Fancy a new gig or side hustle? This guide on how much do Uber drivers make and how to get started will provide all the information you need.

This guide on Uber driver pay will go through how to get started and everything you need to know about this gig economy job.

As the popularity of ride-hailing services like Uber continues to rise, many individuals are turning to this flexible job opportunities as it is one of the best car side hustle to make money on the side.

However, before delving into the specifics of Uber driver pay, it is important to understand the various factors that can influence how much Uber drivers make.

This post will look at the different things that contribute to an Uber driver’s pay, such as base fares, time and distance rates, and surge pricing. Each of these factors plays a significant role in determining how much an Uber driver can earn in an hour or a day. By understanding these things, Uber drivers can decide whether this gig economy job is the right choice for a new career or just a side hustle.

Understanding Uber Driver Pay

Below is an explanation of the different things that make up Uber driver pay and how they are calculated.

Base fare and per-minute rate

Two things that determine how much Uber drivers make are the base fare and the per-minute cost. The base price is the initial amount customers pay for their journey, and the per-minute cost is the amount that drivers are paid for each minute that they travel.

The Base fare and per minute cost can vary depending on factors such as location and time of day. Knowing this means that Uber drivers have a clear understanding of what they can earn with Uber, additionally, it can help drivers strategise their driving hours and routes to maximise their income.

Distance rate and surge pricing

Another thing that influences how much Uber drivers make is the distance rate, which is the amount paid to drivers for each mile driven during a journey. This rate is often greater in city locations when demand for trips is higher.

During times of high demand, such as rush hour or special events, Uber may implement surge pricing, which increases the rates for both customers and drivers. This can be a great opportunity for Uber drivers to earn more, but it is crucial to be aware of the surge zones and times in order to take advantage of these opportunities.

Additional incentives and bonuses that affect how much Uber drivers make

Uber provides further incentives and bonuses on top of the standard rate and surge pricing. These incentives may change based on the location and the platform’s requirements, for example a referral bonus, which allows drivers to get paid extra for bringing in new users to the platform.

Additionally, Uber may offer bonuses for completing a certain number of trips within a specific time frame or for maintaining a high rating from passengers.

How does Uber drivers pay get calculated?

Uber calculates driver earnings based on the time and distance of each trip. A portion of the fare goes to Uber as a service fee, while the rest is paid out to the driver. Payments are typically made weekly, directly into the driver’s bank account.

Uber also provides drivers with detailed earnings statements, which show a breakdown of their earnings, any bonuses or incentives earned, and any deductions or fees.

What factors can affect Uber driver pay?

Below are some of the best and worst times to be an Uber driver, what factors can affect how busy you are as an Uber driver, and the impact all these things can have on Uber Pay.

The time of day and day of the week affect on Uber Pay.

One factor that can affect Uber driver pay in the UK is the time of day and day of the week. During peak times, such as rush hour or weekend nights, there is typically higher demand for rides, which can result in more trips and higher earnings for drivers.

On the other hand, during slower periods or weekdays, there may be less demand, leading to fewer trips and potentially lower earnings. Additionally, factors such as weather conditions, events happening in the area, and local holidays can also impact the number of riders and therefore affect driver pay.

For example, a rideshare driver in a busy city may experience a surge in demand on Friday nights as people go out for dinner and drinks, resulting in more ride requests and increased earnings. Conversely, on a rainy Monday afternoon, there may be fewer people needing rides, leading to less overall income for the driver.

Location and demand affect on Uber driver pay.

Uber drivers’ pay can vary a lot depending on where they work. Uber drivers are likely to receive a consistent flow of trip requests in densely populated locations where there is a strong demand for transport, such as busy cities, which leads to better Uber driver pay because drivers are always busy.

On the other side, drivers in rural or sparsely populated places would get fewer requests for rides, which would lead to lower Uber driver pay. Uber drivers’ pay is also influenced by the time of day; during peak hours, there are usually more trip requests and so greater earnings, so bear these factors in mind when deciding where and when to work for Uber.

Weather and events affect on Uber driver pay.

