10 Smart Ways Drivers Can Boost Their Supplemental Income in 2025

Looking to start earning money as a driver in 2025? You can tap into the gig economy and unlock new income streams with the right moves. Many drivers, including retired folks and business owners, now choose flexible side hustles.

A recent report shows that 25% of ride-hailing drivers have other jobs.
Most drivers work about 18 hours a week for .Driver supplemental income, often because they love the flexibility.
Ready to boost your take-home pay? Let’s dive in.

Key Takeaways

Use rideshare apps in a smart way. Pick trips that pay more. Work in places where many people need rides. Use more than one app to make more money.
Try delivering food or packages to earn money when you want. Look for bonuses and work during busy times to get paid more.
Think about car advertising or car sharing to make money without much work. You can turn your car into a moving ad or rent it out when you are not using it.
Offer mobile services like car cleaning or pet transport. Use your skills and love for animals to earn extra cash.
Watch your spending closely. Follow the law. Balance different jobs to keep your money safe and steady.

Rideshare Apps

Cherry-Picking Strategies

Do you want to earn more with ridesharing? Many top drivers use cherry-picking strategies. These help them get better pay and avoid getting tired. You can set a minimum amount you want for each mile or minute. If a ride does not pay enough, you can skip it. For example, some drivers say no to trips under $3. They also skip rides with long pick-up times unless there is surge pricing. You can also say no to rides in unsafe areas or with passengers who have low ratings.

A smart idea is to use Uber and Lyft at the same time. This lets you see more offers and choose the best one. Some drivers use apps like GigU Cherry Picker. These apps help you avoid trips that pay too little. You should learn which parts of your city are busiest. Try to do short rides during rush hours or weekend nights. This helps you wait less and earn more.

Think of ridesharing as a business. Your time is important. Try to get steady pay each hour instead of chasing big fares.

High-Paying Markets

Where you drive matters a lot. Some cities pay drivers much more than others. In 2025, Washington pays the most. Drivers there make about $31.38 per hour. Minnesota and Massachusetts also pay well. Drivers in these states earn over $24 per hour. If you want to make more money, think about driving in these busy places.

Rank	State	Average Hourly Earnings (Q1 2025)
1	Washington	$31.38
2	Minnesota	$24.72
3	Massachusetts	$24.14

If you switch to an electric vehicle, you can save money. You will spend less on gas and fixing your car. This means you keep more of what you earn from each ride.

Look at this chart to see how much drivers make with different rideshare apps:

Bar chart comparing average hourly earnings for top rideshare apps in 2025

Here is a quick look at the most popular ridesharing apps and what they give drivers:

App Name	Founded	Active Drivers	Availability	Average Earnings (per hour)	Key Driver Benefits
Uber	2009	5+ million	900+ cities worldwide	$25–$35	High demand, health insurance, vehicle maintenance discounts
Lyft	2012	1.8 million+	600+ U.S. cities	$20–$30	Lower service fees, frequent promotions, rewards programs
Bolt	2013	1 million+	Europe, Africa, Asia	$20–$30	Fast payouts, flexible hours, EV support

You can use these ridesharing apps to earn money in a way that fits your life.

Food Delivery

App Choices

There are lots of food delivery apps you can use in 2025. DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Amazon Flex, Postmates, GoPuff, and Caviar help you start earning quickly. Each app pays differently and has special features. DoorDash pays between $17 and $25 an hour. You can choose your own work times with DoorDash. Instacart pays up to $30 an hour if you like shopping and delivering groceries. Amazon Flex pays $18 to $25 an hour and is in many cities.

Here’s a quick look at top delivery apps and what they offer:

Food Delivery App	Average Hourly Earnings (2025)	Key Features
DoorDash	$17–$25	Flexible schedule, no-contact delivery
Instacart	Up to $30	Grocery shopping + delivery, keep 100% of tips
Amazon Flex	$18–$25	Flexible work, competitive pay
Uber Eats	$17–$23	Instant cash-out, global reach
GoPuff	$14–$31	Guaranteed minimum pay, fast delivery
Postmates	Around $18	Real-time notifications, instant cash-outs

You can earn more money by using more than one app. Many drivers switch between apps to get better orders. This helps you stay busy and pick the best-paying jobs.

Tip: Work during busy times and at popular restaurants. You will get more orders and bigger tips.

