery and pickup service has partnered with dozens of stores like
- Kroger,
- Safeway,
- Costco,
- Rite Aid
- and Publix.
Instacart offers shoppers 2 different money-making opportunities. You will either work as an in-store shopper or a full-service shopper.
In-store shoppers work in the grocery store to bag orders received through the app, so they're ready for pickup. As a full-service shopper, you'll do the shopping based on a customer's shopping list and deliver the package to their location.
The delivery driver app lets you choose your schedule in both cases. Once you download the app and sign up, you'll see a list of available jobs. You can then set your own hours and select the stores you want to shop at.
You can cash out whenever you want, which makes Instacart a great option if you need money fast.
Requirements:
- Depending on the state, be 18 or 21 years old
- Be eligible to work in the United States
- Have access to a reliable vehicle that can carry 40-50 pounds
- Have a valid DL
- Pass a background test
- Have an iPhone or Android phone
Pay:
- You get paid weekly ($12-$20 per hour)
- You have the opportunity for tips (100 percent)
2. DoorDash
From your neighborhood mom-and-pop diner to nationwide chains, DoorDash partners with a wide variety of restaurants. The Featured Restaurant Partners section features larger chains such as Chipotle and Cheesecake Factory. As a Dasher, you may receive delivery requests directly from clients.
You will be required to schedule shifts up to 6 days in advance and be online for a specific period. This makes DoorDash suitable for people who know their schedules ahead of time. Popular time slots get booked quickly, so be aware of that.
Once they clear your background check, you can log in to the app and get immediate access to orders in your area. DoorDash offers complete transparency. After the onboarding process, you'll receive delivery alerts on the app.
Before accepting the delivery, you can see how much it is worth. This means that you get to know exactly what the job pays ahead of time.
You'll earn a mix of base pay plus tips and promotions. Base pay depends on distance, time and desirability of the order. Oh, and you have a guaranteed minimum earning during peak times (lunchtime and weekends). Payment is made weekly via direct deposit and customers can tip through the app.
Does DoorDash pay gas? No, Dashers use their own vehicles to make deliveries, and they are not reimbursed for any of their vehicle or fuel costs.
Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a reliable car, scooter, or bike
- A valid DL with at least 1 year of driving experience
- Have a valid auto insurance
- Own an Android or Apple smartphone
- Consent to a background check
Pay:
- You receive a base pay and promotion (peak pay and bonuses), usually $15-$25 per hour
- Dashers keep 100 percent of the tips left by customers
3. Grubhub
With millions of users worldwide, availability in over 4000 cities in the United States, and featuring over 300k restaurants, Grubhub is a powerhouse for mobile and online food ordering.
All the orders are managed by Grubhub's 24/7 customer service teams. With pickup or delivery options, consumers can also check the estimated time of pickup or arrival.
Thanks to Grubhub's in-depth onboarding program, no previous delivering experience is required. The program walks you through everything you need to know. Use the delivery driver app to make your schedule and start delivering. Since it merged with Seamless, you can also make Seamless deliveries.
Grubhub has a high volume of orders, making it the best food delivery app for drivers who want to be busy. Once approved, you'll receive some cool gear such as warming bags and car decals to help with your gigs.
Payment is issued weekly via direct deposit. If you want instant payment, take advantage of Instant Cash Out via Chase Bank.
Requirements:
- Be at least 19 years old
- Have a reliable vehicle that can lift 50 pounds
- A driver's license with at least 2 years of driving experience
- Have valid auto insurance
- Have a valid state ID (if riding a bike)
- Own an Android smartphone (Android 5.0+) or iPhone (iOS 11+)
- Pass a background check
Pay:
- Total order earnings are based on per delivery commission and mileage ($13-$18 per hour)
- Delivery drivers get 100 percent of the tips left by the customer
4. Shipt
If you look forward to your grocery shopping trips, Shipt is another popular grocery shopping and delivery company you can join to deliver stuff to users. As a driver, you can choose to shop for groceries, deliver them to users, or both.
Customers make orders through the app, and you can view how big the order is, where you'll shop or pick the order from, and the delivery address. Each order will typically take around an hour to complete.
Shipt offers same-day delivery from stores like
- Kroger,
- Publix,
- Target,
- Meijer,
- and H-E-B.
Since you can shop for multiple orders at once, Shipt is best suited for those who are good at multitasking.
Once you pass the background check, use the delivery driver app to choose the jobs you want, and get paid on completion. You can build your schedule in advance. The app pays on commission. You earn $5 plus a generous 7.5 percent of the order's amount.
Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid DL and auto insurance
- Android phone (5.1 or newer) or iPhone (iOS 10 or newer)
- Pass a background test
- Own a 1997 or later vehicle that can lift 40+ pounds
- Own an insulated cooler bag
Pay:
- The estimated pay rate is based on how long it takes to complete the order ($16-$22 per hour)
- Shoppers keep 100 percent of their tips
5. Saucey
Saucey lets you deliver alcoholic beverages (beer, wines, spirits), tobacco products, and snacks people crave in 30 minutes.
