How Much Do Deliveroo Drivers Make in the UK?

Deliveroo has become a popular gig economy job in the UK, offering both part-time and full-time income opportunities for those looking for flexible work. Understanding how much do Deliveroo drivers make helps riders gauge whether this side hustle or career suits their financial goals.

How Much Do Deliveroo Drivers Make?

Deliveroo riders earn around £10–£13 per hour, combining base pay, tips, and incentives, but actual earnings fluctuate with location, hours, demand, and peak bonuses.

On average, each delivery pays between £3 and £5, depending on distance and order size. Shorter rides in busy city centers can be faster but lower-paying, while longer rides on the outskirts often pay more but take extra time.

Tips from customers can add another £1–£3 per delivery, and peak-time bonuses or challenges can boost hourly earnings significantly. Riders working evenings, weekends, or during high-demand periods often see higher pay due to surge incentives.

When accounting for waiting times between orders and fuel or bike maintenance costs, effective hourly earnings can vary widely, so careful planning and efficient route choices can make a real difference to overall income.

Average pay of a Deliveroo driver

UK Deliveroo drivers’ pay is £10–£13 per hour on average, and was affected by city, demand, delivery distance, tips, time of day, and weekly hours.

This means earnings can fluctuate significantly from week to week. Drivers working in busy cities like London or Manchester often make closer to the higher end, while those in smaller towns may earn less.

Tips and peak-time bonuses can also boost income, but waiting times between orders and long delivery routes can reduce overall pay.

Many drivers appreciate the flexibility of choosing their own hours, making it a popular gig for students, part-timers, and anyone looking for extra income. However, it’s important to factor in expenses such as fuel, vehicle maintenance, and insurance, which can impact net earnings.

How Much Do Deliveroo Drivers Make Annually?

Deliveroo drivers in the UK earn around £15,000–£26,000 yearly, depending on city, hours, tips, and demand, providing flexible gig economy income.

Many drivers work part-time or full-time, balancing multiple shifts to boost their earnings. Tips can make a noticeable difference, especially in busy urban areas.

While some treat it as a flexible side hustle alongside other work, others rely on Deliveroo as their main source of income.

Pay can fluctuate with demand, weather, and peak hours, making it a truly gig-based role that rewards those who are strategic about when and where they deliver.

Key Elements Affecting Deliveroo Rider Income

Deliveroo driver earnings depend on delivery distance, time, order volume, location, tips, surge pricing, vehicle type, and working hours efficiency.

Delivery Distance and Time

The length of each delivery and the time it takes directly affect how much a rider can earn. Shorter, efficient routes often allow more orders per hour, boosting overall income.

Order Volume and Peak Hours

Busy periods, such as evenings or weekends, tend to generate more orders. Riders working during these times can increase their earnings through higher order volume and tips.

Location Matters

Urban areas with dense restaurant networks often provide more delivery opportunities. City riders may earn more than those in suburban or rural locations due to proximity and demand.

Tips and Surge Pricing

Customer tips and surge pricing during high-demand periods can significantly increase pay. Riders who strategically work during peak times benefit the most.

Vehicle Type and Efficiency

Bikes, scooters, and cars all affect how quickly deliveries are completed. Riders with faster or more maneuverable vehicles often handle more orders in less time.

Working Hours and Planning

Consistent scheduling and strategic planning are key. Riders who maximize peak hours and minimize downtime generally see higher weekly earnings.

How Deliveroo Drivers Can Make Extra Income?

Increase Deliveroo driver earnings using multi-app deliveries, peak hours, referrals, expense tracking, fuel saving, tips optimization, and smart scheduling.

Multi-App Deliveries

Sign up for multiple platforms like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, or Just Eat to stay busy when one app slows down. Juggling apps can help you fill gaps, increase deliveries, and maximize earnings during peak hours.

Focus on Peak Hours

Target lunch and dinner rushes to make the most of high-demand times. Planning shifts around local busy periods and special events can significantly boost your hourly rate.

Track Expenses & Fuel

Keep a detailed record of fuel, maintenance, and other delivery costs. Efficient routes and mindful spending help you see your true earnings and save money while staying productive on the road.

Optimize Tips

Provide prompt service, communicate clearly with customers, and handle food with care. Consistently good service often leads to better tips, giving a meaningful boost to overall income.

Expenses Affecting Net Earnings

Deliveroo driver earnings are affected by fuel, vehicle maintenance, insurance, taxes, delivery time, tips, platform fees, and order distance costs.

 While the advertised pay is £10–£13 per hour, these expenses can significantly reduce take-home income. Fuel and maintenance are usually the biggest regular costs, especially for drivers covering long distances or using older bikes or scooters.

Insurance is mandatory, while platform fees and taxes further reduce earnings. Tips help, but they are inconsistent and can’t be relied on to cover all costs.

Example:

A driver works 30 hours per week at £12/hour, earning a gross of £360 weekly. Over 4 weeks, gross income is £1,440. After deducting:

• £200 for fuel
• £60 for maintenance
• £60 for insurance
• £100 in platform fees
• £180 in taxes

The net monthly income is approximately £840. This shows that while gross pay may seem reasonable, actual take-home pay is significantly lower once expenses are accounted for.

Deliveroo’s Profit vs Rider Pay

In 2024, Deliveroo posted its first full-year profit of £2.9 million, driven largely by grocery deliveries. Despite this, many riders raised concerns about pay, with reports showing a notable number earning below the agreed £12 minimum per hour.

Riders also reported longer delivery times, reduced pay per order, and a lack of benefits like sick leave or pensions, prompting protests and calls for fairer treatment. This highlights the ongoing tension between Deliveroo’s corporate growth and rider welfare.

FAQs

How much can a new Deliveroo driver earn in the UK?

New riders can expect £7–£10 per hour, increasing as they gain experience and work peak shifts.

Do Deliveroo drivers earn more in urban areas?

Yes, urban locations offer higher order volume and more bonuses, increasing overall pay.

Can Deliveroo driving be a full-time job?

Yes, many drivers earn a full-time income by working consistently during peak hours.

How can I increase my Deliveroo earnings?

Optimize routes, work peak hours, take advantage of boosts, and consider multi-app deliveries to maximize income.

What expenses reduce net Deliveroo income?

Fuel, insurance, vehicle maintenance, phone bills, and other operational costs reduce take-home pay.