Grubhub Driver

Grubhub pays per delivery plus tips, and lets drivers schedule blocks in some markets to get priority orders. Requirements are light and onboarding is quick, so it works as a first gig or a second app to fill dead time. Order flow concentrates around lunch and dinner in restaurant-dense areas. It suits drivers who want simple, predictable food delivery work.

Income assumptions: Assumes $12-23 per hour before vehicle costs at 10-20 hours a week in peak windows. High figures assume full-time hours in a strong market.

Estimated earnings based on available market information. Actual earnings vary by location, experience, demand, expenses, and time invested. Earnings are not guaranteed.

$0–$60 to get started. Time to first dollar is typically 2-7 days.

• Smartphone
• Car, bike, or scooter
• Insulated bag
• Phone mount
• Charger

Age: 19+ in most markets, 18+ with a bike in some cities

Geography: Best in restaurant-dense metro areas

1. 1Apply to drive for Grubhub and upload license and insurance.
2. 2Pass the background check and activate your driver card.
3. 3Schedule blocks if your market offers them for priority orders.
4. 4Pick up an insulated bag and phone mount.
5. 5Work a dinner shift in a dense restaurant zone.
6. 6Run a second delivery app during quiet stretches.
7. 7Review hourly pay weekly and drop weak hours.

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• Orders come through the driver app
• Restaurant-dense downtown blocks
• Lunch and dinner peaks
• Scheduled blocks for priority access
• Office districts on weekdays

Accept or decline is your only pricing control. Hold a floor near $6-8 per delivery and $1.50-2 per mile, and prefer short hops in tight zones. Scheduled blocks help keep offers flowing during your best hours.

Punctual, correct deliveries with drop-off photos keep your ratings clean. Text customers if a restaurant runs late. Reliability determines access to scheduled blocks.

• Only using one app during slow hours
• Not scheduling blocks where they matter
• Accepting long low-pay deliveries
• Ignoring mileage records
• Risk: Thin order flow in small markets
• Risk: Vehicle wear
• Risk: Uneven hourly pay

Stack Grubhub with a second app so you are rarely idle, and lock the peak blocks in your best zone. Move to higher-rate local services once you have a financial cushion.

Scalability 22/100 · Passive potential 0/100 · Recurring potential 10/100

Helpful: IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center

You work as a 1099 independent contractor, so no tax is withheld. Track every mile you drive with a mileage app because the standard mileage deduction is usually the largest write-off available. Set aside roughly 25-30% of profit and pay quarterly estimated taxes to avoid a surprise bill. Phone bill, hot bags, and cleaning supplies are partly deductible when used for the work.

This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Consult a professional for your situation.

Last researched: 2026-09-01 · Data quality: sample

Stored research / estimates — live data sources are not connected yet.