Incentives

Delivery apps give rewards to drivers who work hard. DoorDash gives Peak Pay bonuses when it is busy. They also have Challenges for doing a certain number of deliveries. Uber Eats has Quest Bonuses and surge pricing. You earn more when lots of people order food. Grubhub lets you schedule work blocks and gives bonuses for meeting goals. Postmates uses Blitz pricing and pays extra for finishing delivery targets.

Here’s how some platforms stack up:

Platform	Bonuses and Incentives	Tips Policy
DoorDash	Peak pay, Challenges, base pay by order complexity	Keep 100% of tips
Uber Eats	Surge pricing, Quest bonuses, trip supplements	Keep 100% of tips
Grubhub	Mission bonuses, referral rewards	Keep 100% of tips
Postmates	Blitz pricing, bonuses for delivery targets	Keep 100% of tips

You can make more money by being nice to customers. Happy customers give better tips, and tips add up fast. Always keep track of your delivery money and what you spend. Many drivers use tax deductions to keep more of their earnings.

Package Delivery

On-Demand Jobs

You can make extra money by delivering packages. On-demand jobs let you choose your work hours. Companies like Amazon Flex and FedEx need drivers every day. Local courier services also hire drivers often. You pick up packages and deliver them nearby. Most jobs pay you by the hour or by the route. In 2025, package delivery drivers earn about $18.33 per hour. Some drivers get as little as $10.71 per hour. Others can earn up to $27.23 per hour. Your yearly pay can be between $23,000 and $61,000. How much you make depends on your hours and the company.

Income Type	Amount (USD)	Notes
Average Hourly Pay	$18.33 per hour	Median and average are the same
Hourly Pay Range	$10.71 – $27.23	10th to 90th percentile range
Annual Total Pay	$23,000 – $61,000	Includes bonuses, profit sharing, commissions
Data Source	6,198 salary profiles	Covers variations by experience and employer

Try different delivery apps to see what works for you. Some drivers use more than one app to stay busy. This helps them earn more money. On-demand delivery jobs are good if you want flexible work.

Union Opportunities

Union delivery jobs give steady work and good benefits. UPS is a top pick for many drivers. Full-time UPS drivers can make over $100,000 each year. After five years, you could earn about $170,000 per year. This includes base pay, overtime, and benefits. Benefits include health care and a pension. UPS gives paid vacation, sick days, and a 401k plan.

Here’s what UPS drivers can get:

Employee Category	Average Total Compensation	Healthcare Premiums	Paid Vacation	Paid Holidays, Sick Leave, Option Days	Pension Plan Contribution	Additional Benefits
Full-time Delivery Drivers	$145,000 per year	$0	Up to 7 weeks	Average 18 days	Defined-benefit pension	Career growth, training opportunities
Local Tractor-Trailer Drivers	$162,000 per year	$0	Up to 7 weeks	Average 18 days	Defined-benefit pension	Same as full-time delivery drivers
Long-haul Team Drivers	$172,000 per year	$0	Up to 7 weeks	Average 18 days	Defined-benefit pension	Top rate per mile pay after 4 years
Part-time Union Employees	$20 per hour after 30 days	$0	Paid vacations	Paid holidays	Defined-benefit pension	Tuition benefits, same benefits as full-time

Bar chart comparing average total compensation for UPS driver categories

You get more than just money from these jobs. UPS gives health, dental, and vision insurance. You also get training and can move up in your job. If you want a long-term job with great pay, union delivery jobs are a great choice.

Car Advertising

Mobile Billboards

You can turn your daily drive into a steady stream of passive income by using your car as a moving advertisement. Companies like Wrapify and Carvertise help you make money with your car by turning it into one of the most effective mobile billboards on the road. You just drive as you normally do, and the ads do the work for you. This is a great way to earn passive income without changing your routine.

Wrapify pays you based on how much of your car you wrap and how many miles you drive. The more coverage, the more you make money with your car. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect each month:

Wrap Coverage Level	Typical Monthly Income Range (USD)
Full coverage	$264 – $452
Partial coverage	$196 – $280
Lite coverage	$181 – $280
Static and Rideshare Topper	$174 – $280

Bar chart comparing minimum and maximum typical monthly income for drivers by car wrap coverage level

Make Money with Your Car

You want to make money with your car, right? Here’s how you can get started. First, download the app from a company like Wrapify or Carvertise. Next, answer a few questions about your driving habits. If you qualify, you’ll get matched with a brand. Then, professionals will wrap your car with the ad. You just drive your normal routes and start to make money with your car. Payments come straight to your bank account, usually every other week.

