How much do Uber drivers make in 2017?

How much does Uber pay?

How much do Uber drivers make? You will find the answer to these questions and more here, but let me back up a little bit: Before I started driving for Uber, I was making $9 an hour at a minimum wage job. It was hard work, I had little to no flexibility in my work schedule, and the pay was only barely enough to survive. So how much do uber drivers make?

Now… how much money do Uber drivers make? As an Uber driver here in Los Angeles, I usually make between $19 and $23 an hour. It pays my bills, while keeping my schedule completely flexible, which is very important for me as an actor. Driving for Uber, I do not need another job.

So the big Uber driver questions are:

  • How much does Uber pay?
  • How much do Uber drivers make per ride?
  • What can you expect to make as an Uber driver in general?

I will show you an example of my actual Uber driver pay statement to answer these questions. But first, let me explain how Uber calculates ride fares:

Sign up to drive with Uber for a cash bonus!

Update 1-6-2017: New up-to-date rates for 2017 and estimated driver pay by city.

Update 3-17-2016: Are you a rideshare driver? Tell us what your hourly earnings are at the end of this post.

[toc]

How are Uber driver fares calculated? (Updated 2017 rates)

When someone takes a ride with you, they are charged a fare plus a “Rider Fee”. The fare for UberX in Los Angeles is currently $0.15 a minute + $0.90 a mile. If there is “Surge Pricing” then the entire fare is multiplied by that number. Surge Pricing means Uber increases the fare prices during certain times of higher demand, making these hours more attractive for drivers.

Let’s say for example someone takes a ride from West Hollywood to Downtown L.A.  (which is approx. 8 miles and 30 minutes). Furthermore, let’s add a 1.3 surge. The calculation for the ride looks like this:

(8 mi. x $0.90 + 30 min. x $0.15) x 1.3 surge + $1.65 Rider Fee = $16.86

This is the total amount charged to the passenger.

What percentage do Uber drivers make?

Uber takes a commission out of the $16.86.

After a deduction of the $1.65 Rider Fee, Drivers keep 75% of the total fare price for a given ride. Uber takes 25% of the fare.

So here is the math for our example after Uber’s commission:

$16.86 – $1.65 Rider Fee – ($15.21 x 0.25) = $11.41

This is how much the driver is paid before any expenses. My rule of thumb (this may not be an accurate number for you) is that I spend about 10% on gas and other vehicle expenses and 10% on taxes on average (after all the deductions). Which in this case is calculated as follows:

$11.41 x 0.80 = $9.13

This is the approximate net income from the 30 minute-ride.

To make it easier for you to target the busier hours, Uber provides a list of what these hours are in your area. Here in Los Angeles, the best times I’ve found to work are:

  • Mon-Thurs mornings.
  • Friday evening.
  • All day Saturday.
  • Sunday morning/afternoon.

how much do uber drivers make

How much do Uber drivers make on average?

Uber driver pay varies depending on where you live and how many hours you drive. I make between $19 and $23 an hour in Los Angeles. Studies across the nation show that Uber drivers make over $19 an hour on average. In New York City, the average Uber driver makes over $30 an hour. Source: TechCrunch

How much do Uber drivers make an hour?

Uber does not pay their drivers hourly. There is also no such thing as an Uber driver salary. As described above, drivers are paid a portion of the fare for every ride that is given.

As promised, here is an example of my pay for one 10 ½ hour day:

My Uber driver pay for one Saturday. $256.30 total earnings.

$256.30 / 10.5 hours = $24.41 an hour.

Which — if I save 10% for taxes and spend 10% on gas and vehicle costs– is about $19.53 an hour. This is very close to the $19 an hour the average Uber driver makes around the country.

I’ve found that the more hours I drive, the more I make per hour. If I drive 30 hours a week or more I usually make closer to $23 an hour. This is because there is a better chance of getting really high fares due to long distance or high surge pricing. I’ve been paid $150 for driving someone from Santa Monica to Orange County. It only took an hour.

It doesn’t happen every day, but you can get lucky if you drive a lot.

Do Uber drivers get tipped?

Passengers cannot tip directly through the Uber app. However, many passengers do tip the driver in cash.

Thank you very much if you are one of them!

How much do Uber drivers make a week?

I usually drive between 30 and 50 hours, and I make between $900 and $1200 a week. After gas and taxes that is $750 – $1000 a week.

Out of the 30-50 hours, I do not spend the entire time driving. Sometimes new ride requests do not come in immediately after one ride is completed. I try to use my ‘breaks’ productively, keep a Kindle in my car for these periods of downtime and catch up on my reading.

How much do Uber drivers make a year?

As I already explained, how much money an Uber driver makes depends on numerous factors. As a practical example, let’s assume you make $19 an hour after taxes and expenses, and you work 40 hours a week, like a regular full-time job:

$19 x 40 hours/week= $760 a week.

$760 x 4.33 weeks/month = $3,291 a month or $39,492 a year after taxes and fuel costs.

Sign up to become an Uber driver for a cash bonus!

Uber driver annual incomes by city

Income from driving for Uber or any other rideshare or delivery platform varies significantly between cities. So we’ve put together a list of driver pay estimates by city. These are estimates based on an average # of hours worked, income, and expenses for each city.

Check out the full list of cities here.

Estimated Annual Driver Pay for Popular cities:

San Francisco: $45,090

London: £56,802

Los Angeles: $36,316

Washington D.C.: $40,144

Singapore: $43534.90 (SGD)

New York City: $80,839

Delhi: Rs 1,502,300

Hong Kong: $583,477 HKD ($75,202 USD)

Does Uber pay for your gas and expenses?

No, Uber drivers are independent contractors operating on the Uber platform. They are required to pay for all of their own expenses including fuel costs. There are a few exceptions, which I’ll address below.

Does Uber pay for your car repairs?

Since you are an independent contractor, Uber does not help you pay for car repairs or car maintenance. Your compensation is a portion of the ride fare.

What expenses does Uber cover?

Uber does carry an insurance policy for all drivers while they are logged in to the app. It includes:

  • Liability and Uninsured Motorists Coverage up to a million dollars.
  • Comprehensive/Collision with a thousand dollar deductible while en route to or after picking up passengers.

Uber does covers certain specific expenses. For example: If a passenger vomits into your car, or damages your car, you can use the help system on the Uber driver app to request payment. In the vomiting case for example, Uber will charge the passenger a certain amount and deposit it into your account the next day, so that you can get your car cleaned.

Does Uber pay your taxesHow do Uber drivers pay taxes?

Being independent contractors, Uber drivers are responsible for their own taxes. You are mailed a 1099-K at the end of the year. You have to pay both self-employment tax and federal income tax on what you earn.

The good news is that there are a lot of tax deductions. As an alternative of using actual expenses for fuel and maintenance, the IRS allows you deduct $0.535 for every mile driven for business purposes as estimated costs. This can be substantially more than the actual expenses for a car with good gas mileage.

So keeping track of your mileage/expenses is very important. I just write them down in this book, but you can also use a program like MileIQ or TripLog to automatically track your miles.

Can you work for Uber part-time?

Yes, I drive with Uber full-time, but the majority of Uber drivers work less than 35 hours a week. It is entirely up to you how much or how little you work. If you already have a full-time job, driving with Uber can make an excellent part-time job. It is very easy and the schedule is completely flexible.

How much money Uber drivers really make (according to drivers).

