Supplemental driver income made easy for 2025

In 2025, you can boost your earnings with easy ways to generate supplemental driver income. Many drivers turn to rideshare apps, deliver food or packages, or even place ads on their vehicles to increase their supplemental driver income. Innovative options like data sharing and renting out your car to others are also gaining traction as sources of supplemental driver income. Sign-on and referral bonuses have grown rapidly, making them excellent opportunities for supplemental driver income. The side hustle economy now offers more ways than ever to earn supplemental driver income. These options are simple to start, and most drivers discover at least one method that fits their schedule and helps them earn more supplemental driver income.

Key Takeaways

Rideshare and delivery apps let you earn extra money. Many drivers make $20 to $35 each hour.
Using more than one side hustle app can help you earn more. Working during busy times also helps you get more bonuses.
Car advertising and data sharing are easy ways to make extra money. You must be careful about your privacy and check if they are real.
Renting your car and doing special jobs like medical or pet transport can give steady money. You need to watch your costs and keep things safe.
Managing your time well helps you do better. Tracking your expenses for taxes is important. Staying safe on the road keeps your income steady.

Rideshare Apps

Popular Platforms

If you want to start a side hustle in 2025, rideshare apps are some of the best side hustle apps out there. You can pick from many options, each with its own perks. Here’s a quick look at the most popular side hustle apps for drivers:

Rideshare App	Founded	Active Drivers	Availability	Average Earnings (per hour)	Key Features & Benefits
Uber	2009	5+ million	900+ cities worldwide	$25–$35	Largest global presence, flexible work, health insurance, vehicle discounts, surge pricing
Lyft	2012	1.8 million+	600+ U.S. cities	$20–$30	Lower service fees, frequent promotions, driver rewards, user-friendly app
DoorDash	2013	1 million+	Nationwide	$20–$25	Food delivery focus, flexible hours, tips from customers
Wingz	2011	Regional	9 U.S. cities	$25–$35	Scheduled rides, airport transfers, predictable schedule
Via	2013	Regional	Select U.S. & international cities	$18–$25	Carpooling model, shared rides, peak pricing benefits

You can also try side hustle apps like Flywheel, Waze Carpool, Heetch, and Ola. Each one gives you a different way to earn extra money and boost your earnings potential.

Bar chart comparing average hourly earnings for drivers across popular rideshare apps in 2025

Sign-Up Steps

Getting started with these side hustle apps is simple. Most apps ask you to:

Be at least 21 years old (some cities require 25)
Have a valid driver’s license and at least one year of driving experience
Own or lease a 4-door car that meets the app’s standards
Pass a background check and vehicle inspection
Upload documents like insurance and registration

Tip: Some side hustle apps, like Lyft, offer rental programs if you don’t have a car that qualifies.

Earnings Tips

You can raise your earnings potential by using smart strategies with side hustle apps. Try these tips:

Drive during peak hours to get surge pricing.
Use more than one side hustle app to catch the best promotions.
Set daily and weekly goals for your side hustle.
Choose rides that pay well and avoid long pickups.
Keep your car clean and friendly to get better tips.

If you want to make the most of your side hustle, focus on safety, rest, and good customer service. With the right side hustle apps and a smart plan, you can turn your free time into real cash.

Delivery Side Hustle

Food Delivery

You can start food delivery as a side hustle with your phone. Popular side hustle apps like UberEats, DoorDash, and Instacart help you get started fast. You need a smartphone, a good car, and a clean driving record. Most side hustle apps want you to be at least 18 years old. You sign up, send in your documents, and then you can take orders. The food delivery market is growing very quickly. In 2025, experts think the global online food delivery market will reach $1.39 trillion. The U.S. could reach $430.85 billion.

Source	Market Segment	Projected Market Size (2025)
Fortune Business Insights	Global Hyperlocal Food Delivery	USD 540.04 billion
Statista (Worldwide)	Online Food Delivery (Meal + Grocery)	US$1.39 trillion
Statista (United States)	Online Food Delivery (US)	US$430.85 billion

You can make up to $25 per hour with top side hustle apps. Many drivers say working during lunch and dinner rushes helps them earn more.

