Stable

Grubhub Driver

Deliver restaurant orders for Grubhub with scheduled blocks or on-demand hours.

73/100

Hustle Score

Est. monthly
$350–$1,450
Startup cost
$0–$60
Time to first $
2-7 days
Hours / week
5–30
LocalEasyVehicle requiredYear-round

Last researched: 2026-09-01 · Sample estimates (stored research)

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

Flexible driving opportunity

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What This Side Hustle Is

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.

Who It Is Best For

First-time gig workersDrivers stacking multiple appsEvening earnersStudents

Realistic Earning Potential

Beginner / mo

$250–$850

Experienced / mo

$850–$2,000

High performer / mo

$3,000+

Hourly est.

$12–$23/hr

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.

Startup Costs

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

Equipment Needed

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

Skills Needed

Safe drivingNavigationPunctualityBasic customer service

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

Geography: Best in restaurant-dense metro areas

Requirements to Qualify

  • 18-19+ depending on market
  • Valid driver's license and insurance
  • Pass a background check
  • Smartphone with data
  • Legal authorization to work in the US

Devices: smartphone needed · no computer needed

How to Start

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Deliver With Grubhub

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Your First 7 Days

Build My 7-Day Starting Plan

A day-by-day action plan built specifically for Grubhub Driver. Free, no sign-up needed.

What to Realistically Expect

Order volume varies a lot by city, so some drivers find Grubhub best as a second app rather than a primary one. Expect $12-18 an hour in typical markets before costs. Scheduled blocks matter where they are offered.

Tips to Make More Money

  • Schedule blocks to get priority offers
  • Run a second app during slow periods
  • Hold a per-mile minimum before accepting
  • Stay in tight restaurant clusters to cut driving
  • Use an insulated bag to protect tips
  • Track mileage all year

Where to Find Customers

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

How to Price Your Services

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.

How to Get Your First Customer

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

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Scheduled blocks give priority orders
  • Fast approval
  • Flexible hours
  • Good second app for dead time

Disadvantages

  • Order volume lower than the biggest apps in some cities
  • Pay per order is modest
  • Restaurant waits
  • Vehicle costs

Common Mistakes & Risks

  • 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

How to Scale

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

Tools and Platforms

Platforms

GrubhubDoorDashUber Eats

Tools

Insulated bagMileage trackerPhone mountGas rewards card

Helpful: IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center

Taxes and Business Considerations

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.

Sources and Last Updated Date

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

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

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