If you like being outside and getting some fresh air every day, delivery driving could be a good fit for you. No two days are the same as a delivery driver. There will always be new packages to deliver, new customers to meet, and new routes to take.
Delivery driving can be a great job for people who value versatility and flexibility. Doesn’t that sound good? But, no matter how enjoyable a job is, you don’t want to do it for free (or for less than the value of your labour)! Your time is precious.
So, how much does the average delivery driver make? It all depends on your location, the contract, and the type of delivery driving you do.
How much do delivery drivers make?
The truth is that delivery driver salaries are determined by a variety of factors, including the driver’s years of experience and certifications, as well as the type of delivery service they provide. For example, if you deliver valuable goods worth a lot of money, you’ll probably make more than if you deliver something less expensive. Another factor that influences how much you can earn on average is your location.
The average driver earns £11.50 per hour. They are paid for each pickup and drop-off, but they can also be paid for the time spent waiting at the restaurant and the distance traveled. Drivers are also entitled to keep 100% of all tips received.
Types of delivery drivers and how they’re typically paid
A delivery driver’s earnings can be affected by a variety of factors, including location. Your pay will also be determined by the type of goods you transport. People nowadays get almost everything delivered, from clothes to furniture to jewelry and beyond. Drivers are also required by businesses to transport goods ranging from legal documents to raw materials. In general, the more valuable the goods you deliver, the more likely you are to be paid. For one thing, transporting valuable goods necessitates a higher level of caution.
Furthermore, delivery drivers transporting potentially hazardous goods may require additional driver credentials in some cases. So it’s up to you whether you want the additional responsibility that comes with delivering sensitive goods. If you want a low-key side hustle, you should keep your job simple and stick to low-risk deliveries, such as someone’s groceries.
Here are some delivery driver jobs you might be interested in, along with some basic pay information:
- Food delivery driver
You transport groceries or ready-made meals as a food delivery driver. Because your customers are usually hungry, it’s critical that you arrive on time — don’t keep them waiting!
Food delivery drivers can find work with apps such as Instacart, DoorDash, Caviar, Shipt, Postmates, Grubhub, Eaze, and Uber Eats.
In the United States, the average food delivery driver can expect to earn around $40,296 per year. However, keep in mind that tips will most likely account for a significant portion of your earnings (on top of a base pay).
- Amazon delivery driver
Amazon delivery people transport a wide range of goods to customers, from small items like books and kitchenware to larger items like furniture. As an Amazon delivery driver, you must carefully prioritize orders and optimize your delivery routes because some customers, such as Prime members, may request rush or 24-hour delivery. In the United States, the average Amazon delivery driver can expect to earn $36,462 per year.
- UPS/FedEx/DHL delivery driver
Drivers for companies such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL typically deliver more sensitive goods such as documents. These items frequently require physical delivery and cannot be left in a mailbox or on a doorstep. These positions necessitate meticulous attention to detail and a high level of accountability. For these companies, the average pay for delivery drivers is $39,900 (DHL), $40,048 (FedEx), and $62,733 (UPS) (UPS).
- Semi-truck driver
Truck drivers operate larger vehicles capable of transporting large and occasionally awkward goods. They may even transport hazardous materials, such as fuel. As a result of these factors, semi-truck drivers typically earn more than the average delivery driver. According to the BLS, the average pay for a delivery truck driver is $34,340 per year, while a heavy or tractor-trailer truck driver earns $47,130 per year.
Earnings for delivery drivers are determined by a variety of factors, including location, the type of goods delivered, and the employer. According to the BLS, the median pay for delivery drivers in the United States is USD $34,340 per year, or USD $16.51 per hour.
However, more experienced drivers and those in specialised fields such as hazardous material hauling can earn significantly more.
Working as a delivery driver can provide a full-time income. Driver demand is expected to increase in the coming years, so there should be plenty of opportunities for motivated drivers to join the workforce.
The delivery industry is also relatively simple to enter, as an entry-level position requires only a driver’s license and no advanced education. This simple career path is ideal for those who do not want to return to school or deal with extensive training and course material in order to gain employment.
Flexible Earnings & Decent Delivery Fees
Most delivery jobs allow you to work as much or as little as you want or need to. Most delivery drivers are self-employed, with no hourly guarantee or minimum wage. Instead, they work on a delivery-by-delivery basis, which can be advantageous. A company does not control the work of the contractor (and is not permitted to do so), so you are the boss. Drivers are compensated for each order they pick up and deliver to customers. They have the option of working as much or as little as they want.
If you choose to pursue this career, you will be able to choose whether you want an income to make ends meet or a higher income to save for something. You can make your engagement a part-time job, a side gig, or a full-time job. The more you work, the more money you make. So, if a driver devotes every available hour to delivering, there is some incredible potential. If you choose that path, be careful not to overdo it and burn out quickly.