We’ve been conducting a poll since 2016 to see how much money drivers say they are really making in an hour. The results are below:

How much uber drivers really make according to drivers

  • 9,501 drivers have voted (as of January 6, 2017).
  • The majority of Uber drivers (53%) report earning between $10 and $20 per hour.
  • 30% of drivers earn between $15 and $20 per hour
  • 23% of drivers earn between $10 and $15 per hour
  • 29% of drivers report earning more than $20 per hour with 11% earning more than $25 / hr
  • 41% of drivers earn less than $15 / hour with 18% reporting less than $10 / hr earnings.

The poll is still running. Vote or view the results below.

Your turn: How much do Uber drivers really make in 2017?

[poll id=”2″]

Uber driver pay conclusions

Driving for Uber pays very well compared to other jobs with similar experience requirements (which is literally none) and offers a lot of freedom and independence.

To summarize:

How much does an Uber driver make? 

The average Uber driver makes about $19 an hour. Here in LA, I make between $19-$23 an hour. In New York drivers make over $30 an hour. Driving full-time, the average Uber driver in the U.S. can make around $40,000 net a year (after expenses and taxes).

It works as a full time job. It is also a perfect part-time job. Not having a boss and the freedom to choose your own hours are priceless benefits.

Please leave a comment if you have any questions or would like to share your own experience driving for Uber, or sign up to drive with Uber for a cash bonus!


Disclaimer: So how much do uber drivers make, these earnings are not official numbers and are from my own experience driving with Uber.

362 Replies to “How much do Uber drivers make in 2017?”

  1. well what about car repair? maintenance tires depreciation of the car value when done . how can you only put gas as a cost? how about having to pay insurance that covers rideshare? that is 30% more than normal so put that into cost you about at 14$ an hr.

    1. It is also possible to make deductions when filing taxes with the IRS for vehicle depreciation and associated repairs and maintenance. It’s important to keep receipts for any work done on your car when you use your vehicle for work along with receipts for gas. The actual amount of gas used may vary from day to day.

  2. Thank you for writing this. Very helpful info. I just signed up and am awaiting background checks. I was and kinda still am debating between doing this full time or part time.

  3. Yeah, I agree with dom. The “Uber driver makes about $19 an hour” is something only Uber says to spread propaganda. You do have to consider the car maintenance, depreciation value and insurance cost. Which makes it about $14/hour for me. And that’s only barely better than minimum wage if you don’t ever get into a car accident.

    Because once you do, your insurance kicks up, you might have to pay for damages from the accident and Uber will DROP YOU LIKE A ROCK. You won’t be able to drive for Uber anymore so was it really worth it to drive for Uber in the first place?

    It’s a cool part-time job because of how flexible it is but there are way better options.

    And I do like the TripLog. I use this calculator-like app made for Uber:
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.summerice.driverpaycheck

  4. 18 cents per minute, average 40 minutes per hour with a passenger is $7.20 per hour less Ubers 20%. Pretty bad,
    IRS standard mileage expense is 57.5 cents per mile, not the 10% or so stated. You get nothing for the miles to pick up a fare. Then uber takes 20% off that $1 per mile so you;re only getting 80 cents per fare mile. And you’re lucky if your fare miles are more than 60% of your total miles.
    So unless you get SURGE pricing and a Lot OF TIPS, you’ll be lucky to clear $8 per hour. Tips usually boost that over $10 and surge pricing for 25% of your rides can make that $13-15 per hour clear.
    Those are the REAL numbers.

    1. I just drove my first weekend for Uber so I’m still learning where to go, and what times are best. I only had one ride that was with Surge. I worked for 14 hours and made $236.10 after Uber took their cut. I also got $15 in tips and spent $25 for gas. This gives a total of $226.10 and dividing that by 14 hours…I made just over $16 per hour.

      1. lucky for you made $15 tips, did you add insurance and tax and maintenance, I just drove 1 week for Uber I came up with 90% of cost my net profit was $85 in 40 hours of driving

    2. This statement is not true: You get nothing for the miles to pick up a fare.

      Yes, all expenses.
      Once you leave your house, if you are doing it for the job, it’s an expense. Even if you have to drive somewhere and the fare cancels you, or you have to drive to your pick up area before you get a fare, if they carve things out like that.
      Looks like they don’t, but just to round out the conversation….the only non-deductible piece would be if they were reimbursing you for some miles, or if they reimbursed you for lesser rate than the IRS rate of $.57 (or whatever it is)

  5. Are you really paying your taxes? That’s hardly any taxes that you subtracted. There is social security, medicare, and state taxes. They should account close to a third of the gross income or probably more. Also, you are forgetting about car payments.

    1. dr_g, I’m gonna assume you’ve never been a 1099 independent contractor. You pay self-employment tax which covers any social security & Medicare.

  6. Thank you so much. This has been the most straightforward and helpful article I have seen on being an Uber driver. You addressed so many of my concerns. Thank you again.

  7. I just spoke to my accountant about this. Where he says people really get burnt is not setting enough aside for income tax and not making quarterly payments. His recommendation is to put 30% of your income from Uber into a separate account for this so it is available when it is time to pay the piper. He says so many don’t and really get killed.

    Regarding the before/after tax bit, when you get a regular job and somebody asks you how much you make do you tell them before or after taxes. Come on! I’m fine with how this article described his expenses. And car payments? Would you have a car if you didn’t drive Uber? That should be a wash. The cool thing is the mileage deduction on your taxes. That helps to cover depreciation etc. and is money that you would not get back if you were driving to your regular job.

    I just started driving Uber and I’m enjoying it. If it really sucked my accountant would’ve told me and raised a bunch of red flags. He didn’t.

    1. why do you have an accountant and drive for uber?
      do you need an accountant when you make uber money?
      that’s an expense that must come off top as well

      1. Try thinking outside the box! I’ve owned a few businesses of my own and worked for corporate America as well. Choosing to have an accountant is very wise unless you are happy with what most people do. I for one love being an entrepreneur and doing some world shaking. Accountants aren’t really that expensive when you look at the big picture! Just all depends on what your comfort level is. If you can make more money being independent even after total overhead then why wouldn’t you?

    2. Hello! I am Anthony, I am thinking of driving for Uber. I am still waiting on my backgrounds check. My question is it a good choice for me driving for uber I am currently not working at this moment what kind of money can I expect to make I plan on driving about maybe 30 hours a week for now. I live close to Philadelphia area.. I need your help please someone can you help me.

      Thanks!
      Anthony.

      1. Avg hourly rate in Philly is 15.88/hr. Multiply that by 30 and deduct Uber’s 25% rate (I believe for the state of PA) as well as gas expenses and you should have your answer Anthony. Hope this helps.

    3. I agree with you NM. Everybody else sounds stupid. You’re going to have regular wear and tear on your vehicle anyway. No one is holding a gun to your head. Your job takes out taxes, you don’t say anything . A lot of people don’t even make $20.00 per hour. And if your accountant says where most people make their mistake is not putting up taxes let’s me know money is to be made. All I hear is whining. I have heard a lot if good things about Uber and if you have a wreck the girl said they will cancel you, we’ll so will some insurances I’ve heard of. So quit dropping salt on Uber. Either you’re going to drive or you’re not.

  8. Thanks for the info. I am in effective 10/01/15 . Gonna give it a try. I am tired of the 9-5 bullshit and being harassed by over paid executives and being paid little for a lot of hard work and no pay over time hours.
    Wish me luck.

  9. As an UberX driver in NYC for the last 18 months, this information was about 70% accurate considering the poster is in L.A. There are other options available here which benefit the driver. I pay $400/Wk for a rental in which the rental company covers repairs and maintenance. I work 16hrs per day, 6 days per week (Off on Mondays). Weekly net income averages out to $2800 but uber takes a 32% cut. I also set aside 15% annually for taxes, another 8% for gas and tolls are reimbursed in full. After taxes I generally make close to $70,000/yr. The reason I won’t use my own car is because of the mileage that adds up quickly driving my personal vehicle, plus repairs, maintenance and depreciation as many of you have stated.

