How Drivers Can Boost Supplemental Income with Side Gigs

How Drivers Can Boost Supplemental Income with Side Gigs
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Are you searching for ways to boost your .Driver supplemental income? Many drivers are turning to side gigs that fit their schedules and help them earn extra .Driver supplemental income. Popular options include part-time jobs like rideshare driving, food delivery, or freelance work, all of which offer flexibility and the chance to choose your own hours. Some of the top side hustles for increasing your .Driver supplemental income are:

  • Driving for Uber or Lyft

  • Shopping for others with Instacart

  • Delivering food through DoorDash or Postmates

  • Pet sitting with Rover

These part-time gigs are great for making money online or from home, giving you the flexibility to earn .Driver supplemental income on your own terms. As a driver, you can balance your main job with a side hustle and enjoy the freedom that comes with it. Many drivers appreciate how easy it is to boost their .Driver supplemental income through these opportunities. The gig economy makes it simple for every driver to explore new side hustles and increase their .Driver supplemental income while maintaining a flexible lifestyle.

Key Takeaways

  • Drivers can make more money with side gigs. These include rideshare driving, food delivery, package delivery, car advertising, or running errands.

  • Rideshare and delivery jobs pay well. You can choose your own hours. Busy times like weekends and meal rushes help you earn more.

  • It is important to track expenses like gas, maintenance, and insurance. This helps you know your real earnings. It also helps you save money on taxes.

  • Using more than one gig app helps you find more jobs. You can earn more and keep your schedule flexible.

  • Giving great service, managing your time, and driving safely are important. These things improve your ratings. Good ratings can unlock bonuses and higher pay.

Best Side Gigs for Driver Supplemental Income

Best Side Gigs for Driver Supplemental Income
Image Source: unsplash

If you want to make more money as a driver, there are many side gigs you can try. Each one has its own good points, pay, and how much freedom you get. Let’s look at the top choices so you can pick what works best for you.

Rideshare: Uber or Lyft

Driving for Uber or Lyft is a very popular way to earn extra money. You can work part-time as an Uber driver or pick up Lyft shifts when you have free time. These apps let you pick your own hours. You can drive when it’s busy or when more people need rides.

Tip: To make the most money, drive on Friday and Saturday nights or during big events in your city.

Here’s what you should know about pay:

Driver Type

Average Hourly Earnings (Gross, 2025)

Notes

Uber

$18 – $28

Pay changes by city, surge times, and bonuses

Lyft

$17 – $27

Bonuses and best drive times change pay

In big cities like San Francisco and New York, Uber or Lyft drivers can make up to $30 per hour before costs. Uber said in November 2023 that most US Uber drivers make about $33 for every hour they have a passenger. Remember, these numbers are before you pay for gas and car repairs.

Bar chart showing average hourly gross earnings for rideshare drivers in six major US cities.

To start as a part-time Uber driver or Lyft driver, you need:

  • A car that is new enough and in good shape (usually 15 years old or newer for Uber, some older cars are okay for Lyft)

  • Four doors and enough seatbelts for everyone

  • A valid driver’s license and insurance

  • A clean driving record and background check

If you want freedom and don’t mind talking to people, Uber or Lyft is a good job. You get to pick your hours and work as much or as little as you want.

Food Delivery

Food delivery jobs like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats are great if you like dropping off food instead of driving people. You can join these apps and start delivering food near you. You choose when to work, so it’s easy to fit around your main job.

Metric

DoorDash (including bonuses & tips)

Uber Eats (including bonuses & tips)

Hourly Pay

~$18.93 per hour

~$24.68 per hour

Daily Gross Earnings

~$63.66

~$52.94

Weekly Gross Earnings

~$232.35

~$170.44

Monthly Gross Earnings

~$719.91

~$479.95

Per Task Average

~$8.49 per delivery

~$10.00 per delivery

Bar chart comparing DoorDash and Uber Eats driver earnings across hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and per delivery metrics

You can make more money during busy times. Dinner and lunch rushes are the best times for food delivery. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are the busiest days. If you want to skip slow days, avoid Mondays and Tuesdays.

Time Period

Description

Dinner Time

Busiest and best time to deliver food.

Lunch Time

Also busy, especially in business areas and colleges.

Fridays

Most orders happen on this day, with busy lunch and dinner.

Saturdays

Second busiest day, lots of weekend orders.

