Want to Know How Much You Can Make Driving for Uber?
Updated on: by Olivia
We have all thought about picking up a side job, at one point or another. Whether it was to make a little extra cash, or just to help pass the time, you know it’s crossed your mind at least once.
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Fortunately, when it comes to side gigs, the options are plentiful. However, what seems to become more and more common these days are Uber drivers. This is likely due to the fact that nearly anyone can do it, the hours are flexible, and there is almost always a need for drivers.
Well if you have ever considered driving for Uber, but just haven’t decided to take the leap, let me fill you in on how much you can make driving for Uber, as well as a few other tidbits.
Do Uber drivers earn money?
As an Uber driver, you may partially be in it for the thrill of driving total strangers around. Perhaps you want to meet new people, and hear their gossip. Whatever the reason, your main goal is likely going to be to earn money.
So can you actually earn money from traveling across the city? Absolutely! Going from point A to point B can pay off.
How much money you can actually earn from being an Uber driver depends on a number of different factors.
These factors include, how often you decide to drive, how long you drive (both in minutes and miles), the cost of fuel, and upkeep of your vehicle. Even your location plays a huge role in the amount of money you can earn.
How much can you make driving for Uber?
When signing up with Uber, they claim that in many areas, you can earn around $1,000, for your first 150 trips. However that’s only if you qualify for the First Weekend Offer.
It will basically guarantee you $25 per hour, when you work 30 hours that weekend, plus the possibility to earn up to 2 different rewards.
After that, Uber drivers typically make around $14 an hour, according to Glassdoor. So pending on how many hours you choose to drive, you could be making an average Uber salary anywhere from about $6,800 to $26,880. Not too bad for driving around in your free time, huh?
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Though if you are looking to find out how much you can make per trip, check out this general formula that Uber uses..
- Base Fare + (cost per mile x ride distance) x surge boost multiplier) + Cost per minute x time of the ride) + booking fee = Passengers Fare
*Keep in mind that even though the passenger may end up having a total fare of, say $10, Uber takes a commission from that. And after you subtract their commission, you also have to factor in the cost of gas, and any wear and tear to your vehicle, to figure out how much you can actually earn per trip.
Requirements for becoming a driver
If you think you want a super flexible side job, like driving for Uber, it’s incredibly easy to get started.
Obviously, you have to be of age, and have a valid driver’s license. In addition, you will need to have at least one year of experience driving (sorry, driver’s ed graduates, you’ll have to wait a bit!).
And don’t forget, it’s important to be able to pass a background check, and have insurance on the car you plan to use.
If you meet those requirements, your next step is to make sure that the car you will be driving is eligible. You certainly don’t have to be deriving a car fresh off the lot, but Uber wants to make sure that their riders don’t end up stranded, in a clunker somewhere.
So if your car does not meet their standards, are you out of luck? Not necessarily!
In certain areas, Uber will actually help you find a safe, reliable car to drive your customers around in. Usually, you have this option in bigger cities. Uber partners with a variety of car rental companies, to help you find a car to fit your needs.
While you might think blowing $150+ dollars on a rental car is totally going to eat up your earnings, that’s not exactly true. Should you rent a car through one of Uber’s partners, Uber will sometimes give you a bonus!
For example, right now, if you rent a car through Fair, Uber will give you a special bonus of $185, if you complete 70 trips for the week. That will basically pay for your car rental! There is also the option of renting a vehicle through Getaround. When you choose this option, you rent a nearby car by the hour. They charge $5 per hour, and your first 12 hours are free, as long as they are used up in a single day. It really doesn’t get much better than that!
Tips to help you earn more money
You’re in it to make money, right? Well, it’s no secret that the more often you drive, the more potential you have to earn the big bucks. However, that’s not the only thing you need to know about making more money, while driving with Uber. I have some great tips, to help you earn your maximum potential.
Refer new drivers
Did you know that Uber offer referral bonuses? That’s right! For each person that you refer, to become a driver, you can earn extra cash! The amounts vary per location, as well as time of the year.
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So if you have a rider who inquires about your income from driving, be sure to give them your referral code, so you can earn some extra dough, when they sign up. However, be aware! Your referral will likely have to make a certain amount of trips before you see your bonus.
I highly recommend getting some cheap business cards printed off, with your referral code. Then leave them in the back seat, or keep them visible up front. It is a sure way to spark up a conversation, and possibly earn some bonus bucks.