Package Services

If you want a side hustle besides food, try package delivery. Amazon Flex, Shipt, and Postmates are popular side hustle apps for this. You pick up packages from stores or warehouses and drop them off at homes or offices. Some side hustle apps let you pick your own hours and routes. The average pay for package delivery can be $25 per hour. Apps like Postmates, DoorDash, and Uber Eats offer good payouts.

Bar chart comparing average hourly payouts for top delivery services

You can earn more by taking more than one order at a time and working in busy places.

Pros and Cons

Every side hustle has good and bad parts. Food and package delivery side hustle apps give you freedom and fast money. You can choose your schedule and work when you want. You can use more than one side hustle app to make more money. But you might pay high commission fees, get tips that change a lot, and face lots of other drivers. Sometimes, food gets cold or needs to be warmed up, which can upset customers. Package delivery side hustles may mean lifting heavy things or driving far.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Flexible schedule	High commission fees
Quick payouts	Unpredictable tips
Easy sign-up	Market saturation
Multiple side hustle apps	Food quality issues

Tip: Try different side hustle apps to see what works best for you. You can switch between food and package delivery to keep things interesting and earn more.

Supplemental Driver Income Ideas

Car Advertising

Want a side hustle that takes almost no effort? Car advertising could be your answer. You let companies wrap your car with ads, and you get paid for driving as usual. This is a great way to add a new income stream without changing your routine. Many drivers use car advertising to boost their supplemental driver income. You can earn anywhere from $100 to $1,500 per campaign, depending on the company and how much you drive.

Company	Typical Earnings Range	Comments
Carvertise	$100 – $1,500 per campaign	Most drivers make up to $500 per campaign.
Mobilads	$200 – $1,875 per campaign	Average $300 per campaign; varies by campaign.
Nickelytics	$175 – $500 per campaign	Some campaigns pay as much as $500.
Wrapify	Hundreds per month	Can cover car payments and gas for some drivers.

Bar chart comparing typical earnings ranges for car advertising companies

Tip: Always check for scams. Real companies never ask you to pay upfront.

Data Sharing

Some side hustle apps and insurance companies pay you for sharing your driving data. This can create a new income stream, but you need to know the risks. Many drivers worry about privacy. Programs often track your location, speed, and even phone use. Some companies keep your data for years or share it with third parties. Only a small number of drivers read the privacy policies, so you might not know how your data gets used.

68% of drivers worry about privacy in telematics programs.
Data can go to unknown third parties or data brokers.
Some companies use plug-in devices to limit data sharing.
Data includes speed, braking, miles, and location.

If you want extra cash flow, data sharing can help, but always read the fine print. Protect your privacy and ask questions before you join.

Private Rides

You can offer private rides as a side hustle for neighbors, friends, or local groups. This method gives you control over your schedule and rates. Many drivers use private rides to add a flexible income stream and boost their supplemental driver income. You can set your own rules and work with people you trust. Always focus on safety. Meet new riders in public places and let someone know your plans.

Note: Private rides can help you build steady customers and keep your side hustle personal.

Car Rental & Specialized Gigs

Peer-to-Peer Rental

You can turn your car into an income stream by renting it out on peer-to-peer platforms like Turo or Getaround. Many hosts earn between $500 and $1,200 each month per vehicle. If you have a mid-range car in a busy city, you might see $500 to $700 per month. Luxury or unique cars can bring in even more, sometimes up to $1,200 monthly. Your earnings depend on your car type, your location, and how often your car is available. Some drivers find this side gig easy, while others feel the costs and risks can eat into profits.

Note: First-time hosts often underestimate costs by 30-40%. Make sure you factor in cleaning, repairs, and downtime.

When you rent out your car, you need the right insurance. Personal auto insurance usually does not cover rentals through these platforms. Most platforms offer their own insurance plans, which include liability, repair, and roadside help. You should keep your personal insurance and let your insurer know about your rental activity. Always check that you meet your state’s minimum coverage.

Medical Transport

Medical transport gigs let you help people get to doctor visits or treatments. You need a valid driver’s license and a clean record. Most companies want you to be at least 21. They look for drivers with good customer service skills and the ability to handle pressure. Some states require first aid or CPR certification. You may also need to pass background checks, drug tests, and take defensive driving courses. Many employers provide training on safety, patient care, and company rules.

You might need to learn how to help people in wheelchairs or those with special medical needs.
Some companies want you to join groups like NEMTAC for extra training and best practices.

This gig can become a steady income stream if you enjoy helping others and want a job with purpose.