Sundays

Third busiest day, still lots of weekend orders.

Food delivery jobs give you freedom, but you will meet customers when you pick up and drop off food. If you want steady work and don’t mind meeting people, this is a good choice.

Package & Courier Delivery

If you want to meet fewer people, package delivery jobs like Amazon Flex and Postmates are a good pick. You pick up packages and drop them off, often without seeing the person who gets them. You can pick your delivery times ahead of time and see your pay before you start.

Amazon Flex drivers usually make $18 to $25 per hour, depending on where you live and how busy it is. For example, a 4-hour shift might pay $80, which is $20 per hour before costs. Tips from grocery deliveries can help you earn more.

Service

Typical Hourly Earnings

Average Hourly Rate

Pay Range / Variations

Additional Earnings Factors

Expenses Impact on Net Income

Amazon Flex

$18 to $25 per hour

Around $18.45

Pay changes by city, time, and demand

Tips, cash bonuses, stock bonuses, profit sharing

Gas and car repairs lower your pay

Postmates

About $17.42 per hour

$17.42

Some cities pay more

100% of customer tips, new driver bonuses, cash bonuses, profit sharing

Similar costs as other delivery jobs

Note: You need to keep track of costs like gas, car repairs, and app fees. These can add up, but many can be taken off your taxes.

If you want a job with lots of freedom and not much talking to people, package delivery is a great choice. Apps like Roadie let you pick which deliveries you want with no penalties and full control over your schedule.

Car Advertising

Car advertising is an easy way to make money as a driver. Companies like Carvertise and Wrapify pay you to put ads on your car. You just drive your normal routes and get paid each month.

Company

Wrap Type

Estimated Monthly Income (USD)

Notes

Wrapify

Full Wrap

$264 – $452

Full car wraps pay more

Wrapify

Partial Wrap

$174 – $280

Partial wraps pay less

Carvertise

N/A

$100 – $500

Some special jobs pay up to $1,500

Nickelytics

N/A

$175 – $250

Made for gig economy drivers

FreeCarMedia

Full/Rear

Up to $400

Jobs last 6 to 24 months

Bar chart comparing estimated monthly income for drivers by car advertising company and wrap type

Most drivers make between $100 and $400 per month, depending on the ad and campaign. Some special jobs pay up to $1,500. You just need a car in good shape and to live in the right area. The steps are easy: download the app, sign up, and wait for offers.

If you want a job with almost no talking to people and steady money, car advertising is a smart pick.

Errands & Moving

Errand and moving jobs like TaskRabbit and Dolly let you help people with things like moving furniture, running errands, or putting things together. You set your own prices and pick which jobs you want.

Dolly helpers with a truck or van can make $30 or more per hour and keep all their tips. TaskRabbit drivers, called Taskers, usually make $20 to $40 per hour, and some make even more. You get paid every week and can pick jobs that fit your skills and schedule.

Tip: If you have a truck or van, you can make more money for moving jobs. Insurance covers customer items, so you don’t have to worry about damages.

Errand jobs give you freedom, but you will meet customers when you pick up and drop off items. If you like helping people and want to set your own prices, this is a great way to make more money.

Which gigs offer the most flexibility or minimal customer interaction?

  • If you want the most freedom, Uber or Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart let you work whenever you want. You control your schedule and can work as a part-time Uber driver or pick up Lyft shifts.

  • For less talking to people, package delivery jobs like Amazon Flex and Roadie are best. You pick up and drop off packages with little contact.

  • Car advertising gives you steady money with almost no talking to people. You just drive your usual routes.

  • Errand and moving jobs let you pick jobs and set your own prices, but you will meet customers.

Note: A recent survey found that most drivers like delivering goods more than rideshare or food delivery because it gives them more control and less talking to people.

No matter which job you pick, you can make more money, enjoy freedom, and find a side gig that fits your needs.

Getting Started

Requirements

You need to meet some rules before you start part-time driving. Most platforms want you to have a car that works well. You must have a valid driver’s license and the right insurance. You also need to pass a background check. Here is what you need for part-time gigs like uber, food delivery, or package drop-offs:

Requirement/Aspect

Details

Vehicle

Your car or a special car, must be in good shape and have the right insurance

Driver’s License

Must be valid and not expired

Insurance

You need your own car insurance, and maybe extra for rideshare or delivery

Background Check

You must have a clean driving record and no big crimes

Smartphone

Needed for using the app for part-time driving jobs

🚗 Tip: Tell your insurance company if you do part-time driving. Normal insurance may not cover gig work. Some companies have special plans for part-time drivers.

