15 Ways To Get Paid To Drive in 2023
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In the fast-paced world that we live in today, pursuing financial independence by finding new opportunities to supplement our income is becoming more of a necessity than ever before. A single source of income is not as reliable as it used to be, and as a result, people are doing what they can to establish multiple income streams to bolster their earnings.
For those who enjoy being behind the wheel and on the road, getting paid to drive is a great way to bring in some extra cash by doing something that you enjoy. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a newly licensed driver, there are a variety of great ways to make money driving.
In this article, I will be highlighting the best ways that people can go about getting paid to drive. We will cover everything from food delivery and package delivery gigs to earning money through car advertising and starting a travel blog.
If getting paid to drive is something you are considering, read on to learn about some of the best ways to do just that. Let’s get started!
Best Ways To Get Paid To Drive
There are so many ways to earn some extra cash driving, however some may be more effective and/or accessible than others.
1. Deliver Food
Convenience has become a clear priority for people who want to make the most out of their time, and as a result, delivery drivers (especially food delivery drivers) are in high demand. Making money delivering food has become an easy, accessible way for people with access to a vehicle to make some extra money driving.
This can be achieved by joining any one (or multiple) of a variety of food delivery services/apps that have platforms designed specifically to help drivers make money. Some of the most popular food delivery platforms for drivers who are looking to get into this line of work include Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub.
Earnings Potential: The average earnings for a delivery driver in the United States, according to data collected by ZipRecruiter, is approximately $19 per hour. Earnings potential will typically depend on things like location, availability, and experience level.
Requirements: In terms of the requirements to become a food delivery driver in the U.S., drivers will need a vehicle and will typically need to be 18 years of age or older (some platforms may have a minimum age of 21). You will also need to pass a background check, have a valid driver’s license, a smartphone with a data plan, a bank account to receive payments and auto insurance.
>> Read Also: Best Side Hustle Ideas
2. Deliver Groceries
Another great way to make money driving is to become a grocery delivery driver and help people get their groceries delivered straight to their doorstep. There are a number of platforms that have been developed specifically to make getting groceries more convenient and also provide a way for people with a vehicle to get paid to drive!
Here are some of the best apps for prospective grocery delivery drivers in the U.S. to consider:
- Instacart: Deliver groceries from a number of popular grocery stores, including Costco, Kroger, and Wegmans.
- Shipt: Deliver groceries from retailers like Target and Meijer.
- Amazon Fresh: Deliver groceries strictly from Amazon-owned Whole Foods locations and other Amazon-partnered stores. You can sign up via the Amazon Flex app.
- Walmart Grocery Delivery: Deliver groceries strictly from select Walmart locations.
Earnings Potential: The average earnings for a grocery delivery driver in the United States, according to data collected by ZipRecruiter, is approximately $19 per hour. Earnings potential will typically depend on things like location, availability, and experience level.
Requirements: The requirements to become a grocery delivery driver in the United States include age (typically 18 but sometimes 21, depending on the platform), valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle, and vehicle insurance. Drivers will also typically need to pass a background check, have a bank account to receive payments, a smartphone with a data plan, and the necessary documentation to work (SSN, passport, identification, etc.).
3. Deliver Packages
Package delivery has become an incredibly popular niche in which people can make some extra money thanks to the boom of eCommerce over the past decade. Get paid to drive by taking on a job as a package delivery driver and create a new source of income to help bolster your earnings and strive for financial freedom.
There are a number of great ways for people to take advantage of the package delivery industry. Drivers can apply for a job with package delivery companies such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, and the U.S. Postal Service, as well as use popular delivery apps in the U.S. like Amazon Flex, Roadie, and Favor.
Earnings Potential: The average earnings for a package delivery driver in the United States, according to data collected by ZipRecruiter, is approximately $19 per hour. Earnings potential will typically depend on things like location, availability, and experience level.
Requirements: In order to become a delivery driver in the United States, you will need to meet the age requirements (typically 18 but in some cases 21 years of age), have a valid driver’s license, complete a background check, and have access to a vehicle unless one is provided by the company you are working for. You will also need to consider the physical requirements involved with lifting and transporting packages of various weights.