To qualify, your car should be a personal vehicle newer than 2010. You need a clean driving record and must drive regularly in busy areas. There are no fees to join, and the company covers all costs. You can accept or decline campaigns, so you stay in control as you make money with your car.

Tip: If you drive a lot in high-traffic areas, you can boost your passive income even more. Some drivers join special events called “swarms” for extra bonuses.

You can make money with your car while you commute, run errands, or even drive for other gigs. Many drivers use this method to add passive income on top of their main job. If you want to make money with your car, this is one of the easiest ways to get started. Just sign up, drive, and watch your passive income grow. Making money with your car has never been simpler. Try it out and see how much passive income you can earn each month. You might be surprised at how easy it is to make money with your car.

Car Sharing

Peer-to-Peer Rentals

You can rent out your car when you are not using it and earn extra cash. Peer-to-peer car sharing platforms like Turo and Getaround make this easy. You list your car, set your price, and choose when your car is available. The platform connects you with people who need a car for a few hours or days. You stay in control of your schedule.

Most platforms take a fee from your rental income. This fee usually covers insurance, roadside help, and customer support. You keep the rest. On average, these fees range from 25% to 40%. Even after fees, many car owners find that they earn enough to cover their costs almost every time they rent out their car. For example, if you share your car for 90 days a year, you could boost your household income by about 6%. SUVs often bring in more money than smaller cars.

Tip: If you live in a busy city or near an airport, you can get more bookings and higher rates.

Requirements

Before you rent out your car, you need to check if your vehicle meets the platform’s rules. Here are the main requirements you should know:

Your car must have a clean title. No salvage, rebuilt, or branded titles.
The car should be less than 12 years old and have under 130,000 miles.
No motorcycles, RVs, box trucks, trailers, or off-road vehicles.
No open safety recalls. Fix any recalls before listing.
Only legal and safe modifications are allowed. No loud exhausts or illegal lights.
You must provide clear photos of your car, inside and out.
Proof of registration and insurance is required.
Some cities may ask for extra inspections or smog checks.
Commercial hosts need extra documents and insurance.

Here’s a quick table to help you see if your car qualifies:

Requirement	Accepted?
Clean title	✅ Yes
Under 12 years old	✅ Yes
Under 130,000 miles	✅ Yes
No open recalls	✅ Yes
Legal modifications only	✅ Yes
Proof of registration	✅ Yes
Clear photos needed	✅ Yes

If your car meets these rules, you are ready to rent out your car and start earning. The setup is simple. Take good photos, write a clear description, and set your calendar. You can pause or adjust your listing anytime. Renting out your car can turn your parked vehicle into a steady source of income.

Mobile Services

Detailing

You can turn your car into a money-making machine by offering mobile car detailing. People love the convenience of having their cars cleaned at home or work. In 2025, this service is in high demand because everyone wants fast, easy solutions. You show up with your supplies and make their car shine. Most customers book through apps or websites, so you get steady work if you build a good reputation.

To get started, you need a few basic skills. You should know how to wash, wax, and vacuum a car. You also need to remove stains and clean windows. If you want to stand out, learn how to polish paint or clean leather seats. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:

Buckets, sponges, and microfiber towels
Car-safe soaps and waxes
Vacuum cleaner (portable)
Brushes for wheels and interiors
Water supply or waterless cleaning products

Most solo detailers keep their costs low. You might spend $150–$300 each month on supplies. Many detailers report profit margins as high as 60–80% if you do the work yourself. You can earn even more by offering premium packages or monthly plans. Upselling extra services, like headlight restoration or pet hair removal, helps boost your income.

Tip: Always take before-and-after photos. Customers love to see the difference, and it helps you get more jobs!

Maintenance

You can also offer simple car maintenance as a mobile service. Many people need help with oil changes, battery swaps, or tire checks but don’t have time to visit a shop. If you have basic mechanical skills, you can fill this gap. You just need the right tools and a reliable vehicle to carry your equipment.

Here’s a table of common mobile maintenance services and what you might need:

Service	Skills Needed	Equipment Required	Typical Charge
Oil Change	Basic car knowledge	Oil, filter, wrench	$40–$70
Battery Swap	Simple installation	Battery, tools	$50–$100
Tire Rotation	Jack, tire iron	Jack, tire iron	$30–$60
Wiper Replace	Quick replacement	Wipers, screwdriver	$15–$30

You can keep your costs low by buying supplies in bulk and using efficient tools. Many drivers find that mobile maintenance and detailing are great ways to boost income, especially if you already enjoy working with cars. The best part? You set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want.