    $70,000 per year just working for Uber is a very comfortable amount but since this is my only job I also work for Lyft. I won’t go into too much detail here but I make an extra $35,000/yr with Lyft after taxes and expenses in the same 16hr shift. I also don’t take rideshare passengers as New Yorkers are very impatient and many of my riders are corporate assholes. Tips on Lyft are also a great benefit especially since 85% of my riders tip. Now back to uber…

    Back when I started, the uber cut was only 25%. It increased in October 2014 right before the holidays which angered many of us putting in long hours. Then just recently there was also talk in politics to prevent new uber drivers from signing up to drive as well as taking some of the newer drivers off the road because of the Yellow/Green cab companies (and the mayor) losing money which isn’t our fault. The bill was declined just a couple of months ago which was a relief but new uber drivers in nyc have been limited to 200 new drivers per month. There was also a post in the Daily News newspaper which showed that there are 32,000 Uber drivers in NYC and 160,000+ Uber drivers in the USA.

    I don’t get paid to advertise Uber but I do recommend this job for those of you working dead end or minimum wage jobs in NYC. Someone asked me in another post, why reveal these numbers and why recommend others to join “doesn’t that limit your money gain”? My answer is this: There are 32,000 drivers in NYC and 1.6 million accounts in NYC. Plenty of money for everyone and I don’t plan on doing this forever.

    Just a side tip for NYC Uber drivers who wish to make more money: There are many people signing up for Uber, lyft, sidecar, via, and black/private car service still, purchase a car, get TLC plates, rent out your vehicle to other TLC License holders who wish to drive for any of these cab companies. I own 2 cars with TLC plates and 1 personal car (Fleet insurance required after owning more than 3 cars which is extremely expensive). I have 5 drivers total working the 2 cars, three working 8hr shifts and two working 12 hour shifts 7 days with 1 week vacations 4 times per year. 12 hour shifts I charge $350/wk and 8 hour shifts I charge $225/wk. It is 100% legal to do as long as you don’t have more than 3 cars including your personal car and many long time TLC holders have been doing this for years.

    All income adds up to over $145k/yr. I used to work for a meat distribution company earning $28k/yr just 18 months ago. This is by far the best decision I have made in my life. I am 26 years old and make more money than many people with degrees. THERE ARE DOWNSIDES: there is no pension, no dental/medical/vision benefits, no union, and as an uber driver your rider rating can not drop under 4.0 more than 2 times or you are fired from the company. Be smart, save your money, create CD/IRA accounts with your bank and plan for your future.

    I hope this helps you all in making your decision. Good luck out there and be safe!

    1. Alex just to point it out, you’re paying $400 a week for a rental adds up to $20,800 a year. I would urge you to reconsider using a rental as you could easily afford even the most costly repairs by keeping that money in your pocket. If your transmission goes out, that might run you $3000 to $5000. But if you don’t experience a huge repair like that, then all that money stays with you. If you continue to rent, however, that money goes out each and every week and results in a guaranteed $20,800 per year loss. You work too hard to let that happen 🙂

      1. Correct but not really… I drive an alfa romeo 4c coupe which does not qualify as an Uber car. Also, insurance is already high enough and does not depend on # of years driving (8 in my case) but actually by age (26). If I traded in my personal vehicle for a say a hybrid Toyota my insurance rate would be almost 7500 per year at a mileage rate of 15000 per year. In one year alone, I put in nearly 40000 miles. Even if I were to buy a brand new car or some older but reliable my insurance rate will skyrocket to nearly $10000 per vehicle. Theres also repairs, tires which need to be changed 4 times per year, constant oil changes, car wash, car fresheners, and all the other nonsense uber requires you to have to keep a high rating.. Everyone is different so don’t go based on my example unless you are in my age range and/or suffer high rates. The 2 vehicles I’m renting out are currently under a family member’s name which drops my insurance rates though I have cosigned. I already own 3 registered vehicles and can not get another unless I wish to pay for fleet insurance which in NYC is expensive and I don’t plan on doing. Why raise my rates when I can depreciate a rental and also drive unlimited miles?

        1. You’re looking at it logically, these people dont understand that driving a taxi in NYC is a huge hassle as far as expenses. NYC requires TLC lisence & TLC insurance which is about $600 a month + if your car payment is $300-400 monthly thats already $900-1000 + maintentence.. if you rent a car for about $300/$350, yeah thats $1200-$1300 a month but the extra $300 you save will become an expense later on in repairs, remember its NYC, the roads here are horrible. When you rent the car, whatever happens to it you can take it back to the owner and give it back, its one less liability under your name. If you want to switch cars, get a better one or different one then you give it back no problem and get another. I’m going to start driving with Uber in about a month and I’m only 20 so adding that factor in my insurance would be ridiculous. Renting in NYC is sometimes the best bet.

      2. Businesses rarely own cars. There are leasing companies that handle the care and maintenance of the vehicle far cheaper than it would be for someone to own the car.

        You lease a vehicle for a year or two, the vehicle maintains its excellent status for resale and the business gets a new vehicle every few years.

        1. I like the leasing idea except for the fact you have limited miles that can be put on the cars. Wouldn’t work for that reason alone!

      3. Alex is renting two cars and Owens three and has them all on the road. $400 a week for two rentals which puts extra money in her pocket after expenses is not bad at all!

    2. I’m not from the US, but everytime I go I use a page called happytoursusa to make reservations (you don’t pay upfront) for car rentals. I’m going to NYC on November and a Corolla for a week, with insurances included, is about 260$/wk with Hertz picking it up at La Guardia, that’s 140$ per week of savings, up to 7280$ per year, not bad at all.

      P.S. This isn’t advertising, I’ve used them in Miami, Baltimore and Philadelphia previously, and you save a lot, the best part is that it includes insurances, CDW and EP that is the one that protects you in case you hurt a third party. I just think 400$/wk is a lot, even if you are making a lot more from it

    3. 16 hours a day, 6 days a week (96 hrs /wk)?? Not much of a life, is it? The only thing for me that is concerning is the high mileage put on my car. It would be worth zip after a few months.

  10. Hello Aaron! Thanks for all this information. I should be driving for Uber starting next week! I am pretty excited because driving is something I enjoy doing.

  11. I was thinking about driving, BUT I have SUV average miles 14 miles to a gallon, I can seat 6 people not sure after I paid for my full it would be with it.. anyone have any thoughts regarding this?

    1. I was thinking about this most cars have a 10-13 gallon fuel capacity and get around 25 miles city. that’s about 300-350 miles per tank.

      My traverse has a 22g capacity and gets about 15, which is about 300 per tank.

      it’s not that much of a difference really. Unless you’re willing to fork over for a hybrid that gets over 40 mpg in the city, then the math will be roughly the same.

  12. Man I hope Uber comes to Buffalo, NY. The state regulations have prevented Uber from operating in the state outside of NYC. The state and Uber are discussing operating in Buffalo between this week and next. Even if the pay does come out to be minimum I have other sources of income that would make driving for Uber ideal. I’m confused about the rental car discussion here though. Is it more beneficial than driving your own vehicle or not?

  13. Hey everyone. My name is James I live in the Los Angeles area and thinking about going to Uber. I’m a mortgage processor and the level of stress is CRAZY. The pay is cool, but the stress is not worth it. Does anyone know how it is here in LA????

    1. LA down town LA is good to drive for uber. But I don’t think it’s worth driving for uber if your car is not a hybrid vehicle. My Prius gets 52 Miles per Gallon. And I make about $150-250 a day driving anywhere from 8-15 hours.

