Two Very Different Ways to Be a "Delivery Driver"
Delivery driving in the US splits into two genuinely different setups that get lumped under the same job title. On one side are gig apps — DoorDash, Uber Eats, Amazon Flex, Instacart — where you work as an independent contractor on your own schedule. On the other are company-employed delivery roles at retailers, grocery chains, and logistics companies, with a fixed hourly wage, benefits, and set shifts.
Both are genuinely open to people with no prior delivery experience, but the pay structure, flexibility, and what you need to qualify are different enough that it's worth understanding both before you pick one.
Gig App Delivery: Flexible, Pay Depends on Volume
Gig platforms let you set your own hours and work as little or as much as you want, but your earnings depend directly on order volume, tips, and the market you're in.
- DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub — food delivery, generally by car or bike
- Amazon Flex — package delivery blocks you schedule in advance
- Instacart, Shipt — grocery shopping and delivery
- Typical earnings run roughly $15–$25+ per active hour depending on the platform, market, and tips, though this varies significantly
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Company-Employed Delivery: Fixed Pay, Set Shifts
Retailers, grocery chains, and logistics companies increasingly hire delivery drivers directly as employees rather than contractors, offering more predictable income and standard employment benefits.
- Fixed hourly wage, typically in the $17–$24/hour range depending on employer and location
- Access to benefits like health insurance and paid time off, unlike gig contractor roles
- Set schedules and routes rather than choosing your own hours
- Often requires passing a company driving test and background check before starting
Information last reviewed: 27 August 2026. Pay ranges, eligibility, and selection stages below are estimates compiled from publicly available postings, not from a single dated official notification — actual figures vary by location and change over time. Confirm current vacancies, exact pay, and eligibility directly with the employer before applying or submitting any documents.
Requirements by Path
What you need depends heavily on which path you choose.
| Requirement | Gig App Delivery | Company-Employed Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Usually 18+ (varies by platform) | Usually 18+, some roles 21+ |
| Vehicle | Your own car, bike, or scooter | Usually company-provided vehicle |
| License | Valid driver's license for car-based platforms | Valid driver's license, clean record required |
| Background Check | Required by most platforms | Required by virtually all employers |
| Insurance | Personal auto insurance typically required | Covered under employer's commercial policy |
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How to Apply
Getting started looks different depending on which path you pick.
- Gig apps: download the driver/shopper app, submit your driver's license and vehicle information, and complete the platform's background check — most approve within a few days
- Company-employed roles: apply directly through the retailer or logistics company's official careers page, complete a driving evaluation, and pass a background check and DOT physical where required
Which Path Should You Choose?
If flexibility matters more than predictable income — fitting work around school, another job, or unpredictable availability — a gig platform is the easier starting point with essentially no formal hiring process. If you want steady, predictable pay with benefits and don't mind a fixed schedule, a company-employed delivery role is generally the better long-term option, and often comes with a clearer path to promotion into supervisory or dispatch roles.
Tips to Get Approved Faster
A few practical steps can meaningfully speed up onboarding, regardless of which path you choose.
- Have your driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance information ready before you start the application
- Double-check your motor vehicle record for any issues that could delay a background check
- For gig platforms, complete any required vehicle inspection or photo verification promptly to avoid processing delays
- For company-employed roles, be flexible on your available shifts — early availability often speeds up scheduling into a route
Final Thoughts
Delivery driving remains one of the most accessible ways to start earning in the US with no prior experience, precisely because the barrier to entry is a vehicle and a clean record rather than a resume. Decide whether flexibility or stability matters more to you, and that choice will point you toward gig or company-employed work.