Event & Pet Transport

Event and pet transport services are growing fast. More people travel with pets or need help getting animals to shows and competitions. The pet transport market is booming because of rising pet adoption and the humanization of pets. Event logistics, like moving pets for dog shows, is a big part of this growth. New technology, such as blockchain, makes these services safer and more reliable.

Tip: If you love animals or enjoy working at events, this gig could be a fun way to earn extra money.

You can find work with pet transport companies or offer your own services locally. This specialized gig gives you a chance to stand out from other drivers.

Success Tips

Time Management

Managing your time well helps you stay on top of multiple side hustles. Start by setting clear priorities. List your tasks and rank them by what matters most. Use tools like Trello or Asana to organize your schedule and see deadlines at a glance. Try the Two-Minute Rule—if a task takes less than two minutes, do it right away. This keeps your workload from piling up. Every week, review your goals and progress. Adjust your plan if you need to. Sarah, a driver who used these tips, tripled her sales in six months. You can do the same by staying organized and focused.

Set clear priorities for each day.
Use task management apps to track your gigs.
Complete quick tasks immediately.
Review your goals weekly.

Tax Basics

You need to report all your supplemental income to the IRS, even if it’s a small amount. If you earn $400 or more, you must file taxes as self-employed. Use Schedule C and Schedule SE to report your earnings and pay Medicare and Social Security taxes. Make quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid surprises. Keep records of your mileage, expenses, and income. You can deduct costs like vehicle maintenance, tools, and training. If you get multiple W-2 forms, include them all when you file. Many drivers miss out on deductions by not tracking expenses. Talking to a tax professional can help you stay compliant and boost your financial security.

Safety

Staying safe on the road is key. Get enough rest before driving. Never drive when you feel tired or sick. Avoid distractions like texting or eating while behind the wheel. Plan your trips by checking weather and road conditions. Slow down in work zones and keep extra space between cars. Always wear your seat belt. Check your blind spots often and signal early. Keep your vehicle in good shape with regular inspections. These habits lower your risk of accidents and keep you safe while working multiple gigs.

Balancing Gigs

Balancing several income streams gives you flexibility, but it can be tough. Use gamification to make work fun—set challenges and track your progress. Take ownership of your schedule and focus on building new skills. Create a pleasant workspace and connect with other drivers to avoid feeling alone. Take regular breaks and turn off notifications to manage distractions. Here’s a quick table to help you avoid burnout:

Strategy	Description
Optimize Work Schedule	Drive during peak hours and save time for yourself.
Diversify Income Streams	Mix rideshare, delivery, and freelance gigs for steady earnings.
Create a Budget	Track your money to stay in control.
Minimize Unnecessary Costs	Keep your car maintained and cut extra expenses.
Invest in Professional Development	Learn new skills to improve your service and future income.

There are lots of simple ways to make extra money as a driver in 2025. Many drivers like Amazon Prime delivery, Shipt, and Instacart the most. The chart below shows how happy drivers are with each choice:

Supplemental Income Option	Satisfaction Rate (%)
Amazon Prime delivery	76
Shipt delivery	65
Instacart delivery	62
Uber driver	61
Lyft driver	61
Postmates delivery	60
Grubhub delivery	44

Bar chart comparing satisfaction rates for different supplemental income options among drivers

Pick one or two gigs that fit your life best. Make a short checklist before you begin:

Wash your car and get the tools you need.
Pick a platform that matches what you want.
Plan your hours and keep track of your money.

With a good plan, you can earn more money. Every driver can find a side hustle that fits them.

FAQ

How much can you really earn with driver side hustles in 2025?

Most drivers make $20 to $35 per hour. Your total earnings depend on your location, the platform you choose, and how many hours you work. Some drivers earn even more with bonuses and tips.

Do you need a special car for these gigs?

You usually need a four-door car in good condition. Some platforms accept older cars. Others offer rental programs if your car does not qualify. Always check the requirements before you sign up.

Is it safe to share your driving data for extra cash?

You should always read the privacy policy first. Some companies sell your data to others. If you want to protect your privacy, use only trusted apps and ask questions before you join.

Can you do more than one side hustle at the same time?

Yes! Many drivers use multiple apps to boost their income. You can switch between rideshare, delivery, and other gigs. Just make sure you manage your time well and avoid burnout.