    2. LA is good but I wouldn’t recommend driving for uber unless you drive a hybrid vehicle. My Prius gets 52 Miles per Gallon and I average $950- $1300 a week driving 40-50 hr. There are several reasons why some/many drivers complain and not making much money. Number one reason…..not a hybird vehicle. Well actually number one reason in my honest opinion, some people are kinda slow, mentally not quick on their feet type of person. LoL

  14. Sounds like to me that Alex S has an incredible business mind on her. I kinda read between some of her lines and because I have a very similar mind I totally get her! Bravo Alex!!!

    Now, one of my questions is if I travel a lot can I pick up fairs wherever I’m at? Also how often do you get paid?! Is it daily, weekly or monthly? I finally got my okay to start driving for Uber today and my plan is to start tomorrow with it all. My boyfriend works with someone who’s wife drives for Uber and says she does really well with it.

    I’m excited and am looking forward to seeing what this company does for my pocket book! Hopefully someone can answer my two questions here.

  15. In just the short time I’ve been with them I have averaged around$20 pre hour. If I stayed on the road more I could be making a small fortune but right now my time is limited. Good luck and prosper!

  16. Guys I just signed up for UBER. My question is after you complete a ride should you go back to your original point or just continue driving from your last location?

    Thank you in advance,

    JR

  17. Hey. I live in Brooklyn NYC. In 2 months from now I’m moving with my wife to Las Vegas Nevada.
    I will buy a car over there and I want to apply and start to work for uber as soon as I get there.

    I can’t fine NO info about uber Las Vegas so My question is:
    How is the uber market there? What’s the regulations in Las Vegas for uber driving? How much (around) will I make there?

    1. I’m not sure how much uber pays in Las Vegas but I did try to use them once. to go from my hotel to the airport which was right at 3 miles, the estimate was over $30 so I took a taxi which was much cheaper around $10. not sure why it was so high but maybe I was there during the peak times I don’t know.

  18. Any change you’ll give me your email and phone number so I can add your referral code? I already signed up but I have not finished the process. They say the only way to add your referral code is “manually” with your email and phone number.

  19. Your math was off a bit and then I accounted for
    overtime after 8 hours/day. Still came close to
    your “off” math figures:
    10.5 hours/day = 11.75 hours when you consider time
    and a half for hours worked over 8. (2.5 hours over
    8 times 1.5= 3.75 then add 8hours=11.75.
    $256.30-10%(costs)=$230.67/11.75 hours (taking overtime into
    account)=$19.63/hr after your 10% costs.

  20. Vlady.
    My names Theresa and I am currently an uber driver in las vegas nevada.
    If you drive 40 hrs a week with uber after taxes and expense you will roughly be making 1200 a week. Because of the high tour rate here in lasvegas and since we have premium night life being an uber driver you will make a lot of money here. If you dont have a vehicle they offer a payment plan where you can lease a car.
    I own my own and work 60 hrs a week and make great money its worth doing if you are down here. Hope this helps 🙂

  21. Oops – typo – should be “registering” (hate this phone). And of course you told your insurance company what you’re really using those cars for – just like pizza delivery drivers, construction workers, and so many others who use their vehicles for business but claim that they’re only for personal use. I deal with dishonest people like you every day, and it makes me SICK that the rest of us have to pay for your dishonesty/fraud.

  22. Do large SUV’s get paid more that small economy cars. Would it pay to drive a Lincoln Navigator? Gas would kill me if the fare isn’t better.

  23. I’m currently an “Independent Contractor” driving a taxi for the largest company in Raleigh, NC. I own the vehicle (Prius) which is painted and equipped to look identical to about 140 other cabs in the fleet. I’ve passed EVERY conceivable background check imaginable and maintain excellent credentials and personal relations with the Taxi Inspector. Although I’m the premier driver with this quality company, the poor economy coupled with the aggressive Uber model and marketing strategy have forced me to consider enlisting in the Uber army.

    I’ve encountered great difficulty trying to contact an Uber representative directly; I’m therefore turning to this forum to hopefully receive some credible information. Please answer these questions.

    1. Does Uber have any prohibition against me driving my vehicle that is clearly licensed, marked, and insured ($1.5 million) as a “Taxi”?

    2. Is there ANY way to contact an Uber representative or executive directly?

    3. Are there any positions available within the Uber organization for representatives, or any plans to create any public relations positions or offices in any locations anywhere in the world, but preferably in North Carolina?

    I have an extensive background in business, a wealth of experience, and a very impressive personal presence including communication skills. I’m an “old school” guy who prefers personal interaction over the impersonal practices of submitting written and electronic resumes to cyber-somewhere. It may seem paradoxical that I’m querying a position with a highly technical forward thinking corporation yet I’m offering to bring traditional experience and expertise as my tools/weapons.

    4. Any questions I should have asked but didn’t consider.

    Thank you in advance to anyone who replies to this inquiry. I invite you to contact me directly with any information relative to this or any other topic of value; (919) 656-6440; I receive phone calls, texts, and emails literally EVERY minute of every day. It is NEVER too early or too late to call me.

    Howard aka “236taxi”

  24. Uber is making money for Uber, and only Uber! What most Uber drivers / wannabe drivers do NOT UNDERSTAND is that costs between $.50/.60 per mile to operate a vehicle for business. The author of this article states that he factors 10% of his revenue for gas. What about insurance, maintenance costs and eventual replacement of your car?

    I have been an independent contractor, transporting medical patients for an outpatient surgery unit for almost eight years. I average $1.25 per mile ( all, round-trip miles ), and I make a very modest net income. There is no way that an Uber driver is going to make any long-term profit… period.

    1. Not sure if ur speaking out of experience driving for uber, but many uber drivers that I know of including myself are making pretty good income driving for uber. I make $950-$1200 weekly “What about gas, insurance, maintenance costs and eventual replacement of your car?” Umm….hello……you’re using ur car as a tool to make money, obviously there will be costs and if ur using a car that will need to be replaced soon…….ur car is just too old.
      Some people are just not cutout to drive for uber….mentally slow……lazy……. lol

      1. If I may ask, how many hours a day or a week are you putting in to achieve that income? From what I see and through experience it’s probably 12-16 hr days 6 days a week. Not much of a work/life balance in my opinion.

          1. I drove with Uber for 4 months and made about $15 an hour because of the down-time in between rides and I am in Washington, DC. The amount of drivers is high, the cancellations by riders when you are already on the way was annoying with the college student areas….You are going to die. I have a business degree but I am a stay at home mom that was looking to make extra income so I can tell you that by the time you do the real math, like many have said here, you are not making money. You will die poor if you think that Thursday dribble dribble for 30 hours of rides (some of which is down time) is making you a good living. But to each his own. Good luck with Uber.

          2. Thanks for your reply – I agree wholeheartedly. If Dave wants to laugh at everyones comments so be it but his is not reality. I live in Miami and this place is over-saturated with Uber and Lyft drivers. Many of the rides are minimums and almost no one tips simply because Uber and Lyft make it known that it is not obligatory so people abuse. It just does not make enough money to be worth the time and effort.

          3. Dave – how many hours did you work this week? At 0.73 trips/hour you would’ve had to work an eternity.

          4. I work early mornings…..and evening s. I’ve been driving for uber to take some time off my real work which require much much more stress and hours. UBER drivers are not paid hourly but by every ride, hourly pay will be different for every person and different everyday.
            Each driver has to learn where and when to drive to make most money……drivers who can’t figure this out are the complainers. Most of the people that complain and hate driving for uber…….most likely… was complaining about their previous job as well.
            Driving for uber is not rocket science lol like any job/work you put in the time/work and learn/figure out what works you’ll make good money and advance, Good luck.

