Uber
Ride-hailing app · Nationwide (most metro areas)
Gross, before gas and car costs. Varies a lot by city, time of day and surge.
- Worker
- Contractor (1099)
- Vehicle
- Own car, or rent through Uber's rental partners in many cities
- License
- Regular driver's license
- Min. age
- 21+
- Schedule
- Flexible / on-demand
- Home time
- Home every night
- Benefits
- Occupational accident insurance in some states; health stipend in CA (Prop 22) and some other states
- Paid
- Weekly; instant cash-out several times a day
- Tips
- Yes, 100% of tips
- You cover
- Gas, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, phone
- Upfront
- $0 to sign up. Car must pass inspection in some cities.
Requirements to drive for Uber
- Age 21+
- Valid US license, 1+ year of driving history
- 4-door vehicle that meets your city's model-year rules (often 15 years old or newer)
- Personal auto insurance in your name or listed on the policy
- Background and motor vehicle record check
- Smartphone
Experience needed
1+ year licensed in the US (3 years if under 23)
Pros
- Start earning in about a week
- Work any hour you want
- Largest rider demand in most cities
- Can combine with Uber Eats in the same app
Cons
- Your car's wear and tear eats into pay
- Earnings swing with demand
- No minimum wage outside a few states
- Deactivation can happen with little warning
Who it suits best
Anyone with a newer 4-door car who wants to work whenever they like
Figures are typical reported ranges in U.S. dollars, reviewed September 2026. Pay and requirements change often and vary by location. Confirm with Uber before applying. The Apply button may be an affiliate link.
Articles about Uber
Laws & rulesUber and Lyft Drivers Now Have Unions in Massachusetts and California: What It Means for Your Pay
Massachusetts drivers are already bargaining with Uber and Lyft, California certified a union for about 800,000 drivers in September, and Illinois just passed its own law. Here's what could change, what won't, and when.
Rideshare & deliveryDriving Uber or Lyft in a Tesla: Is It Possible, Is It Profitable, and How Much Range Do You Need?
Yes, a Tesla qualifies for Uber and Lyft, and Model 3 is on Uber's Comfort Electric list. We break down charging cost per mile, the daily range a full-time driver needs, and when renting beats buying.
Rideshare & deliveryRecord Gas Prices and No More Relief Programs: How Gig Drivers Can Protect Their Pay This Fall
Gas set a September record of $4.33 a gallon, and the spring fuel relief from Uber, Lyft and DoorDash has ended. Here's what savings still exist and how to keep fuel from eating your profit.
Laws & rulesAre You Owed Money? Lyft's $272.5M California Settlement and DoorDash's $131.5M NYC Payout
Two record settlements over driver pay landed within ten days. Who qualifies, how the money will be paid, and why most drivers don't need to file anything.
Rideshare & deliveryUber's 2026 Driver Update: Which New Features Actually Put Money in Your Pocket?
Uber's yearly "Only on Uber" event added tip protection, faster wait-time pay and paid in-app tasks. Here's which changes raise earnings and which just tidy the app.
Getting startedHow to Choose Your First Driving Job: Gig App, Package Route, or CDL?
Three roads lead into paid driving. Here's how to pick the one that fits your car, your schedule and your income goal.
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