4. Deliver Booze
Next, I want to highlight another delivery service that can get you paid to drive, except this one is reserved for customers who are old enough to party (if you know, you know). Delivering alcoholic beverages is another interesting delivery niche that drivers can use to make extra money.
There is the option to operate independently as a booze delivery driver, however you will need to build your own brand and infrastructure and ensure that you are operating in compliance with the laws and regulations associated with your region. Working with an established booze delivery app will significantly simplify the process and provide instant access to a customer base from the get-go.
People in the United States who are looking to get paid to drive by delivering alcohol can consider using the following apps:
- Saucey: Operates in New York, San Diego, Tampa, Jacksonville, Seattle, Boston, Atlanta, Phoenix, Buffalo, New Jersey, and more (check their website for all locations).
- Drizly: Operates in California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, Minnesota, North Carolina, New York, Washington, and more (check their website for all locations).
Earnings Potential: The average earnings for an alcohol delivery driver in the United States, according to data collected by ZipRecruiter, is approximately $19 per hour. Earnings potential will typically depend on things like location, availability, and experience level.
Requirements: In order to become an alcohol delivery driver in the United States, you will need to be of legal drinking age (21 years) to handle and deliver alcohol, have a valid driver’s license, complete a background check, and have access to a vehicle that meets insurance and safety standards. Depending on your location and company-specific requirements, you may also need to have an alcohol server permit or license, as well as any additional training.
5. Drive People Around
One of the most popular ways to take advantage of having access to a vehicle to make money driving is simply to drive people around! Instead of delivering items, you can get paid to provide people with the transportation they need to do things like get to work, visit friends and family, go downtown, or get to the grocery store.
The ridesharing industry has seen massive growth in recent years. The market share of the North American rideshare industry rose by over $35 billion in 2022 alone.
To get started as a rideshare driver in the United States, I recommend using apps like Uber, Lyft, and Wingz (airport transportation).
Earnings Potential: The average earnings for a rideshare driver in the United States, according to data collected by ZipRecruiter, is approximately $16 per hour. Earnings potential will typically depend on things like location, availability, and experience level.
Requirements: In order to become a rideshare driver in the United States, drivers will need to be 21 years of age or older (18 in some cases), have a valid driver’s license, have access to a vehicle that is insured, and meets the platform’s vehicle requirement, and pass a background check. They will also need to have a smartphone with a data plan, a Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, and a bank account to deposit earnings.
6. Get Paid To Drive A Car Across Country
One of the less recognized but equally viable ways to make money driving is to get paid to drive vehicles across the country. There are services that provide an easier and more affordable way to transport cars long distances than traditional vehicle shipment methods, and they also provide an excellent way for drivers to make money.
If you are looking to find a job in this line of work, I recommend checking out Truckerr and Uber Freight as great apps to get started. There are also other long-distance driving opportunities to make money that are focused on the transportation of goods or long-distance ridesharing.
Earnings Potential: The earnings potential for a cross-country driver in the United States, according to data collected by ZipRecruiter, is approximately $19 per hour. Earnings potential will typically depend on things like location, availability, and experience level.
Requirements: In order to start getting paid to drive cars across the country, you will need to have a valid Commercial Driver’s License of Class A or Class B (depending on the type of freight you are transporting). You will also need to have access to a vehicle that meets quality and insurance standards, pass a background check, have a smartphone, bank account to receive funds, and also be prepared to meet the job’s operational requirements (securing and handling freight, adhering to schedules, maintaining communication, etc.).
7. Advertise On Your Car
This is another one of the less popular ways to get paid to drive, but in my opinion, offers a creative way for people to leverage their vehicles to earn cash. Make money by turning your car into a moving advertisement and going about your daily driving routines.
This is made possible by companies like Carvertise, Wrapify, and StickerRide. They provide a unique way for drivers to earn money by placing the advertisements of different company sponsors on their vehicles through decal placements or complete car wraps. This can include phone companies, fitness centers, financial institutions, apps, and more.