          5. You know, I was JUST going to ask you to post proof. I work in Orange County (California). Can you post your previous 2 screenshots too please for the sake of consistency? Thanks.

          6. Today only gave two rides and came home…….UFC tonight hahaha. Still earned over $1000 in 6 days.
            Don’t get wrong…….I work hard and long hours to make this much. (Jacque thinks 12-16 hours working ….have no life……I laugh at people like her because, I grew up watching my parents work from 5am to when ever……my father had 3 jobs at one point. Now both my parents are retired now, own a house and both my sister and I have masters degrees….my sister ($2000)and I ($500) give my parents monthly allowance now thankful for their hard work and sacrifice in raising us and putting both of us through school). And I learned when to work/not to work and where to drive/not drive who to pick up /who not to pick up, when to wait/ when to leave after 5mins to make this much weekly. When I drive I don’t have to many off times…..that is I don’t sit in my car and wait for a rider request (that’s the stupidest thing driver can do lol)……I drive around in EV mode without wasting any gas. Only breaks I take is bathroom (often i might add haha cuz im drinking coffe all day lol) and lunch or dinner. I drive a prius I bought just to do uber……I put over 10 thousand miles on the car my first month……..this was the month I drove pretty much all over socal to see where the hot spots were…..when to drive….etc….(wear and tear is not a big deal cuz I bought the prius just for that purpose…..I have a another car I don’t use for uber).

          7. Fantastic Dave! I’m going to post my screenshots as I earn as proof of how the Uber works (or not!) for me. Too much “talk” and no proof just makes people stressed. Proof show it can be done, especially in areas like ours! Keep up the good work and communication man! 🙂

          8. Message me anytime Dave to keep in touch. I’m trying to gather a discreet network of Uber Drivers in and around my area for support and feedback! I’m on Facebook too, under my full name BTW!

          9. That $1000 would cover the new would be law for picking up and dropping off pax at Newark airport. Glad I’m done. My shiny car is my own again.

          10. You have a masters a drive your car 12 hr day for no benefits andminimum wage?! What a LOSER!

          11. Umm…..uber is a job……not my career….. I drove for uber about 6 months, I was taking some time off from my real work. I already have benefits, why would I need one from uber…..
            Minimum wage?? I made $3500- $4500 each month. Obviously you’re uneducated, lack common sense, and bitter Go back to school and get some more education.

          12. You took time off from your “real” job (which, with a Master’s presumably pays very well) in order to drive 12 hours a day for a job that only pays $1000 a week? Oh, and you bought a fairly expensive car just to do this “side” job??

            Makes sense to me.

          13. Yes makes sense…..=)
            Less stress……
            Had money to buy the car in full…..so no monthly payment. Only used the car to uber cuz I didn’t want to put my miles on my other car and devalue the car……prius is a tool/car that I used to make side money while I took some time off my real work…..drove for uber cuz I didn’t want to just stay a home and do nothing……uber was quite fun for me lol
            Made $4000- $5000 a month……that’s quite good imho…..have associates that have masters degrees that make less or just a little more than that.
            There are many and I mean many that are making $4000- $5000 monthly and are very pleased with driving for uber.

            Makes sense to me =)

          14. Perfect response to uneducated midgets. There’s a reason why many people are their own bosses and not working for corporations.

          15. They don’t realize the trade off is sometimes not worth the money for the blood, sweat and tears you put into someone else’s coffers. 30 years later, they’re looking to replace you anyway. Get smart, be your own Boss. I bring home probably half of what I use to make working for a corp Giant as an IT network admin, the work was constant, tense, and the stress was real. Couple that with the stress of rush hour traffic and the time it takes you to get home and relax, you’re spending approx 14 hours a day in prep for work. At the end of the day, your brain is usually mush and all you can do is raise a beer can before nodding off and starting it all over again. 😉 N ow I have the freedom to do, to work or not work this beautiful day, or maybe go lie on the big rock on Sunset Beach with a book, (thinking back to the 80’s in Cali) or catch a movie. Put in a few hours of driving, help a few riders with their groceries, I know I won’t make much but boy I feel in such a peaceful place. There is so much to learn about life that we only give a slight glance to in passing… Reminds me of what an old mentor on my first real job out of the USAF. Talking about what we think we know about life at certain ages:

            “In my 20’s, I thought I knew everything…”
            “In my 30’s, I knew I knew everything…”
            “In my 40’s, I realize maybe I didn’t know everything”
            “But when I reached my 50’s, I realized I really didn’t know shit.”

          16. I Currently live in Riverside and go to drive in san francisco due to the bonus incentives they have here. On average i’m easily hitting $1600-1700 a week gross if i put in decent amount of full time hours. Mind you, I have the opposite of a hybrid and i still consider it to be profitable lol. I have a ’13 V6 Accord sedan. I can understand where you are coming from when you talk about the individuals who have a masters that get paid similarly but don’t have freedom. Admittedly the lifestyle of working everyday here away from home for weeks at a time is unsustainable, but the money is worth it for now. I am currently looking to transition over to the LA market to be close to home. As for the negative nancys here, perhaps instead of commenting negative remarks without prior knowledge, I would recommend trying it out for yourselves and see how it goes. I was only going to do it for the 1000 dollar bonus they had back then for a couple weeks. Now ive been driving for close to 7 months without realizing it. there is money if you are smart enough to pursue it. wether uber does or doesnt have the drivers in mind when they make changes is up for debate, sure. But I know Im making money when I work, so doesnt matter as long as we make enough to get ahead.

            as for you dave, interesting article. Do you feel there are promotions in the LA area that would allow me to make similar amounts in that market if i continue to put in the 50 hours a week? Seems like a long shot, but i would like to be close to my family as i have been gone for too long.

            Cheers!

          17. Some of you just don’t GET it….I’m thinking about doing this because I want to be my own boss…I have a master’s with a good paying job..I think I’d like the FREEDOM that comes with this!

          18. What the hell is wrong with YOU????!!! Do YOU have a master’s degree??? He’s CHOOSING what he’s doing in life! I have a master’s degree,,,AND a good paying job…and I’m on this site because I think I’d like the freedom that would go along with this!! Karma…I believe in it…call a person a loser and karma’s going to bite you in the ass…

          19. That doesn’t look like minimum wage to me, idk, maybe in Cali , it is minimum wage. How someone can call a stranger a Loser, from a quick one min introduction and sparse background info provided, lacks the knowledge and the temperament for the job.

          20. There are plenty of people with Master degrees, MBAs and PhDs who are still out of work after 8 years of Obama. I know several.

          21. A lot of good your Master’s degree did you. You could’ve dropped out of high school and driven for Uber; your income and/or lifestyle would still be exactly the same.

          22. Orange County was average….only good in the early mornings and night s….mostly people going/coming to/from work/home…mostly all short rides…..but with surge…..wasn’t really worth it for me working there too much….but sometime I’ll start in OC cuz I too live in OC……..I start very early hoping to catch someone going to LAX, I’ll turn on my app as soon as I’m far enough away from John Wayne airport so that the ride isn’t going there……..and hope my ride will be going to lax cuz thats where I want to go/be so can really start working In the LA areas. Usually it takes about few shorts ride then I get a lax ride.

          23. Thanks Dave! Hey, if you don’t mind me asking, what was (honestly) your average weekly working in OC (near John Wayne airport area and nearby) and how many hours did it take, on average? Thanks!

