10 Best Delivery Apps to Work for and Boost Your Income

Looking for the best delivery apps to work for in 2025? You can boost your income with these top picks:
DoorDash
Uber Eats
Instacart
Amazon Flex
These delivery apps to work for stand out because you get high earning potential, flexible hours, and a fast sign-up process. Many drivers earn between $15 and $25 an hour, and 65% of gig workers say they make more with delivery apps to make money than with regular jobs. You do not need experience to start with the best delivery apps or other gig economy apps. Anyone can use delivery apps to make money and find the right fit.
Key Takeaways
Delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats let you choose your hours. They pay well, so you can earn more money.
You can start fast if you have a driver’s license and a smartphone.
If you work at lunch or dinner, you get more orders. You can also get more tips at these times.
Using more than one delivery app keeps you busy. This helps you make more money.
If you track your spending, you can save more money. Being nice to customers can help you get better tips.
Best Delivery Apps to Work For

DoorDash
DoorDash is the top food delivery app in 2025. You will see more orders here than anywhere else. DoorDash has 67% of the U.S. food delivery market. This means you can find steady work, especially in big cities.
Key Features:
You and customers can track orders in real time.
You can work any time you want.
There are many local restaurants to choose from.
Customers have different pricing plans, so orders keep coming.
Average Pay:
Most drivers make $15 to $30 per hour before costs.
The base pay is $2 to $10 for each delivery.
Peak Pay promotions add $1 to $5 per delivery.
Tips are 40–60% of your income, and you keep all tips.
Pros:
There are lots of orders, especially in big cities.
Signing up is easy and fast.
You can earn more during busy times and bad weather.
Cons:
Gas and car repairs lower your pay.
You might earn less in slow times or small towns.
Tip: Work at lunch, dinner, and weekends for better pay. Rainy days can help you get more tips!
Unique Benefits:
DoorDash is often cheaper for customers, so you get more orders.
The app’s big network means you do not wait long for new deliveries.
Why Choose Delivery Apps
Flexibility
You want a job that fits your life, not the other way around. Delivery work apps give you that freedom. You can log in and start working whenever you want. Many people use delivery apps to make money because they can choose their own hours. Some drivers work just a few hours a week, while others make it a daily routine.
Here are some facts about flexible work with delivery apps:
Most couriers say flexibility is the top reason they choose delivery work.
You can work for just an hour or take a whole week off.
Many drivers have other jobs or go to school.
Source/Study | Key Statistical Evidence |
|---|---|
Uber drivers and couriers in MA | 85% of drivers and 94% of couriers worked less than 40 hours per week on Uber in Q4 2023 |
Lyft company data | 96% of drivers have other jobs or are students |
DoorDash company data | 90% of Dashers worked less than 10 hours per week |
IRS tax data | Majority of app-based workers earn supplemental income, not primary income |
MIT Economist Jonathan Gruber | Most Uber drivers work on a supplemental basis, being full-time employees, students, or retirees |
You get to decide when, where, and how often you work. That is real flexibility.
Earning Potential
Delivery apps to make money offer a wide range of pay. Some apps pay more than others, and your earnings depend on how much you work and when you work. Many people use delivery work apps to boost their income after school or on weekends.
Check out this table to see how much you can earn with different delivery work apps:
Delivery App | Approximate Hourly Earnings | Payment Frequency |
|---|---|---|
DoorDash | Daily (Fast Pay) or weekly | |
Amazon Flex | $18 to $25/hr | Twice a week |
Shipt | $16+ /hr | Weekly |
Uber Eats | Varies | Weekly |
Instacart | Varies | Instant (fee) or weekly |
Grubhub | Varies | Weekly |
Postmates | Varies | Instant (fee) or weekly |
Some drivers earn more than $20 an hour, but you need to remember that you pay for your own gas and car repairs. Not everyone makes the same amount. The chart below shows how delivery work compares to other jobs:

Easy Start
Getting started with delivery apps to make money is simple. You do not need special skills or a fancy resume. Most delivery work apps only ask for a background check, a valid driver’s license, and a smartphone. You can sign up online and start working in just a few days.
Many apps offer instant or daily pay, so you do not have to wait for your money. You can even use more than one app at the same time to find more orders. This makes delivery work a smart choice if you want to earn extra cash fast.
Tip: Try out a few delivery work apps to see which one fits your schedule and goals best!
Delivery App Comparison

Pay Rates
You want to know how much you can earn with each delivery app. Pay changes depending on where you live and when you work. Here is a simple look at average pay for top apps:
Delivery App | Average Hourly Pay (USD) | Pay Range / Notes |
|---|---|---|
Instacart | Includes base pay and tips | |
Grubhub | $15.00 – $18.45 | Scheduled blocks with hourly minimums |
Shipt | $17.00 – $23.00 | Includes base pay and tips |
Amazon Flex | $18.00 – $25.00 | Up to $30/hr during peak surges |
Curry | Approx. $849/week (~6% above national average) | Specialized deliveries, licensed tradespeople |
Walmart Spark | $18.00 – $25.00 | Up to $35/hr during busy/incentive times |
Caviar | $18.00 – $25.00 | Up to $30+ during peak dinner hours |
Roadie | $8.00 – $60+ per gig | Varies by mileage and package size |
DoorDash | $16.00 average | $3 – $32/hour range, Peak Pay bonuses |
Uber Eats | $19.00 – $38.00 | $23.27 average, surge pricing at peak |
You can see some apps pay more than others. Your pay can go up if you work at busy times or use more than one app.

