Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own.
Advertiser disclosure
How much can you make from driving for Uber?
Uber drivers can make up to $9.83 more an hour compared with minimum-wage workers.
You’ve likely heard about that anecdotal Uber driver who’s pulling in serious cash by picking up passengers in his or her spare time. However, how much you can bring in as an Uber driver ultimately depends on where you’re driving in the United States.
Use our Uber calculator to see a rough estimate of your monthly and annual income potential. When calculating earnings, also consider how much you’ll spend on gas, insurance, maintenance, payments and extras.
Uber calculator
How much on average are Americans spending on car services?
We crunched data from our June 2018 consumer survey to find out how much Americans in 16 key US states spend on car services such as Uber. For states we focused on those with over 40 participants in our survey.
| States | Average of Car services (Uber, Lyft etc) per month |
|---|---|
| Illinois | $373.82 |
| Colorado | $120.36 |
| Texas | $97.96 |
| California | $81.81 |
| Washington | $79.78 |
| New York | $75.53 |
| North Carolina | $69.00 |
| Florida | $63.75 |
| Michigan | $62.08 |
| Ohio | $62.08 |
| Arizona | $61.41 |
| Pennsylvania | $60.71 |
| Missouri | $55.00 |
| Georgia | $52.92 |
| New Jersey | $42.90 |
| *States with over 40 participants in June 2018 finder.com survey | **Survey commissioned by finder.com and conducted by Pureprofile of 2020 Americans |
How much can I expect to earn as a Uber driver?
We calculated how much you can make as an Uber driver in 6 key cities. In terms of cities we specifically focused on Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco and Washington, DC. which had data available on Uber. According to data from Uber.com, Uber drivers in New York City can make the most among the other five cities. With so many people looking to hail a ride, the Big Apple’s Uber drivers have the potential to make up to $30.35 an hour. Doing the math for a 40-hour work week, that’s $1,214 a week and $63,128 a year for picking up and dropping off passengers.
| Major city | Median Uber earnings per hour | Earnings per 40-hour week | Annual income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | $19.06 | $762.40 | $39,644.80 |
| Chicago | $16.20 | $648.00 | $33,696.00 |
| Washington, DC | $17.79 | $711.60 | $37,003.20 |
| Los Angeles | $16.98 | $679.20 | $35,318.40 |
| New York | $30.35 | $1,214.00 | $63,128.00 |
| San Francisco | $23.52 | $940.80 | $48,921.60 |
| Average | $20.65 | $826.00 | $42,952.00 |
How does driving for Uber compare to a minimum-wage job?
In the best-case scenario, an Uber driver will make on average $20,453.33 more annually when compared with a minimum-wage job in the six states we analyzed. In terms of additional weekly income, Uber drivers can make close to $400.
Working a minimum-wage job
| Major city | Minimum wage | Earnings per 40-hour week | Annual income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | $11.00 | $444.00 | $22,880.00 |
| Chicago | $8.25 | $330.00 | $17,160.00 |
| Washington, DC | $13.25 | $530.00 | $27,560.00 |
| Los Angeles | $11.00 | $440.00 | $22,880.00 |
| New York | $10.40 | $416.00 | $21,632.00 |
| San Francisco | $11.00 | $440.00 | $22,880.00 |
| Average | $10.82 | $432.67 | $22,498.67 |
How much more can you make driving for Uber vs. a minimum-wage job?
| Major city | Additional hourly income | Additional weekly income | Additional annual income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | $8.06 | $322.40 | $16,764.80 |
| Chicago | $7.95 | $318.00 | $16,536.00 |
| Washington, DC | $4.54 | $181.60 | $9,443.20 |
| Los Angeles | $5.98 | $239.20 | $12,438.40 |
| New York | $19.95 | $798.00 | $41,495.00 |
| San Francisco | $12.52 | $500.80 | $26,041.60 |
| Average | $9.83 | $393.33 | $20,453.33 |
Compare ridesharing services
1 - 2 of 2
For all media inquiries, please contact:
Richard Laycock, Insights editor and senior content marketing manager
More guides on Finder
-
APY vs. Interest Rate: The Difference Matters
APY stands for “annual percentage yield” and factors in compound interest. See why the difference between APY and interest matters so much.
-
What Is an Interest-Bearing Account?
Interest-bearing accounts passively grow your money. Compare common types of accounts that earn interest and find the best one for you.
-
How Much Should You Keep in Your Checking Account?
Try to keep enough money in your checking account to cover monthly expenses, plus a small cushion. Read more tips here.
-
Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card Review
The Chime Credit Builder Card can help you build credit without charging interest and doesn’t require a deposit or monthly fee.
-
5 Apps Like Ualett for Gig Workers
Explore cash advance apps like Ualett, perfect for gig workers looking for quick funding, budgeting support and flexible borrowing options.
-
CashUSA: Fast But Flawed Loan Connection Up to $10K
A review of CashUSA, a loan connection service that may match you with lenders offering loans up to $10,000.
-
How to Earn Money Playing Games
Explore different ways you could earn money playing games with GPT apps, Twitch streaming, esports competitions, and trading cards.
-
Highest Paying Online Surveys
Compare highly rated and legit survey sites for your next side hustle, how to maximize your survey earnings, and how to avoid scams.
-
How to Earn Money Through User Testing
Learn how to become user tester, how much you can earn, top platforms for user testing, and how to avoid scams.
-
How to Earn Money Through Surveys
Learn how to earn money through trusted online surveys, including top platforms, practical tips, and some red flags to watch out for.