The app has locations in select cities in America, and you can deliver in an area you're familiar with. If you're lucky enough to be living in one of those areas, you can set what you deliver and your schedule.
Like other on-demand delivery service apps on this list, you get to pick your schedule. If you own a small car or one that is too old for ridesharing apps, Saucey may be a good option. Their availability between 8 am and 2 am should provide you with a nice window for this side hustle.
Requirements:
- You must be at least 21 years of age
- Have a vehicle that's a 2007 model or newer
- Have a valid DL and auto insurance
- Own a compatible smartphone
- A clean driving record with zero DUIs for at least 5 years
Pay:
- You'll earn for every delivery you make and $0.5 per item in the order ($13-$18 per hour)
- You have the potential for tips
6. Uber Eats
Uber Eats leverages the success of its ride-hailing parent company and fleet of drivers to do a door-to-door food delivery. With Uber Eats, there's no messing with schedules or time blocks. Just log in when you want to deliver and log out when you want to stop.
The in-app tipping feature makes it easy for users to tip you, even if they don't have cash on them. Payment is via direct deposit, but you can also cash out via a linked debit card as many as 5 times per week. To enjoy this service, you must sign up for Instant Pay.
Depending on how badly they want drivers in your location, Uber Eats sometimes offers signup bonuses. To increase your earnings, take advantage of the back-to-back delivery feature. This feature allows you to take another delivery while completing the existing delivery.
Uber has started merging its rideshare platform with Uber Eats. Unless you live in the cities where it has already been rolled out, you may still need to download and use the separate Uber Eats app.
Requirements:
- Be at least 19 years old for scooter delivery, and 18 for car delivery.
- Have an Android or iOS smartphone
- Have a 2- or 4-door car that is 2000 or newer
- Scooters should have an engine size of 50 or more
- Have a valid DL, registration and auto insurance
- Provide information for a background check
Pay:
- Pay depends on location and how many deliveries you do ($15-$23 per hour)
- Tips feature
7. Eaze
If you live in California, Eaze is an easy way to make some extra money delivering marijuana (yes, weed) and cannabis-related gifts (vapes, joints, edibles) from licensed dispensers to consumers in your area.
The local dispensaries receive THC and CBD orders and payments directly from Eaze users. As a delivery specialist, you can expect a guaranteed hourly wage. As expected, Eaze will need your consent to perform a criminal background check on you. The hours of operation are 9 am to 10 pm.
Requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a valid driver's license
- Have a vehicle 2005 or newer model
- The car must have current registration and insurance with your name on it
- Pass a background check
- Be from California (mainly southern California, Sacramento and the SF Bay Area)
Pay:
- Pay is hourly mileage plus mileage reimbursement ($18-26 per hour)
- Potential for tips
8. Favor Delivery
Favor Delivery is one of the more recognizable names in Texas when it comes to delivery services. The hybrid delivery driver app allows you to deliver groceries, restaurant meals, screwdriver sets, dry cleaning, etc. in 50 cities across Texas. Your job is not limited to delivering the things you buy.
Function less like a delivery driver and more like a personal assistant with Favor Delivery. Even if you aren't particularly tech-savvy, you can master the Favor Delivery app with very little technical knowledge.
Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years
- Have a reliable car and a clean driving record
- Have an iPhone or Android phone
- Pass a background check
- Be located in Texas
Pay:
- Most runners average $10-$18 per hour
- You keep 100 percent of your tips
9. Caviar
Dubbed the Cadillac of food delivery, Caviar is a high-end restaurant delivery service owned by DoorDash and is available in select cities. Arguably the best food delivery app to work for, Caviar hires “couriers” in Boston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Manhattan, Portland, Washington D.C., Brooklyn, Chicago, and the San Francisco Bay area.
Use the app to select the gigs you want to take. You can view pick-up and drop-off locations and expected earnings before you accept the delivery. Caviar operates from 8:00 am to 11:30 pm. As a courier, you have the option to work at any point during those hours.
Pay is higher than many other restaurant delivery services. Pay structure is based on the size of the order, time and distance. You'll be paid weekly via direct deposit, but are also given the option of instant payments. There's a support team ready to chat should you need assistance.
Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Apply online and attend an orientation session
- Recent Android phone or iPhone
- Have a valid driver's license plus at least 2 years of driving experience
- Valid auto insurance
- Pass a background check
Pay:
- Pay includes base pay, milestone bonuses, peak pay and adjustments ($20-$32 per hour)
- Drivers keep 100 percent of their tips.
10. Dispatch
What makes Dispatch one of the best delivery apps to work for is real-time delivery tracking. Whenever a user places an order, you'll receive a notification and quickly claim the job if you're close.
You will be delivering products like paint buckets, tiles and other equipment. This diversity means you may land more delivery gigs. It may be new to the scene, but Dispatch already has a presence in around 28 cities.
Since you will be a Dispatch employee, you will have to go through their application process. Signing up is nice and easy. Dispatch provides auto insurance and offers toll fee reimbursements. You will receive payment weekly via the Stripe app.