Tip: Work during busy hours or try more than one app to earn more.
Order Availability
Order availability is important for drivers. Some apps have more orders in big cities. Others also work in smaller towns.
Service | Coverage in 2025 | Order Availability Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
DoorDash | Over 4,000 cities, all 50 states | Largest restaurant selection, low wait times, includes retail and alcohol |
Uber Eats | Nearly every major U.S. city, strong in metros | Strong in big cities, solid restaurant selection |
Instacart | Not for meal delivery, best for groceries |
If you live in a city, DoorDash and Uber Eats have more orders. Instacart is good if you want to shop for groceries instead of meals.
Payment Frequency
Most people want to get paid quickly. Each app has its own way of paying drivers.
Delivery App | Payment Frequency Options |
|---|---|
Uber Eats | |
DoorDash | Daily (Fast Pay) or weekly deposits |
Instacart | Instant (with fee) or weekly deposits |
Amazon Flex | Twice a week |
Grubhub | Weekly deposits |
Shipt | Weekly deposits |
Postmates | Instant (with fee) or weekly deposits |
Some apps let you get paid every day for a small fee. Others pay once or twice a week.
Requirements
Check what you need before you sign up for an app. Most apps want you to have a driver’s license, a car, and a smartphone. Some ask for extra documents or have age limits.
Delivery App | Required Documents | Vehicle Requirements | Smartphone Requirements | Background Check | Additional Conditions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DoorDash | 18+ | Driver’s license, auto insurance | Vehicle needed | Smartphone | Yes | None specified |
Grubhub | 19+ (21+ in some cities) | Driver’s license, car insurance, bank account | Vehicle needed | iOS 11+ or Android 5.0+ | Yes | Bank account for earnings deposit |
Instacart | 18+ | Driver’s license, car insurance, bank account | Vehicle needed | Latest smartphone | Yes | Able to lift 40 lbs |
Uber Eats | N/A | Bank account | N/A | N/A | Yes | None specified |
Amazon Flex | 21+ | Driver’s license, Social Security Number | Mid-sized or larger vehicle | Android 7.0+ or iOS | N/A | Must live in city where Flex operates |
Note: Always check the app’s website for the latest rules before you apply.
Maximize Your Earnings
Work Peak Hours
You want to make the most money in the shortest time. Focus on working during peak hours, like lunch and dinner rushes. Many drivers see their hourly rate jump by 60% just by delivering when demand is highest. You get more orders, better tips, and sometimes even bonuses. If you work during slow times, you might wait around with no orders. Instead, plan your schedule around busy periods. Apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats often offer extra pay during these times. You can check the app for “Peak Pay” or “Surge” alerts. This strategy helps you earn more without working longer hours.
Tip: Try tracking your earnings by hour. You’ll quickly see how much more you make during peak times!
Use Multiple Apps
Don’t stick to just one app. Many top couriers use several delivery apps at once. This method, called “multi-apping,” helps you stay busy and avoid downtime. Here’s how it works:
Switch between apps if one is slow or has no orders.
Accept orders from different platforms to fill gaps in your schedule.
Take advantage of bonuses and surge pricing on more than one app.
Learn the best routes and timing for each app to boost your efficiency.
Many drivers say this approach helps them earn more than other jobs.
Multi-apping takes a little practice, but it pays off. You’ll find more orders and keep your income steady, even when one app slows down.
Track Expenses
You need to keep track of your expenses if you want to keep more of your money. Use a mileage tracking app to record every trip. Always log the date, start and end points, and exact miles. Update your log right after each delivery. Never guess your mileage—record the real numbers. Save receipts for gas, repairs, insurance, and tolls. Separate your business and personal trips. This routine helps you claim the right tax deductions and avoid problems with the IRS.
Improve Ratings
Your ratings matter. Customers tip more and apps send you better orders when you have high ratings. Always deliver on time, follow instructions, and be polite. Double-check orders before you leave the restaurant or store. A smile and a quick message to the customer can go a long way. If you focus on great service, you’ll see your tips and earnings grow.
Note: Happy customers often become repeat customers—and that means more money for you!
Choosing the right delivery app can really boost your income. Some apps pay more than others, so you want to pick the one that fits your goals and schedule. Check out this quick table to see how pay rates and features compare:
App | Average Pay/hr | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
Instacart | Grocery shopping | |
Curri | $25+ | Specialized deliveries |
Roadie | Varies | Pay per trip |
Delivery work is open to almost everyone. You can start fast and work when you want. Ready to earn more? Sign up and start delivering today! 🚗💸
FAQ
How fast can you start working with a delivery app?
You can usually start in just a few days. Sign up online, pass a background check, and upload your documents. Some apps approve you within 24 hours. You can hit the road and earn money fast!
Can you work for more than one delivery app at the same time?
Yes, you can! Many drivers use two or more apps. This helps you get more orders and make more money. Just switch between apps on your phone.
Do you need a car to deliver?
Not always. Some apps let you use a bike, scooter, or even walk if you live in a city. Check each app’s rules before you sign up.
How do you get paid?
Most apps pay you weekly. Some offer instant or daily pay for a small fee. You get your money by direct deposit to your bank account.
What if you have a problem with an order?
If you run into trouble, use the app’s help or support chat. Most apps have quick ways to fix problems or answer your questions.