Pet Transport

Specialized Services

Do you love animals? You can turn that passion into extra income by offering pet transport services. Many pet owners need help moving their furry friends across town or even across the country. You might drive dogs to grooming appointments, help cats get to the vet, or transport birds and reptiles for families who are moving.

You don’t need special experience to start. Most drivers begin with a clean driving record and a reliable vehicle. However, you do need to register your business with the USDA through APHIS. This step is free and keeps you legal. You’ll register as either an Animal Carrier or an Intermediate Handler, depending on how you handle pets. Some states may ask for extra licenses or certifications, so it’s smart to check with your State Veterinarian’s office before you get started.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you prepare:

Register your business with USDA APHIS.
Choose the right registration type: Animal Carrier or Intermediate Handler.
Check for state-specific rules or licenses.
Make sure your vehicle is clean, safe, and comfortable for pets.
Carry pet first aid supplies and water.
Get insurance that covers pet transport.

Tip: If you offer climate-controlled rides or real-time tracking, pet owners will trust you more and pay higher rates.

Earnings

Pet transport can pay well, especially in busy cities. You might earn between $8,000 and $10,000 each month before expenses. If you build a strong reputation, your monthly income could reach $20,000. Most beginners start by charging less than $1 per mile, but you can raise your rates as you gain experience.

Here’s a table showing what you can expect:

Earnings Aspect	Typical Range / Details
Annual Earnings (Owners)	$30,000 to $100,000, depending on location and services
Urban Owner Earnings	$70,000 to $120,000 or more
Monthly Earnings (Drivers)	$8,000 to $10,000; experienced drivers up to $20,000
Profit Margins	5% to 20%, higher with premium services
Revenue Drivers	Demand, fleet size, extra services like grooming

You can boost your income by stacking shipments, planning smart routes, and offering premium services. Adding grooming or boarding can increase your earnings by up to 20%. If you stay professional and keep pets safe, you’ll see your business grow.

Note: Persistence pays off. The more you work and the better your service, the higher your earnings will climb.

Medical Transport

NEMT

You can make good money by driving for non-emergency medical transport. Many people need rides to doctor visits or therapy. Some need help getting to dialysis too. These clients cannot use regular taxis or rideshare apps. You pick them up and take them to their appointments. You help them get there safely and on time.

Most NEMT drivers earn $32 to $46 per hour. This is more than many other driving jobs. Some companies pay you for each trip. Others pay you by the hour. You might work with hospitals, clinics, or private NEMT companies. You can pick your hours and choose your routes. This helps you keep a flexible schedule.

Tip: If you want steady work, try to get contracts with clinics or Medicaid programs. These jobs give you regular clients and steady pay.

You need a clean driving record and a car you can trust. Some companies want you to have CPR or first aid training. You help people who need extra care. Being patient and kind is important.

Licensing

Before you start NEMT driving, you must follow some rules. Here is what you need:

Vehicle licensing
Driver health certification
Criminal background checks
Drug screenings
Follow local motor vehicle rules
ADA compliance for wheelchair vehicles

Insurance is very important. You need:

Vehicle liability insurance
Commercial auto liability insurance (depends on your car)
General liability insurance
Physical damage coverage (this is a good idea)
Workers’ compensation insurance
Umbrella or extra liability coverage

Insurance companies look at your car’s age and how many seats it has. They check your safety features and your driving history. They also look at where you will drive. If you want to drive people in wheelchairs, you need special safety gear and written rules.

Requirement	Details
Vehicle Licensing	Must meet local/state standards
Health Certification	Proof of good health
Background Check	No criminal record
Drug Screening	Must pass regular tests
Insurance	Multiple policies required
ADA Compliance	Needed for wheelchair transport

You should pick insurance that fits your budget. Not having enough insurance can cost you more later. If you follow these steps, you can earn good money and help people in your area.

Event Driving

Driving for events can be a smart way to boost your income. You get to help people get to concerts, sports games, and big gatherings. These jobs often pay more, especially when you drive groups or work during busy times.

Concerts

Concert nights bring huge crowds. Fans want safe, easy rides to and from the venue. You can offer group transport in vans, SUVs, or even minibuses. Many event organizers need drivers who can handle tight schedules and lots of pickups. If you work with a team, you might drive VIPs or artists to special entrances.

