9 Best Food Delivery Apps to Work For (Compared by Pay & Flexibility)
Trying to make the most of food delivery apps work? You are in the right place. Below we break it down in plain English, with practical tips you can actually use.
Key Takeaways
- Share This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, advisory, or brokerage services.
- We may earn compensation from some links on this page.
- For those seeking part-time work with a flexible schedule, working as a freelance food delivery driver may be worth considering.
For those seeking part-time work with a flexible schedule, working as a freelance food delivery driver may be worth considering. Earnings generally range from $12 to $20 per hour, including tips, though it’s key to account for expenses like gas and vehicle maintenance, which can reduce take-home pay.
To help you choose, we analyzed public data from Indeed, Glassdoor, Statista, and app reviews from the Apple App Store and Google Play. We found that the best app depends on factors like location, availability, and earning goals, and that top-earning drivers use multiple apps to stay flexible and maximize income.
Here’s a summary of our research:
- Best Overall: Uber Eats - Flexible hours, high demand, same-day payouts.
- Best in High-Cost-of-Living Cities: DoorDash , Their integration with Caviar, which partners with high-end restaurants, is perfect for drivers in high-income areas.
- Best for Weekends: Instacart - High grocery demand, especially on weekends during the day.
- Best for Multi-Tasking: Shipt - Target-owned, multiple order handling, competitive pay.
Table of Contents
Toggle#1. Uber Eats
Quick summary: Uber Eats is a restaurant food delivery app that enables independent drivers to work on their own schedule and get paid the same day. With over 100 million active monthly shoppers, it’s one of the largest on-demand delivery platforms.Best for: We think Uber Eats is the best option for most people looking for a food delivery job. It has a huge customer base, is available nationwide and in numerous countries worldwide, and offers some of the best pay rates.
Requirements: Uber Eats drivers must…
- Be at least 19 years old to deliver by car or scooter/moped; be at least 18 years old to deliver by bike or on foot.
- Have a delivery vehicle that meets the company’s requirements.
- Provide a Social Security number for a background check.
- Have valid car insurance.
Deliver by: Car, scooter/moped (50cc minimum), bike or foot. (Foot delivery is available in select cities.)
How and when you’re paid: Uber Eats partners are paid via direct deposit and can cash out through a linked debit card as numerous as six times per day after signing up for Instant Pay, making this one of the best same day pay jobs.
Pro tip! If you’re already working as a gig economy driver, you can increase your earnings by getting paid to advertise on your car. You’ll earn more the more you drive, and companies specifically look for couriers to work with. (Uber even has its own car-top advertising program in select markets.)
#2. DoorDash
Quick summary: DoorDash is a leading food and goods delivery platform operating in over 6,000 cities across 25+ countries. It offers delivery from restaurants, grocery stores and other retailers. DoorDash also acquired Caviar, a platform known for high-end restaurants and larger orders with better tip potential. Caviar orders are available directly through the DoorDash app.
Best for: DoorDash is frequently preferred over Uber Eats in high-end suburban areas or smaller cities, offering more consistent orders and the ability to schedule shifts in advance for predictable work hours.
Requirements: To work as a DoorDash driver, you must…
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have an iPhone or Android smartphone.
- Have a valid driver’s license with at least one year of driving experience.
- Have a delivery vehicle that meets the company’s requirements.
- Have valid car insurance.
- Pass a background check.
Deliver by: Car, motorcycle/scooter, bicycle, or on foot (varies by market).
How and when you’re paid: Weekly direct deposits with an instant pay option are available. Drivers see delivery value before accepting and keep 100% of tips. DasherDirect offers daily no-fee deposits.
Learn more in our DoorDash delivery driver review.
#3. Instacart
Quick summary: Instacart is a grocery delivery and pickup service. Full-service shoppers shop for items on a customer’s list and deliver them, while in-store shoppers only prepare orders for pickup. The service is available in over 14,000 cities across the U.S. and Canada.
Best for: Individuals who want structured flexibility. As an in-store shopper, you can plan broadly but remain adaptable to weekly changes in your schedule.
Requirements: To work as an Instacart shopper you must…
- Be at least 18 years old (19 in some states).
- Have access to a reliable vehicle (if operating as a delivery person).
- Pass a background check.
- Have a smartphone capable of running the Instacart Shopper app.
- Be capable of lifting at least 30 pounds.
Deliver by: Car, motorcycle/scooter, bike, or on foot (varies by market and role).
How and when you’re paid: Earnings depend on factors including batch pay (based on order size, type of items, and effort), tips, and any applicable bonuses or promotions. Instacart shows an estimated payout for each batch. Shoppers keep 100% of their tips. Full-service shoppers can use Instant Cashout up to 5 times per day (after meeting initial requirements), while all shoppers receive weekly direct deposits.
#4. GrubHub
Final Thoughts
The bottom line: a little research on food delivery apps work goes a long way. Compare your options, watch for seasonal offers, and never pay full price when a better deal is one click away.
Originally published at thewaystowealth.com.
R.J. Weiss
Our editorial team researches and verifies every money-saving guide before publishing. Editorial policy · About us