Take advantage during surges
There are particular times of the day, and even particular days in which the need for drivers outweighs the amount of actual drivers. When that happens, riders will end up having to pay a little more than the normal fare. Sometimes even a lot more. This is called Surge pricing. Because there is a surge in demand.
Be ready to drive during the surge, where riders may end up paying 3 to 15 times the amount they would normally pay. Oftentimes there are surges when bars are closing, or sporting events and concerts are getting over.
Have a Cargo box
If you don’t mind people eating and drinking in your car, consider getting a Cargo Box. A Cargo Box is basically just a cooler (or insulated bag) of light snacks and drinks to keep in your car. If your rider is hungry or thirsty, they can purchase an item from the box.
Best of all, you don’t buy the product. Cargo will supply you with the goods, and you will simply take a commission from each item sold.
Avoid pointless driving
An easy way to eat up your profits is by driving more than you have to. Obviously, you will have some downtime between rides, and may be tempted to drive around, but you’re basically just throwing money out.
Instead of driving around, in hopes someone will see your Uber advertisement magnet you just had made, sit back save your fuel! Enjoy the quiet relaxation.
Real reviews
If you really want to know how much moolah Uber drivers earn in your area, and how they feel about driving, the best way is to hitch a ride, yourself. Simply take some rides around town, and chat it up with your drivers. Most of them are happy to divulge anything you want to know about the gig, and give you their referral code.
For those of you who aren’t hip to the idea of paying for info, I’ve done some research myself. Here’s a little bit about a few of the drivers I found on the web.
Driver 1 – Trevor Reynolds
Trevor originally began his driving career with Lyft, another driving service, similar to Uber. He’s been driving with Lyft for about a year, so he has some experience already. However, he decided to see what the fuss was all about over at Uber.
On a typical night, Trevor makes roughly $150 from his fares. And that doesn’t even include his tips! Generally, his riders tip about $5, giving him an extra $30 cash in hand. Oftentimes he uses it to fill his gas tank right back up.
Trevor particularly enjoys this gig, because it brings a little extra cash, on top of what he’s making from his every day 9-5 job. He generally works at least 3 hours per day on the weekends, and is putting his Uber earnings towards his retirement.
Driver 2- Jennifer Trenum
Jennifer Trenum works retail, at a local supermarket, but she doesn’t quite make enough money to pay her bills. So after hitching a ride one day, from another Uber driver, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
On Jennifer’s days off she now works for Uber. She works a full shift which allows her to bring in a full-time income, by only working an extra 2-3 days each week. Her ability to deal with grumpy customers at the store comes in handy when she gets a not so pleasant rider from time to time.
Driver 3- Liz Shapland
Liz goes to sporting events frequently, but not because she loves the games. In fact, she can’t stand sports! But what she does love is the money she makes from them.
Instead of working a few hours each night, driving for Uber, Liz only drives on game weekends. She can always count on out of towners who need a lift to and from their hotel. Sometimes she even gets locals who simply don’t want to fight the parking lot, or intend to have a little too much to drink.
During the games she usually makes a few random, short trips, but makes sure to be available by the end of every game. Liz easily makes an extra $200 on game weekends.
Driver 4- Richard Healy
Richard lost his loving wife 3 years ago, to a sudden heart attack. So while most people drive for Uber for the money, that isn’t his only goal. What he really loves about being an Uber driver is the fact that he meets new people every day. He thoroughly enjoys meeting new people, and the conversations they have, no matter how short the drive.
While it is nice to bring in an extra $50 for about a couple hours worth of work, he mostly enjoys the opportunity to get out of the house.
Driver 5- Jessica Dillon
As a school teacher, Jessica is constantly purchasing supplies for her classroom kiddos, out of her own pocket. Many times, kiddos arrive to school without some of the essentials. It’s her mission to make sure that these kiddos have what they need to succeed, so she recently decided to jump on the Uber bandwagon.
She has been driving for Uber for the last 3 months, and has earned herself about $900 in extra funds. Jessica is hoping this new found hobby of hers will not only help her classroom thrive, but also others in her intermediate school.
Summary
Driving for Uber has become a popular side gig, for those who are searching for flexible schedules.
While it is true, there is money to be made, by driving complete strangers around, you have to be smart. Not many can turn it into a full-time gig, but if you drive at the right times, you can actually make a pretty good chunk of side change.
Have you ever driven for Uber? What kind of tips can you offer?
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