The Best Paying On-the-Go Delivery Gigs in 2025: What to Expect Before You Sign Up

Whether you're looking to supplement your income or need a flexible side hustle, on-the-go delivery gigs offer an accessible way to make money fast. From groceries to packages to restaurant meals, there's no shortage of delivery platforms looking for drivers. But which ones are worth your time? Here's a breakdown of the best-paying delivery gigs in 2025, including earning potential, startup ease, safety tips, and common issues to watch out for.

🏆 Top Delivery Apps to Consider in 2025

1. Amazon Flex

• Pay Range: $18–$25/hour

• Ease of Start: ✅ Apply through Amazon Flex website, background check required.

• Pros:

  • Schedule your own shifts (blocks)

  • High volume of consistent work

• Cons:

  • Must have a mid-size sedan or larger

  • No tips

• Common Issues:

  • App glitches that can cancel routes or delay schedule confirmation

  • Limited block availability in smaller markets

  • Gas and toll costs are not reimbursed

2. DoorDash

• Pay Range: $10–$23/hour (plus tips)

• Ease of Start: ✅ Sign up via app, quick approval process

• Pros:

  • Tips can significantly boost earnings

  • Peak Pay boosts during busy times

• Cons:

  • High competition in urban areas

  • Wear and tear on vehicle

• Common Issues:

  • Occasional app freezing or incorrect delivery locations

  • Orders can be unclaimed, leaving drivers with wasted time

  • Customer ratings can impact driver priority unfairly

3. Instacart

• Pay Range: $10–$25/hour

• Ease of Start: ✅ Easy sign-up, background check, must lift 30+ lbs

• Pros:

  • Earn more with larger grocery orders

  • Great for those who enjoy shopping

• Cons:

  • Time-consuming shopping

  • Customer ratings affect order priority

• Common Issues:

  • Difficulty finding all items in stock at certain stores

  • Low-paying batches can dominate during off-peak hours

  • Tips can be removed by customers after delivery

4. Uber Eats

• Pay Range: $10–$20/hour (plus tips)

• Ease of Start: ✅ If you’re already an Uber driver, you can add Eats

• Pros:

  • Delivery via car, bike, or scooter

  • Combine rideshare and delivery for more $$

• Cons:

  • Lower base pay per order

  • GPS directions can be unreliable in busy cities

• Common Issues:

  • Long wait times at restaurants

  • Orders sometimes missing items, leading to poor ratings

  • Parking issues in dense urban areas

5. Grubhub

• Pay Range: $12–$22/hour

• Ease of Start: ✅ Background check, license, insurance required

• Pros:

  • Consistent work in larger cities

  • Transparent payout structure

• Cons:

  • Lower volume in rural areas

• Common Issues:

  • Long distance deliveries with low pay

  • Customer support can be slow or unhelpful

  • App bugs may cause scheduling conflicts

💰 Earnings Comparison Graph

App	Avg Hourly Pay	Tips Included?	Flexibility	Vehicle Type	Common App Issues
Amazon Flex	$18–$25	❌	High	Sedan or larger	App glitches, low block availability
DoorDash	$10–$23	✅	High	Any vehicle	Freezing app, location errors
Instacart	$10–$25	✅	Medium	Any vehicle	Missing stock, tip baiting
Uber Eats	$10–$20	✅	High	Car/Bike/Scooter	Restaurant delays, bad GPS
Grubhub	$12–$22	✅	Medium	Any vehicle	Support delays, long distances

🛡️ Safety Considerations

Before diving into any delivery gig, be mindful of the following safety concerns:

• Driving Fatigue: Take breaks and don’t overbook your schedule.

• Night Deliveries: Stick to well-lit areas and trust your gut if a situation feels unsafe.

• Delivery Instructions: Avoid entering homes or gated areas alone.

• Insurance Coverage: Make sure your policy covers delivery use—personal insurance may not.

• Phone Mounts & Hands-Free Devices: Essential for avoiding distracted driving.

• Secure Drop-Offs: Use photo proof features whenever possible.

🧠 Final Thoughts

If you're looking for flexibility and a way to boost your income, delivery apps can be a great solution. However, it pays to do your homework. Some apps offer better base pay, while others rely heavily on tips. Know the quirks and risks of each platform before committing.

👉 Pro Tip: Consider combining apps (like Uber Eats and DoorDash) to fill in gaps and maximize earnings during slow hours.

Stay safe out there, and happy hustling! 💪💵

📢 Have you tried any of these gigs? Share your experience in the comments below or tag us @FamilyFinanceWarriors!