Drivers will accept jobs or “campaigns” based on factors like duration, payments, and the style of advertisement desired by the paying sponsor. Check out the company websites for more information and guidance on how to get started as an advertiser.
Earnings Potential: The average earnings potential for automotive advertisers in the United States, according to data collected by ZipRecruiter, is approximately $32 per hour. Earnings can fluctuate based on location, sponsor, and the specifics of the advertisement campaigns taken on.
Requirements: In order to qualify for car advertising jobs, you will need to be 18 years of age, have a vehicle in good condition with a clean exterior, a valid driver’s license, and have a clean driving record (driving record requirements may vary between advertisers). You will also need a smartphone with GPS capabilities and be willing to have your car wrapped or otherwise modified with advertisement decals.
8. Run Errands With Your Car
Another super easy and accessible way to get paid to drive is by using your car to run errands. People who don’t have a vehicle of their own and/or don’t have the time to get their errands done are looking for drivers who can help them check off their to-do list, and that’s where you come in!
There are a number of good online platforms and apps that drivers can sign up for and use to find customers who are in need of errand-running services. Some of my favorites include TaskRabbit, GoShare, and Thumbtack.
Earnings Potential: The average errand driver in the United States, according to data collected by ZipRecruiter, is approximately $22 per hour. Earnings potential will typically depend on things like location, availability, and experience level.
Requirements: In order to run errands with your car in the United States, you will need to have a reliable vehicle that is safe for the road and properly insured, a valid driver’s license, a smartphone to use different apps effectively, and a bank account and/or PayPal account to receive and collect your earnings.
9. Rent Out Your Car
This one is for the people who may not be too keen on putting in heavy driving hours to get paid or maybe don’t want to drive at all but still want to leverage their vehicle to make some extra cash. You may not be driving your vehicle, but there are others who may be in need of rental transportation, and that opens up opportunities for vehicle owners to create a new stream of income for themselves.
This is made possible thanks to platforms like Turo, Getaround, and RVShare, which have been explicitly designed to connect vehicle owners with people in and around their area who need a rental vehicle. Get started by signing up, creating a listing for your vehicle (photos, details, rental rules, etc.), setting the time periods in which it is available, and putting it up on the marketplace!
Earnings Potential: According to data collected by ZipRecruiter, the average car renter in the United States is approximately $23 per hour. Earnings potential will typically depend on things like your location, the type of car you are renting, and the amount of rental time you have available each week.
Requirements: In order to get started renting your car out on platforms like Turo and Getaround, you will need to own a vehicle that is properly registered in your state, has insurance, and complies with all regulations defined by the state you are in. Your vehicle must be an eligible model and of eligible age/condition, and you will need to provide valid U.S. identification as well as pass a background check.
10. Test Drive Cars
Getting paid to test drive cars is another unconventional yet exciting way for people who enjoy driving to generate some income doing what they love. In the United States, this is often referred to as “mystery car shopping” and provides a great way to earn money by test driving different vehicles, evaluating their performance, and also evaluating the performance and service of various car dealerships.
This unique opportunity allows you to get behind the wheel of cars that are on the market and deliver valuable feedback to car manufacturers and dealerships in order to help them optimize their products and services. The best way to get into this line of work is to visit different dealerships and auto shops to see if they are looking for test drivers or to consult mystery car shopping companies like BestMark, IntelliShop, and Market Force Information.
Earnings Potential: The average vehicle test driver in the United States, according to data collected by ZipRecruiter, is approximately $17 per hour. Earnings potential will typically depend on things like location, the specific dealership, auto shop, or company, and your experience level and/or automotive knowledge.
Requirements: In order to become a vehicle test driver in the United States, you will need to have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, driving experience, basic knowledge of automotive mechanics and vehicle systems, and in some cases, specialized training or certifications.
11. Relocate Vehicles
Relocating vehicles refers to the process of transporting vehicles from auto dealerships, rental car companies, and car manufacturers across the country. This is often referred to as “vehicle relocation” or “auto transportation” and can be a great way for people who are willing to drive long distances to bring in some extra cash by getting behind the wheel.