          24. In my honest opinion drivers can pretty much make about anywhere from $800 and up just about anywhere, but the driver will need to learn and figure out where and when to drive….etc…. There’s so many people using uber now. In OC near JW airport there are many riders and surges everyday especially early morning (3:30am-6am) midday (11am-1pm) evenings (3pm-……) these are the times driver wants to driving cuz of surge times just about anywhere……but most are very short rides $5-10 rides even with surge in oc. (Reason why I don’t drive in oc).
            I do work a lot of hours (anywhere from 5 hours to 16-17 hours) but it varies daily, some days I’ll work only few a hours and make about anywhere from $60-$100 but ill make that up next few day by working more hours, at the end of the week my earnings $900 and up. (it just takes a little longer in oc to make that much) But I’m used to working long hours and bringing my work home and work more at home. I like driving for uber because it’s really stress free.
            Reason I don’t really like driving near OC as much is because it’s not as busy as it is in LA. In LA areas there are more back to back riders, and I’ll pick up a rider and most of the time it’s a pool ride so I’ll pick up another rider (I’ll only pick up a rider using pool if the next rider is on the way….that is I won’t pick another rider if I have to make a U turn…..cuz some rider will complain about making a u turn….bla bla….which means most likely I’ll get a low rating.
            One thing I don’t really like about the uber system is the rating. For the drivers, we rate as soon as the ride is finished. But for the rider they can rate the driver later. (Riders can also be suspended from uber. And they also receive a email from uber if their behavior was bad while taking uber if driver reports them……I know because my rating went down 1 after I rated one ride low and after i emailed uber).
            And if you get two negative ratings with rider complaing about driver being rude or having bad attitude driver will be suspended. (1st you get a warning email and 2nd you’ll get email and be suspended until you can explain what happened……) I know this because I received a email few days ago from uber that I was suspended. (I didn’t get suspended just received the email). Most likely uber noticed after sending the email to me they noticed I emailed them I had a issue with one rider where she made the mistake of putting in the wrong address and blamed it on me and when she couldn’t figure out how get to her destination and started to have an attitude and slamming my car door real hard after the ride was over.
            I Email uber soon after that ride, what had happened…..most likely reason why I didn’t get suspended. I don’t really stress over the ratings because even if I get one star it really won’t effect my overall rating due to so many rides that I give weekly……my rating jumps up and down any where from 4.76 -4.80.
            Drivers that drive a lot of hours all receive a Gas card from uber which drivers saves anywhere from 1.5% and up in gas. I received mine after my first month driving. Card will work as long as you meet Uber’s required hours…..not sure what that is but mine has been active pretty much from when I received mine. Gas card didn’t work one week after i came from 2 weeks vacation haha. Work hard and play harder =)

          25. I also get good tips quite often…….my tips in getting tips:
            1. Be nice to all riders….complete all rides. If rider is too drunk and can’t give directions, ask to see his/her drivers license. (Drunks are my biggest tippers!!!)
            2. CANDY!!! I just buy two bags, mint candy and another ramdom candy from the 99 cent store $2. Don’t give out water….you’ll go broke lol
            3. Phone chargers for android and apple 4 and up.
            4. Have plactic bags, incase riders needs to throw up. I’ve had only one person who was hung over early morning throw up in my car….luckily he saw that I had plastic bags and took care of business into the bag….rider thanked me for having bags and gave me $20 tip. =)

          26. I work for Uber and enjoy doing it part time for good income. From this screenshot this very well shows that it’s very worth it assuming this income is consistent and in a short amount of time will allow you to purchase a new car when you’re old one goes out. I work Sat-Tues as a security guard with gas-less income (since I don’t have to drive) and work about 30 trips Wed, Thurs, Fri or when I “feel like it”. I’m planning to get a new car in 2020 and have 81,000 miles on my 2008 Honda CR-V. I adore Uber and will work for them ’till the wheels fall off, lol. Keep in mind it’s a unique genius idea and it’s not something people should say is great or verbally bash because it’s not “fair” so to speak. It is what it is, lol. If you don’t like it, do something else. $977 is impressive in a week, and even if it was less, it’s a good job that helps you at least for the time being do something until something else better might come along. People should be grateful for the opportunity to drive for ride sharing services since that’s just what it is. An opportunity and nothing more. 🙂

          27. I say thats good money for a week. What I would like to know without offending you. How many hours did you drive, miles, and what uber class are you in?

          28. That looks pretty good to me. How many hours a week do you work/drive if you don’t mind me asking?

          29. Why dont you show whole statement with promotions? How did you get 408 on surge????You must be working in Santa Monica or West Holywood where they have surge every day at the same time. This does not apply to everybody

          30. Which is why he stated in his disclaimer that it was specific to him and not typical.

          31. Are you still driving for Uber? I’m considering it. How many hours did you have to work to get this $977.40? Thanks

          32. I drive with uber and I make only the bare minimum to get by. If you want tom be making real money you have to put in 12-16 hour days and now when you sign up they take 25% not 20 and gas prices are insane and I drive a Prius soo…. Yea uber is cool if you have your own car but I have a car through their exchange leasing program that’s about 600 a month plus 250 insurance plus 400 a month in gas and car washes so half of what I make goes to just keeping the car. Uber would be cool if they cared more about the driver but they don’t so just take that into consideration oh and they don’t take out taxes so you can ex of another 25% of what you make 🙁

          33. Actually 25% is understated. If you are working for Uber or Lyft then you are considered “self employed” which means you are also required to pay social security taxes and medicare taxes not just the employee but also the employer portion (since as self employed you are considered both) Social Security Taxes for 2016 are 12.4% (6.2 for employee & employer) on the first $118,000 in annual earnings + 2.9% on all earnings without a max for Medicare taxes. Total of 15.3 then add income tax which starts at 10% on incomes of up to $9275 individual then 15% on incomes up to 37650. You are also required to make quarterly estimated tax payments during the year and failure to do so will net you fine + interest on taxes not paid by the due date for the quarter in which they are earned.

          34. Where do yall get this gibberish from… Oh gosh, please be quiet. There’s no way you pay SE tax and Income taxes on gross earnings. Yes the tax rate is correct but it’s on the SE net income (after ALL expense deductions). Gosh I can’t stand ignorant folks. My advice is to get QuickBooks software to help with your taxes so that way you won’t have to state incorrect fact.

          35. I’ve worked off of 1099’s for years and have never ever had to worry about the self-employment tax, let alone an employer or medicare tax. My wife, sister, are long term IRS employees. It’s against the law for us to cheat on our taxes, She could go to jail.

          36. Since the 1099 is the way you are being paid and it is as an independent contractor (self employed), unless you fall under some exclusionary provision (or loophole) that I’m not aware of. You may want to review the SSA & Medicare self employed regulations again. I would never wish you any misfortune, and only the best for you/yours.

          37. No need my friend. I know what you are referring to… but the way taxes are calculated, at the IRS and in the numerous software platforms we use today, the calculations/formulas for calculating your taxes as a self-employed / independent contractor are pretty much automated. You missed the part where I said My wife is an officer of the IRS. We use reputable tax services to check for any red flags. Do you work for the IRS or are you a TAX attorney? Another question,why didn’t you respond to the other poster who questioned your integrity and said your response was all gibberish?

          38. Yeah I agree but after deducting .54 per mile it’s easy to show zero taxable income. That damn tax isn’t even an issue. Some people think that’s a good thing but I’m not on board with full time self employed contractors qualifying for medicaid and welfare.