Here is a table to help you learn about insurance for part-time driving:

Insurance Aspect

Explanation

Regular Auto Insurance

Usually does not cover you when you do rideshare or gig work, so you may not be protected.

Rideshare Company Coverage

Only covers you at certain times when you are working.

Need for Rideshare Insurance

You should get extra insurance to fill in the gaps and stay safe.

Sign-Up Steps

It is easy to start with part-time gigs like uber, DoorDash, or Amazon Flex. You can follow these steps for most part-time driving jobs:

  1. Download the app for the part-time gig you want.

  2. Make an account with your email, phone, and basic info.

  3. Upload your driver’s license, insurance, and car registration.

  4. Say yes to a background check. The company will look at your driving and criminal history.

  5. Get your car checked if the app asks for it.

  6. Connect your bank account so you can get paid.

📝 Most apps check your background every year. They look for DUIs, violent crimes, or too many tickets.

Setup Tips

You want to do your best with part-time driving. Here are some tips to help you earn more and stay safe:

  • Drive when it is busy. You can make more money then.

  • Use navigation apps to find fast routes and save gas.

  • Try more than one part-time app. Many drivers use both uber and delivery gigs to earn more.

  • Set goals for your part-time work. Decide how much you want to make each week.

  • Pick a car that saves gas for your part-time driving. This helps you keep more money.

  • Learn to skip rides or deliveries that do not pay well.

  • Take care of yourself. Get enough sleep and stay alert during your shifts.

😊 Good habits will help you do well as a part-time uber driver or any other part-time driving job.

Earnings & Costs

Earnings & Costs
Image Source: unsplash

Income Potential

When you drive for uber or lyft, your earnings can change a lot based on how much you work and where you drive. Most drivers use these gigs as side hustles, but some go full-time. Here’s a quick look at what you might earn:

Platform

Income Type

Income Range / Average

Notes

Uber

Weekly (full-time)

Around $1,309 average; $900 – $2,000 reported by drivers

Varies by location, hours, tips, and market conditions

Uber

Monthly (average)

Around $364

For drivers not necessarily working full-time

UberEats

Hourly

About $15 per hour

Earnings vary by market, location, and hours worked

UberEats

Weekly (full-time)

$750 to over $1,000

Full-time defined as 8-12 hours/day; peak hours and location affect earnings

Lyft

Weekly (full-time)

$900 – $1,500

Based on 35-60 hours/week; varies by location and market

Lyft

Monthly (average)

Around $377

For drivers not necessarily working full-time

Gig Workers

Monthly (general)

85% earn less than $500

Indicates many use gig platforms as side hustles rather than full-time jobs

Bar chart comparing weekly and monthly average income for Uber, UberEats, Lyft, and gig workers

Rideshare gigs like uber or lyft usually pay more per hour than delivery gigs. You might see $15 to $20 per hour, and sometimes even $30 in high-demand locations. Delivery drivers, like those on UberEats, often earn less per hour but can boost their earnings by stacking deliveries.

Expenses

You need to watch your costs when you drive for uber or lyft. Here are the main expenses you’ll face:

  • Gas and fuel prices (these can change a lot)

  • Vehicle maintenance and repairs (more miles mean more wear)

  • Insurance (rates go up for gig drivers)

  • Platform fees and commissions (uber or lyft take a cut)

  • Tolls and parking fees

  • Vehicle depreciation (your car loses value with every mile)

  • Taxes (you pay self-employment tax and income tax)

🚗 Many drivers forget about these costs. After gas, repairs, and platform fees, your net earnings can drop fast. Some drivers even earn less than minimum wage if they don’t track expenses.

You must report all your side gig income to the IRS. Uber or lyft will send you a 1099 form. You pay self-employment tax (15.3%) and regular income tax. You can lower your tax bill by keeping good records and deducting business expenses like mileage, phone bills, and supplies.

Influencing Factors

Your earnings from uber or lyft depend on several things:

  • Location: Cities with more people and higher demand pay more. In places like New York or San Francisco, you can earn $25 to $40 per hour. Smaller towns usually pay less.

  • Time of Day: Driving during rush hour, weekends, or big events means more demand and surge pricing. This is the best way to maximise your earnings.