For those who are interested in this line of work, there are a number of services that are dedicated to connecting you with opportunities. In the United States, the most popular ones to consider are Transfercar and Imoova — they partner with hundreds of companies to help people relocate their vehicles long distances and employ drivers to help them do so.
Earnings Potential: Vehicle relocation drivers in the United States, according to data collected by ZipRecruiter, earn on average $19 per hour. Earnings potential will typically depend on things like location, availability, relative experience, and distance traveled on jobs.
Requirements: In order to become a vehicle relocation driver in the United States, drivers need to be at least 21 years of age (25 years of age in some cases), have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and pass a background check. They will also need to have proof of personal auto insurance that meets a specific company’s requirements, have a personal vehicle that is properly registered in your state, and have flexible availability that can cater to the needs of various travel plans.
12. Become A Mover
Another great way to create a new source of income and get paid to drive is to become a mover. One important thing to note is that movers are typically not only tasked with driving a vehicle full of items but also to help pack and unpack said items at different locations. There may be specific “driving only” positions that you can apply for with moving companies, but this will vary from company to company.
If this sounds like something you would be interested in doing, I recommend checking out platforms like Fetch, Bellhop, Lugg, and Dolly. These websites have been designed specifically to offer on-demand app-based moving and delivery services and offer prospective workers a way to earn some extra money.
Earnings Potential: Movers in the United States, according to data collected by ZipRecruiter, earn, on average, about $17 per hour. Earnings potential will typically depend on things like your location, availability, scope of work, and relative experience level.
Requirements: In order to become a mover in the United States, you will typically need to find a position with a moving company, and as a result, the requirements may vary. In general, movers will need to be at least 18 years of age, have a valid driver’s license (if they are driving moving trucks), have a clean driving record, pass a background check, and be in good physical shape (able to lift heavy objects safely).
13. Start A Travel Blog
A travel blog is a website through which travel bloggers share their travel experiences, anecdotes, tips, advice, photographs, videos, and a variety of other content for the world to see. Travel bloggers will typically document their journeys to different destinations and provide helpful information to people who are interested in the traveling lifestyle.
Travel blogs can be a great way for people who enjoy driving to make money while traveling around their own country or even venturing into new countries and continents. There are a variety of ways that travel blogs can generate income; some of the most common include:
- Affiliate Marketing
- Sponsored Content
- Sell Products
- Advertising
- Membership Website
- Crowdfunding & Donations
Earnings Potential: Travel bloggers in the United States, according to data collected by ZipRecruiter, earn, on average, about $35 per hour.
Requirements: In order to become a travel blogger, there aren’t really any significantly strict requirements or restrictions. The most important requirement is to have a passion for travel and a willingness to explore, as well as some creative talent to help you create and build an attractive blog that people will enjoy visiting. In addition, it will help to have writing skills, digital marketing skills, website design skills, and some photography/videography skills to create awesome content.
14. Start A Travel YouTube Channel
Another creative way to get paid to drive is by leveraging the power of the internet and starting a travel YouTube channel to create a consistent stream of income. Travel YouTube channels feature video content related to the creator’s travel experiences, advice, tips, destination highlights, and other insights into all things travel-related.
To get a travel YouTube channel started, I recommend defining a niche that is focused on an aspect of travel that you are passionate about and that attracts a good amount of viewership. Examples would be things like traveling on a budget, luxury traveling, solo traveling, food-focused traveling, and traveling to explore culture. Create a YouTube channel using a Google account, plan a content strategy, and put out high-quality content on a regular basis in order to build a loyal viewer and subscriber base.
Earnings Potential: The average YouTuber earns approximately $0.018 per view, which amounts to $18 for every 1,000 views, according to data collected by Influencer Marketing Hub. YouTube earnings rely heavily on viewership, so an hourly rate is hard to calculate as it will depend on how many views each video gets and how many hours of work were put into creating the content and creating the video itself.