          39. You’re right on the money. Uber doesn’t give two shits about their drivers and it’s obvious….yet they pester you ruthlessly to pickup more and more inconvenient fares that PAY NOTHING!!!! Uber expects people to work and drive people around for FREE

          40. More like 10% in fed taxes + 2 – 3% state tax. You take the biz use of car expenses at 56.5 per mile – this really cuts it down, you’re probably brake even… But using a rental definitely does not seem beneficial unless you’re pulling 16 hour days… U guys keep trying to make this a career vocation. that makes you a cabdriver. I’m fine with an extra 3 – $400 per week.

          41. Alot……work hard and play harder.
            If you like driving and can figure out when and where to drive you can make anywhere from $4000- $5000 which I did. Key is having a hybird car like a prius.

          42. The one who shared is Indian, How? because in india they don’t have to pay for $400 gas, $100 Iphone, and $150 for car maintenance Total come out = $650 Remaining $327.40 let give you fuel discount of $82.05 then it comes to $245.35. One who drive Uber is indian because Indian never want to earn more than 732.05 because they don’t spend much. Because of this shit indian software ideology innocent citizen waste their time driving uber but at end they never earn noting. I hope this is my real experience. I hope it is better to take off and apply different job that pay more. I know in Los Angeles it’s possible to make that much but guys i love you my friend just go college or find some job that is so much rewarding. Driving Uber is going cashion, hoping to hit jackpot but never my friend. It’s good for nothing. It is cheat to have a ride but not good for making money and wasting your car milage.

          43. People still tip uber drivers…….
            I get 50% of people that tip lol.
            Biggest tip I’ve got so far was $60 for returning a phone someone left in my car. 🙂

          44. I’m not laughing at everyone……only laughing at people like you……..who complain about every job and think working any more than 8 hours a day is too much and have no life. I drive around Los Angeles and it’s over saturated with many drivers and still make at minimum $950-1500 weekly.
            Maybe if you keep you’re car a little cleaner and be a little more nicer to riders you might get more tips……I usually make anywhere from $30-150 weekly just on tips alone. LoL
            Some people are just not cutout to do well driving for Uber……so don’t quit ur job working at fastfood just yet lol.

          45. wow!! i have been driving uber since november in norway, i didn’t get any tip yet.You guys are lucky to drive in US:))

          46. Your net pay after expenses is $10/hr? Gross pay means NOTHING! Car depreciation and expenses are $.50/50
            Cents PER MILE!

          47. UMMM…..Try agian…..$10/hr?? lol. I made any where from $3500- $4000 monthly for 6 months that drove full time for uber.

          48. Great point. Does Uber put a limit on how many drivers are in certain areas? You could be competeing with countless other drivers.

          49. But I found from one of the drivers in South Florida that because they don’t limit the number of drivers you may get periods where there are too many drivers for the number of passengers.

          50. Yep. I’ll never understand why Uber has campaigned so RELENTLESSLY to fuck their drivers out of ANY and ALL tips. Taxi drivers earn the same amount I do…but the also get CASH TIPS.

          51. You do realize he said DRIVING IN LOS ANGELES!!! Why are you comparing lesser cities with lesser population????

          52. Ha fuckin low!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hello!!!!!!!!!! Are these people retarded? Your right it’s based on large city #’s……

          53. because LA IS average fir money. Gross pay means NOTHING! Car depreciation and expenses are $.50 mile . You make $10/hr net after expenses

          54. I am just getting started, getting my information in the system. I work full-time, this is just a side money. I like driving around town, so why not drive and get paid. I don’t really know how much people make, but for me it just extra cash for fun and kids activities. Beside I like meeting new people.

          55. yea its rough uber X is a prison sentence and without surge a nightmare i’m considering uber black but still have the X delima and my select will end soon. maybe go SUV not sure. i do like ride share. i repeat X is horrible. they should not be aloud to punish for refusal we are our own boss its our choice.

          56. Better off driving an ambulance as a paramedic. They have the same long shifts on but many more days off.

          57. Paramedics if they drive an ambulance are not DRIVERS. They are pre-hospital medical professionals, who take turns driving the rig and still pick people up off the ground – treat them – including intubating them in a moving vehicle and have a large scope of practice. Having a heart attack? You don’t want an ambulance driver, you want a paramedic who has taken an intensive course over months and passed a licensing exam and also is responsible for continuing education courses and trainings. Make more money driving an ambulance? You should get educated!

          58. Dave you are an asshole I live in the NJ,NY area and have friends who drive/drove for uber and to make the money your talking about you have to work a minimum 60 hours a week and than you have to add in all the downtime when your not making anything.

        1. I’ve tried driving for Uber and I live/work in Santa Monica — the western Los Angeles area. Bottom line: I have to drive 10-14 hours per day at least 6-days a week to earn between $1,400 and $1,500. So….BEST CASE scenario: I’ll make $5,000 to $6,000 a month (GROSS) but after I back out the $240-$280/week I spend on gas (driving an Uber Select Mercedes-Benz S550) I’m only earning $1,200 to $1,250/week. And let me tell ya — that’s a LONG week!!!!! Uber’s cut is about TWICE what it should be considering they really provide nothing but the Application; everything comes out of my pocket. Which is why I’m upside down every month. I’m technically losing money!!! And that’s because Uber REFUSES to let select vehicle drivers pickup ONLY Select customers. If you don’t drive UberX clients in your Uber Select vehicle, you’ll either never make enough money to make it worth killing your car’s resale/wholesale value, or Uber will just cut you off and fire you directly for failure to pickup every Uber Pool low-life mooch in your area who wants a 30-mile, 55-minute ride in an S-class for the utterly asinine amount of $6 or $8!!! Talk about STUPID! It’s an absolute JOKE. Which is why it only took me 48-hours to decide I would NEVER pickup another Uber Pool fare EVER AGAIN. It’s total bullshit and Uber is just SCREWING their drivers.

          1. I don’t drive, and probably have averaged about a mile a year of driving over my lifetime, so I’m not about to drive for Uber. I do take Uber occasionally, and, when possible, I use Uber Pool. Depending on whether I’m getting ordinary Pool rates or the special $3 Pool rate at certain hours (this is in South Florida, BTW) I tip anywhere from a couple of bucks on a short ride to, in one case, $8 on a longer ride. (I paid $4, instead of $3, to Uber to make sure there would be room for a second ‘rider’ consisting of a lot of groceries.) Unfortunately, the driver only had one other rider on that trip, and only for a short part of a long trip, so he didn’t make as much as he should have.

            I’ve noticed that, sad to say, most riders I’ve been in pools with don’t tip at all! I don’t, BTW, think tipping is a good way for workers to get paid. (In revolutionary Barcelona in 1936, workers abolished tipping.) But, practically speaking, I’d rather give my money to the driver than to Uber and the IRS.

          2. i agree about uberPOOL. Uber needs to take a smaller share of the uberPOOL fare, needs to charge more, and needs to enact a rider rating limit for riders permitted to use uberPOOL (ie only those with a 4.8 rating can use that service). Uber also needs to make the driver cancel wait time even less than it currently is…..and it needs to remind the riders that they are CHOOSING sacrifices in accomodation for the sake of price…and that none of those sacrifices are the driver’s fault. If Uber did all of this uberPOOL would be a reasonable service for both rider and driver. Of course, Uber doesn’t put much thought in to what is reasonable when they make decisions….as can be seen time and time again with the way they role out their various rates and programs. It’s a company unabashedly managed like a hedge fund….and as such their decisions are often surgically stupid and unfair at the human level

          3. Uber pool is for carpools, not regular Uber drivers. It is to offset commuting costs, not to make money.

          4. Idiot…use a cheaper car…only a moron would use such a high end has guzzling car. Another whiner without common sense solutions. No wonder you never made any money

          5. Hey. Fuck face. Uber Select requires a luxury car. Piss poor pathetic loser like yourself wouldn’t know anything about that though, would you?

