Your earnings, explained
There are plenty of ways to get paid with Uber. Keep scrolling to learn how your earnings are calculated and what factors impact how much you make.
How much can you make with Uber?
The money you earn through the Driver app is based on what, where, when, and how often you drive.
What you offer
Depending on your city, you can offer rides, make deliveries, and shop. This lets you switch back and forth, depending on demand, to have as little idle time as possible.
Where you drive and deliver
The map on your Driver app tells you which areas have shorter wait times (shown as gray zones) and where surge pricing is available (visible in our heatmap).
When you’re driving
Choosing the best days and times to go online can make a huge difference—and it varies by city. For example, you might consider going online during commute times for rides and mealtimes for delivery.
How much time
The amount of time you spend online is entirely up to you.
How are earnings calculated?
There are 3 key factors that impact your payouts: fares from the trips themselves, promotions that offer extra cash, and tips from people you pick up or deliver to.
It all starts with fares
Fares are the amount you earn for completing a ride, delivery, or shopping order. These differ depending on your region or city.¹
Per-minute and per-mile
In some cities, you’ll earn a base fare, plus additional money for the time and distance you travel (these rates vary by city)
Your earnings will be determined at the end of every trip, based on how long and how far you travel
Upfront Fares
- In some cities, you can see how much you’ll make and where you’ll go before you accept a trip
- Upfront Fares are calculated based on current driving conditions, like destination and demand
- If there’s unexpected traffic and the trip gets a lot longer, your fare will increase
More factors that impact fares
Regardless of your city or region, a few additional factors will determine how much you’ll earn for each ride, delivery, or shopping order.
Reservations
Make extra money by accepting rides and deliveries that people book in advance.
Tolls
When your vehicle is charged a qualifying toll or surcharge during a trip, the toll amount is charged to the rider and refunded to you.
Cancellations
When a rider cancels after you’ve started driving toward them, they're charged a cancellation fee and you're refunded for the inconvenience.
Next, add in promotions
Promotions are easy ways to earn more. Go to your Driver app and stay in the know about what promotions are available.²
Surge pricing
When demand increases, earnings for rides and deliveries go up
Keep an eye out for surge pricing to earn extra money
Quests
- Get paid extra for completing a certain number of trips
Boost+
- Boost+ offers extra money for every trip initiated in a promotional zone and successfully completed
Finally, add your tips
Customers always have the option to tip in the app. Tips are 100% yours and paid directly to you. Go to your Driver app to see your tips.
More ways to increase your earnings
From your mode of transportation to tax deductions, there are even more ways to increase your earnings and cut costs.
- By foot or bike
In most cities where Uber Eats is available, you can deliver by bike or foot. However, your earning opportunities will be limited to delivery and to the area where you choose to go online.
- On a motorcycle
If you drive a motorcycle, you can earn more by delivering to a broader area. In some cities, you can also offer Uber Moto rides.
- In a car
If you have access to a car, you can unlock a wider range of opportunities to earn.
- Depending on the type of car, you can take delivery or shopping requests from any merchant (restaurants, grocery stores, and more) or offer rides with UberX
- In most cities, special car features can also unlock ride categories, like UberXL and Uber Black, that earn higher fares
- In the US, drivers of fully electric vehicles are eligible for an extra $1 on every Uber Green trip (up to $4,000 annually)
Keep in mind, you don't have to be the owner of any vehicle you choose to drive (be it a motorcycle or a car). If you want, you can choose a rental, including electric vehicles.
- Save at the pump
Spending less on gas and other driving expenses is a great way to increase your take-home pay. Check out exclusive offers and deals available to you through Uber Pro.
- Save on taxes
Fuel, insurance, and vehicle maintenance may be tax-deductible. Uber Pro has partnerships to help you seek out and claim these write-offs so you take home more of what’s yours.
- Earn like a Pro
Uber Pro is our rewards program that’s inspired by you and designed to give you cash, savings, earnings, and more.
Earn like a pro
Uber Pro is our rewards program that's inspired by you and designed to give more cash, savings, and earnings.
Some of the features described on this page do not apply or are not available in all US markets, including California, and in markets outside of the US. As we work to improve the marketplace, we may test functionality and pricing in ways not described on this page.
¹Material provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee earnings. Earnings structures may differ by city. Always check your city-specific website for the most accurate details on delivery fares in your city.
²Not available in California. Uber will inform you when you are eligible for a promotion. Restrictions to promotions apply. Any restrictions and terms will be shared with you in the specific promotion or tool. Uber reserves the right to change or cancel any promotion, including but not limited to the requirements necessary to get such a promotion.
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