Furthermore, factors such as weather conditions, special events, and even holidays can greatly influence the demand for Uber rides and subsequently impact how much Uber drivers pay. For example, during heavy rain or snowstorms, the number of people looking to get an Uber instead of walking or driving themselves may significantly rise, providing drivers with more opportunities to earn.

Similarly, major events like concerts, football matches, or tournemonts can cause a surge in ride requests, allowing drivers to capitalise on the increased demand and potentially increase their Uber driver pay for that day. Moreover, holidays like New Year’s Eve or Halloween often see a spike in Uber usage as people celebrate and prefer not to drive.

Driver ratings and performance affect on Uber pay.

The Uber rating system allows passengers to rate their experience with the driver, which means that those Uber drivers with higher ratings are more likely to receive more ride requests. So drivers who consistently provide excellent service and maintain a high rating will have higher Uber pay compared to someone who has a lower rating.

Additionally, drivers who consistently meet or exceed performance metrics set by Uber, such as completing a certain number of trips or maintaining a high acceptance rate, may also be eligible for bonuses or incentives that can further boost how much an Uber driver makes.

How much do Uber drivers make?

How much do Uber drivers make per hour?

£15-£37.00 per hour

According to Talent.com, Uber drivers can earn an hourly rate of between £15 and £37 per hour, with an average of £18.72. It is worth pointing out that this is based on a small sample size. However, a more accurate figure could be between £15 and £22 per hour. This, of course, depends on the time of day and week, but it gives you a good indication of what Uber drivers pay per hour.

How much do Uber drivers earn a day?

£100-£284 per day

Uber drivers’ daily pay might vary significantly based on a variety of criteria, including demand, location, and the number of hours worked. Uber drivers in the UK may make between £100 and £200 a day on average. It’s crucial to keep in mind that these are only estimates, and actual profits may vary.

Talent.com also reported similar figures for daily Uber pay of between £113 and £284 per day, with an average of £140 per day, but once again, it is worth mentioning the small sample size for these figures. Additionally, the location and time of the week will also play a role in how much an Uber driver earns per day.

 

How to get started as an Uber Driver

Age, driving licence, and vehicle requirements to work for Uber

To register as an Uber driver, there are several requirements and qualifications that need to be met. Firstly, the driver must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid UK driving license.

Additionally, the vehicle you use to carry passengers while working for Uber must be no older than 10 years and have at least four doors. Having a vehicle under 10 years old ensures a high standard of safe and reliable vehicles on the road.

Background checks and documentation

Additional paper to get started as an Uber driver includes a criminal record check and providing proof of valid insurance and vehicle registration. These checks are in place to ensure the safety of passengers and maintain the integrity of the Uber platform.

What insurance do you need to be an Uber driver in the UK?

If you have a side hustle working as an Uber driver, you require a certain kind of cover known as private hire insurance. This insurance covers transporting people for hire and reward and is very different from standard car insurance. It’s crucial to remember that regular personal insurance won’t offer enough protection when driving for Uber.

Thus, it’s very important that you get the right private-hire insurance coverage and notify your insurance company that you want to use your car for Uber. This ensures you are driving legally and are covered in the event of any mishaps or accidents while driving for Uber.

Step-by-step guide on how to become an Uber driver

1. Ensure you meet the requirements: You must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s licence, and have at least one year of driving experience.
2. Get your vehicle ready. Ensure your car is in good condition, meets Uber’s vehicle requirements, and is properly insured with rideshare insurance.
3. Sign up online. Go to the Uber website or download the app, provide the necessary information, and submit your application.
4. Complete a background check. Uber will conduct a criminal background check and review your driving record.
5. Attend an Uber orientation session. Once approved, attend an orientation session where you will learn more about being an Uber driver and how to use the app.
6. Activate your account. After completing the orientation, activate your account by selecting your preferred payment method and agreeing to the terms and conditions. Once your account is activated, you can start accepting ride requests and earning money as an Uber driver.

If you have a car but don’t like the idea working for Uber, you could try another way of making some extra cash by working for Deliveroo which is one of the best car side hustle to make money on the side.