Requirements: In order to start a travel YouTube channel, you will need a YouTube account with a catchy channel name, a high-quality camera with a good microphone, an external hard drive to store video content, and a reliable computer to operate your channel. You will also need video editing software (unless you plan to employ a video editor), a content plan, and knowledge of how to use YouTube SEO tools.
I recommend checking out this video by Pascal Basel, titled “How To Make Travel Videos For Beginners” for some great tips and guidance.
15. Get Paid For Being A Safe Driver
Last but not least, get paid for being a safe driver, and while you’re at it, make the roads a safer place for other drivers. There are a number of ways to make money by driving safely, so why not take advantage of good driving habits to bring in some extra cash?
For starters, many insurance companies offer discounts to policyholders who maintain a clean driving record and, in some cases, offer usage-based insurance programs that track driving behavior with an app and reward safe driving habits with cashback incentives.
There are also a number of safe driver apps like OnMyWay and SAFE 2 SAVE that have been created specifically to provide earning incentives for safe drivers. Simply sign up and install the app, enable location services on your mobile phone, and practice safe driving habits to accumulate points and redeem those points for cash, gift cards, discounts, and other incentives.
Earnings Potential: Safe drivers who are using safe driving apps will have various earnings that depend on things like how many miles are driven, referral bonuses for bringing in new users, and earnings from referrals using the app. For example, with OnMyWay, you can earn a one-time bonus of $2 every time a new user signs up using your referral code and $0.02 for every mile they drive without texting while behind the wheel.
Requirements: In order to start getting paid to drive safely with safe driving apps, you will need a smartphone with GPS capabilities, a vehicle to drive, and safe driving habits. You will also need a bank account and/or PayPal account to redeem rewards or cash earned through the app and receive your earnings.
FAQ Get Paid To Drive
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions in regard to how to get paid to drive.
Is Getting Paid To Drive A Good Side Hustle?
Yes, getting paid to drive can be a good side hustle for those who enjoy driving and have access to a vehicle. The fact that there are a variety of opportunities to make money driving that are easily accessible make it a perfect side hustle to get started quickly.
How Can I Make The Most Money Driving?
Start by choosing jobs that have significant earning potential, like ridesharing (Uber & Lyft), food delivery (DoorDash & Uber Eats), or package delivery (Amazon Flex).
Try to do your driving during peak driving hours and target busy locations that have a lot of potential customers. Do your best to offer excellent customer service and receive high ratings, and make sure you are tracking expenses like fuel costs and writing off expenses when possible.
Which Driving App Pays The Most?
Identifying the highest-paying driving app for you will depend on important factors like your location, the relative demand for drivers, and the specific services you are providing. Typically, ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft, as well as food and package delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, and Amazon Flex, will pay the most.
What Are The Requirements To Drive With Uber?
In order to drive with Uber in the United States, you will need to be at least 21 years of age, have a valid U.S driver’s license, have access to a vehicle that is registered in your name, a Social Security Number, and have auto insurance that meets the minimum requirements in your state. You will also need to pass a background check, have a smartphone with the Uber Driver app installed, and finally, have a bank account to receive your earnings.
Final Thoughts
Those who are looking for different ways to create new sources of income and ultimately work towards improving their financial situation need to keep their options open and consider different avenues. In this article, we have highlighted the best ways to get paid to drive and provided important insight into how they work, how much you can earn, and what you need to get started.
From becoming a rideshare driver with Uber, a package delivery driver with Amazon Flex, or delivering food with DoorDash and Uber Eats, to some of the less recognized side hustles like using your car to advertise, starting up a travel blog, and driving vehicles cross-country — we have covered a wide range of opportunities.
Consider all of the options we have discussed and find out what you think may work best for you, your skillset, interests, and work availability. Don’t be afraid to get out there and try something new. If one avenue doesn’t work out, go back to the drawing board and think about trying something else.
I hope you have found all of the information and inspiration you came looking for. Thanks for reading!
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Rhys is an online content writer & editor, student of decentralized finance and amateur botanist. He loves playing video games with his friends, learning new songs on the piano, and spending time in the sun with his dog Levi.