  • Platform Choice: Uber or lyft have different pay rates, bonuses, and tips. Some drivers use both to maximise your earnings.

  • Trip Type: Longer rides, like airport trips, pay more. Delivery drivers can earn more by stacking orders going the same way.

  • Bonuses and Tips: Both uber and lyft offer bonuses for completing a set number of rides. Tips can also boost your earnings.

If you want to earn more, focus on high-demand times and areas. Try both uber and lyft to see which works best for you. Always track your expenses so you know your real earnings.

Side Hustle Success Tips

Peak Hours

You can boost your part-time driving income by working during peak hours. When you drive for uber or lyft at busy times, like rush hour or after big events, you get more rides and higher pay. Surge pricing kicks in, so you earn more for each trip. Food delivery gigs also have busy times, like lunch and dinner. You get steady orders and more tips, especially on weekends and holidays. If you want to maximise your earnings, focus on these high-demand periods.

📈 Tip: Check your past uber or lyft trips to spot your best earning times. Watch for local events and weather changes that boost demand.

Multi-Platform Strategy

Many drivers use more than one gig app to increase flexibility and maximise your earnings. You can switch between uber, lyft, and delivery gigs like Instacart or DoorDash. This strategy, called multi-apping, helps you find the best-paying jobs and avoid slow periods. About 31% of drivers work across multiple platforms, and 21% even switch between different types of gigs.

🚦 Note: Managing many part-time gigs can be stressful. You need to know your city well and keep track of each app’s rules. Delays or mistakes can hurt your ratings or even get your account deactivated.

Service Quality

High-quality service helps you stand out as a driver. Clean cars, safe driving, and friendly service lead to better ratings on uber or lyft. Good ratings unlock bonuses and protect your account.

Service Quality Factors

Impact on Ratings

What Happens Next?

Clean car, safe driving, friendly attitude

Higher ratings

More bonuses, better offers

Poor service

Lower ratings

Fewer bonuses, risk of deactivation

😊 Always aim for a rating above 4.6 stars on uber or lyft. This keeps your part-time driving gigs safe and helps you earn more.

Time Management

Balancing part-time driving with your main job and personal life can be tough. Many drivers struggle with stress, fatigue, and less time for family or hobbies. To succeed with your side hustle, set clear work hours and take breaks. Use a calendar to plan your week. Protect your rest and avoid burnout.

  • Set limits for your part-time gigs to keep life balanced.

  • Take care of your health and relationships.

  • Review your schedule often to make sure you are not overworking.

🕒 Remember, balancing part-time driving with your main job is key. Your side hustle should help you, not wear you out.

You have many ways to boost your .driver supplemental income. You can make money online or make money from home by driving, delivering, or even using your car for ads. Think about what matters most to you:

Ask yourself why you want to earn extra money or extra cash. Pick a side gig that matches your skills and goals. You can make money online, make money from home, and grow your .driver supplemental income. Start today and enjoy the freedom and rewards!

FAQ

What side gig pays the most for drivers?

You can earn the most with rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft, especially during busy times. Some moving gigs pay more if you own a truck or van. Car advertising offers steady monthly income.

Do I need a special insurance policy for gig driving?

Yes, you need extra coverage for rideshare or delivery work. Regular car insurance does not protect you while working. Ask your insurance company about rideshare policies.

🚗 Tip: Always tell your insurer about your side gig. This keeps you safe and covered.

Can I work for more than one app at the same time?

You can sign up for multiple apps. Many drivers use Uber, DoorDash, and Amazon Flex together. This helps you find more jobs and earn extra cash.

App Combo

Benefit

Uber + DoorDash

More busy hours

Lyft + Instacart

Flexible shifts

How do I get paid from these side gigs?

Most apps pay you weekly or let you cash out daily. You connect your bank account in the app. Payments go straight to your account.

💸 You can track your earnings in the app and set payment alerts.

What if my car is too old for Uber or Lyft?

You can still deliver food or packages with apps like DoorDash or Amazon Flex. These gigs have fewer car rules. You just need a reliable vehicle.

See Also

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Essential Advice To Improve F-150 CarPlay Adapter During Winter

Enhance Your Vehicle Using The Best Adapters Of 2025

Top Five Wireless CarPlay Dongles To Simplify Your Drive

Leading Ten Wireless Apple CarPlay Adapters To Watch In 2025

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