Here’s a quick look at which events need the most drivers:

Event Type	Scale & Participants	Transport Demand & Features
VIP Executive Transport	Small events (seminars, VIP dinners)	10-20 vehicles; airport transfers; focus on professionalism and flexibility
Large Events	70-100 participants	Coaches, minibuses, cars; onsite dispatchers; real-time coordination
Multi-Day Complex Events	500+ transport services	Full-service coordination; shuttles; multiple venues; live tracking software

Tip: Offer bottled water and phone chargers. Small touches can lead to bigger tips!

Sports

Sports events fill stadiums and arenas. Fans travel in groups and often book rides in advance. You can drive a shuttle, a party bus, or a regular car. Some drivers work for teams or sponsors, moving players, staff, or VIP guests. These jobs need you to be on time and ready for last-minute changes.

You can earn a strong weekly salary—starting at $1,800 per week—when you drive groups to concerts or sports events. That adds up to about $93,600 a year. Some companies also give you extra pay for long trips and a per diem for meals, which helps you save on taxes.

If you like meeting new people and enjoy the energy of big events, event driving could be your next big side hustle. You set your schedule, pick your gigs, and watch your earnings grow with every event.

Driver Supplemental Income Tips

Costs

If you want .driver supplemental income, watch your spending. Fixing your car, buying gas, and paying insurance can lower your profits. Rideshare and delivery drivers pay for oil changes and tire repairs. Gas prices go up and down, so plan smart routes to save money. Insurance for gig jobs costs more than normal car insurance. Some apps give discounts, but always check prices before you join.

Here’s a table to help you see your main costs:

Expense Type	Typical Monthly Cost	How to Save
Maintenance	$50–$150	Do simple repairs
Fuel	$100–$300	Drive EV or hybrid
Insurance	$80–$200	Compare gig plans

Some drive-to-earn apps use blockchain and may help you save. Most .driver supplemental income jobs need careful planning. Keep all your receipts and use apps to track spending. This helps you know your real profit.

Legal

You must follow the law when earning .driver supplemental income. Each state has rules for insurance and liability. For example, California wants you to have $30,000 for injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Always keep proof of insurance in your car. If you have an accident and not enough coverage, you pay the rest.

Here are some legal tips for .driver supplemental income:

Get coverage for injury and property damage.
Check your state’s minimum insurance limits.
Keep proof of insurance in your car.
Ask your agent about gig work coverage. Regular insurance may not cover .driver supplemental income jobs.
Think about extra protection like uninsured motorist, PIP, or umbrella policies.
Learn the penalties for driving without insurance.

If you do more than one .driver supplemental income gig, manage your time well. Many drivers work several side jobs. Use digital tools to track hours and payments. Try to balance your schedule so you don’t get tired. Share your services online and ask friends to help spread the word. Mixing driving gigs with other side hustles helps you earn more and stay flexible.

Tip: Most side hustlers work less than 20 hours each week per gig. You can switch jobs when demand changes. This keeps your .driver supplemental income steady all year.

You have so many ways to boost your income as a driver in 2025. Some drivers, like John, earned big referral bonuses by connecting friends to new gigs. Others, like Mary, got extra pay for top service. James made the most of peak hours and special events. Trucking teams booked more loads and cut downtime by working with smart dispatch services. Pick the strategies that fit your life. Take action now and turn your car into a real money-maker! 🚗💰

FAQ

What is the easiest way to start earning extra money as a driver?

You can sign up for a rideshare or delivery app. Download the app, fill out your profile, and start driving. Most apps let you choose your hours. You get paid weekly or even daily.

Do I need a special license for medical or pet transport?

Yes, you need extra paperwork for medical and pet transport. For medical rides, get a background check and special insurance. For pet transport, register with the USDA and check state rules. Always keep your documents in your car.

How much can I make with car advertising each month?

Most drivers earn between $180 and $450 monthly. Your pay depends on how much you drive and the size of the ad wrap. If you drive in busy areas, you can earn more. Payments come every two weeks.

Can I combine different driving gigs to boost my income?

Absolutely! You can work for rideshare, food delivery, and car advertising at the same time. Many drivers switch between apps during busy hours. Mixing gigs helps you stay busy and earn more money.

What costs should I watch out for when driving for extra income?

Watch for gas, maintenance, and insurance costs. Keep receipts for repairs and fuel. Use apps to track your spending. Saving on these costs helps you keep more of your earnings.