Requirements:
- Be at least 23 years old
- Have a reliable vehicle that can lift 50 pounds
- A clean driving record
- Have an up-to-date smartphone
- Read and speak English
Pay:
- Expect $14-$16 per hour
- You'll receive 100 percent of the customer's tip
11. Amazon Flex
Amazon is always in need of drivers to deliver their packages, fresh orders and whole foods grocery orders throughout the U.S. Be your own boss with Amazon Flex. As an independent contractor, you will deliver packages to the provided addresses.
The good thing with Amazon Flex is that you can drop off the package whether the owner is home or not. If you own a cargo van, you can try Amazon Flex. Check here to see if they are hiring in your area. If they are, download the app, fill in an application, and wait for confirmation.
Depending on how in-demand your location is, you may need to wait on a waiting list or start delivering packages immediately. You will have a 2-4 hour delivery block. Payment is made twice a week via direct deposit (Tuesday and Friday).
Requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Own a qualifying vehicle (a 4-door, midsize sedan or larger vehicle)
- Have a valid U.S. DL and auto insurance
- Have an Android phone or iPhone
Pay:
- Compensation ranges from $18-$25 per hour
- Possibility of bonuses for doing a high rate of delivery, during holidays or busy times
- Drivers keep 100 percent of their tips
12. BiteSquad
BiteSquad is a must-have app for anyone in the delivery industry, especially if you love discovering new places to eat and delivering food. Have fun delivering Pizza, Chinese, Thai, Indian, and Sushi.
All drivers are independent contractors. BiteSquad is currently available in Arkansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Hawaii, Mississippi and Minnesota.
Requirements:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a reliable vehicle and insurance
- Have a DL with at least 2 years of driving experience
- Accept mandatory training before going to the field
- Wear branded hat and shirt
Pay:
- Expect $10-$12 per hour
- You keep 100 percent of your tips
13. goPuff
The last entry into this list is goPuff, the solution to the late-night snack cravings. This digital delivery service lets you deliver snacks, drinks, ice cream, alcohol, electronics, etc. straight to your customers' doorstep.
You can work around the clock, and all the packages come from the local goPuff warehouses. There are currently 200+ fulfillment centers. You don't need to shop for customers. Just pick an order from one of the warehouse employees when a customer orders.
One thing though: no leaving items at the door like with Amazon Flex. Customers have to sign off when you deliver their orders.
Requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a valid U.S. driver's license
- Have vehicle insurance and registration
- Consent to and pass a pre-paid alcohol delivery training course
- Have a smartphone
Pay:
- You can earn $10-$14 per hour while keeping all your tips
Which delivery app pays the best?
Doordash and Amazon Flex seem to pay the best out of all the different delivery apps. Doordash pays around $20 to $30 per hour, and Amazon Flex pays around the same. Both of these apps are available in most states.
If you're only interested in working in California, Eaze is a good option as they also pay well. However, remember that there are many other factors to consider when looking for a delivery app job, such as the type of commitment you're willing to make and the customer service requirements. Make sure to research before signing up for any delivery app to find the one that's right for you.
What is the best food delivery app to work for?
In the article, I have discussed over a dozen food delivery apps you can use to earn money. Quickly scan the list, and focus on the best features, and the amount you can earn.
Each company has its own unique selling points. You can dip your toe in the water and find out if you like it. If you really have to pick one, choose between DoorDash and Instacart. Both services have an extensive reach, let you order from a variety of restaurants/groceries and support multiple payment options.
If you're just starting out, consider going with one of the more established food delivery services like Grubhub. Are you already using Uber to get around town? Then you'll appreciate the familiar interface of Uber Eats.
Is it possible to make a living with delivery apps?
If you're looking to make some quick cash, delivery apps are a great option. You can usually start working immediately, with little experience required. And if you work full-time, you can easily make more than $3,000 per month.
However, it's important to consider the downsides of gig economy jobs before deciding to do delivery work full-time. Most gig economy jobs offer limited opportunities for career progression or increasing salaries. So if you're looking for a long-term job with growth potential, delivery work might not be the best option.
How can delivery drivers make more money in tips?
- Deliver on time and be courteous to customers.
- Go above and beyond to make sure customers are happy with their orders.
- Keep your vehicle clean and organized.
- Be familiar with the menu and know what you're delivering.
- Stay calm under pressure – especially during busy times or when there's a rush order.
- Use your own judgment if a customer asks for something that's not on the menu.
- Thank customers for their business.
Summary
Before smartphones and apps, working as a delivery driver was a hassle. The company made your schedule, the pay wasn't great and the hours were limited. If the local venues didn't offer delivery or you lived outside the delivery radius, too bad.
Things are different with the best delivery app jobs. Working as a freelance delivery driver now can be a great option if you're looking for a side or full-time job that you can do on your own schedule.
When you work on your own terms, you can supplement your income without losing sight of your other goals. You might try getting paid to advertise on your car while doing deliveries also. Package delivery apps are here to stay. I hope you find this information helpful in your job search.