          6. Are you complaining about “only earning $1,200 to $1,250/week” driving a car? $60K a year driving a car and you are bitter about how much Uber is taking from you? Must be nice.

          7. Such a pleasant person. Insults, name calling and complaining. Maybe looking in the mirror would tell you the answer as to why you arent where you want to be in life.
            You chose to speak on an open forum thread…. you were talking to anyone who read what you wrote. No one cares what I think, but you cared enough to reply. 😉

          8. That ain’t happening, Half Shit. That’s a gross figure before deducting .54 per mile. Even with $1200 per week it could pencil out to below minimum wage.

          9. … Uber REFUSES to let select vehicle drivers pickup ONLY Select customers…

            There’s no way I’d pick-up a single X fare with a Select level vehicle. I’d drop Uber like a hot potato. Also, they’re actually even cannibalizing the X-only vehicles by offering some of those requests to Select vehicles.

            Hell, I just barely do a handful of trips per day for them on X and that’s driving a 10 year-old Prius. And, I decline POOL requests unless the ETA is under 3 minutes. Their POOL rates are too low to make it worth my while even despite it being unskilled work.

          10. I agree, Uber takes about 30% from me. Even worse, I got a long ride from Grand Rapids to Chicago. Sure, it paid well on the way there, but I had to drive back for free… Uber wouldn’t even let me log in, so it wasn’t even “logged in” time.

          11. In some markets the rates are as low as .60 per mile and .12 per minute. You could get a 700 mile round trip fare on the interstate that lasts a total of 10 hours. Uber takes 25% so after deducting .54 per mile, you lose $9 for the 10 hour, 700 mile round trip ride. Uber should be prosecuted for that kind of business model.

      2. I’ve been in the driving industry for over 20 years and have just drove for uber for a year. I drive in the Atlanta market and I have tried different days different times different areas. I found these numbers to be bullshit. Unless you have to work 70 or 80 hours a week to make those numbers. no matter what days you think are the best or what hours or what areas you are always going to hit slow time or down time because nobody is telepathic and knows exactly where to be at what times every time. I wonder if Uber hired somebody to do this article. Also you forgot to mention what year of car are you driving? Because if you drive for Uber select of course you’re going to make more money.regardless I personally know five different Uber drivers and I know personally that I have tried different times different areas and different days, and none of us are hitting these damn numbers on 40 to 50 hours a week so I call bullshit

        1. You do realize he said DRIVING IN LOS ANGELES!!! Why are you comparing lesser cities with lesser population, and less traffic???

          1. I live in Altanta and travel to LA several times every year. LA has a larger population, but Atlanta has worse traffic. At the VERY LEAST the traffic is equally as bad in ATL as LA. If you disagree, that means you haven’t been to Atlanta recently.

            As per Uber: we make Xx amount of money per hour but the downtime isn’t calculated. Cut the hourly earnings in half to be accurate.

          2. You are confusing driving with Uber with a 9 to 5 type job. You dont take your daily earnings and divide it by 8 hour work day. You are not clocking a time card here. Your hourly wage is based on hours actually worked.

          3. Because it’s a comments section and the profit margin in Atlanta or other cities is likely relevant to all the people reading this who live outside LA. And why do you call them lesser cities? They’re smaller, but not necessarily lesser. LA is cool in certain respects, but I’d hate to raise kids there, as the culture is vapid and skin deep.

        2. During the busy Summer I make about 5-600.00 over a Friday and Saturday combined and make on average over 1k a week of strictly profit because I get tips that go toward gas.. I have already made more than my cars book value for a high milage Corolla so it’s been good to me. I have another full time job so this has helped pay off credit card debt and loans so also saved me those interest rates do I can’t complain

        3. I am %100 agree with you, I am driving UberSUV in Los Angeles from 6am-10pm sometimes weekends even 2am and taking home $1200 -$1300

      3. I didn’t read all the comments, but has anyone talked to a tax accountant. If you use your vehicle solely for business use, I thought the cost of your vehicle can be written off. If you use your car part-time, some of the maintenance and depreciation of the vehicle can also be written off to reduce your tax burden.

        i’d assume this would be a good side job to help lower tax rate, or something to do while in college. I’m not a uber driver but is the article $ higher if you only drive during higher peak hours?

        1. You can but it’s much simpler and usually more cost effective to just take the 56 cents per mile the IRS allows as a deduction. Unless your car had terrible gas mileage or lots of expenses the mileage usually works out better anyway. If you decide to take actual expenses you must keep all gas and maintenance receipts and the cost of the vehicle is usually depreciated over several years time. Plus, if you depreciate your car you then owe tax on it if you sell it.

          1. I agree, the IRS standard allowance deduction usually turns out to be a better savings, 56.5. Like most, “Be your own Boss” opportunities, you take the bad with the good. Optimal profit earnings would be in NY/DC area – the cost of living is about 30% higher than Atlanta, but like someone else said, the traffic is just as horrendous in ATL as it is in L.A.. I also lived and died in L.A. in the 80’s, L.A. is so spread out, long trips should bring you some good fares. Besides, this is more of a supplemental income or a way for a entrepreneur, student, retiree, artist to earn cash without working as a waitress for 3.00+ tips. It’s not a way to get rich, but it is a way to make ends meet, until you get your big break. I would say “You get out of it what you put into it…”

          2. Yes, if you sell it for more than its depreciated value. It still makes sense financially to not pay taxes on the $15,000 you depreciate, then pay taxes on only the $1,500 profit when you sell…or sell it to a friend for the depreciated value and make no money.

        2. Yes you can write off the car and etc….tax was no big deal. Paid little over $100 for tax last year.
          People who are complaining about uber are morons. Their just bitter cuz they cant figure out how to make money driving for uber lol.
          Driving for uber is one the easiest ways to make money. Most of them are still driving for uber and still can’t figure it out lol

        3. Many of the people complaining is because (a) it’s either they’re ignorant or (b) they’re just too lazy to educate themselves and complain about everything. I think you meant the cost of driving for UBER can be deducted and the answer is YES. There is a standard mileage deduction which for a personal car, it’s more than enough to cover the expense.

          Also, there are other deductions such as loan interest that can be written off if applicable to business purposes. Please see my notes up regarding this. If you want to UBER, as long as you get your thing right, ignore some of the spiteful comments on here.

      4. Yes, these drivers are in a sense taking equity out of their car. The reason IRS gives you back 50 cents per mile is because that’s the cost of the repairs averaged over the life of the vehicle. Drivers who don’t take that into consideration are extracting cash payments now that will be paid for at the end of the car’s life. It feels like you’re making money but you’re just borrowing it from your future self.

    2. The. 55 cent per mile is the official IRS figure. It is a cumulative amount that includes gas, maintenance, and insurance.

    3. This article is about Driving in los angeles.. Why are people bringing up cities like Atlanta and Miami and DC saying you make less money?? Well Duh NY and LA has the bigger population and cities. you will make more there..

    4. Hey Don! I’m so glad to finally see someone putting the numbers as they should go. Most ridesharing drivers seem not to understand what the true cost of driving a vehicle for commercial purpose really takes. Uber puts a little money in your pocket, but that “take home money” is a joke for all the risk, time and effort involved in such operation. I must not lie, it’s a great concept and I love the idea of such a great way to offer a much needed service in your community and make money at the same time. But there should be a different cut for the drivers, which in reality would never happen. If ridesharing companies would give drivers a higher portion of the fares, they just wouldn’t make money at all. On the contrary, they are already trying to come up with ways to “eliminate the driver” all together by implementing new technologies. Uber has already started a driverless concept in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For the time being and as this new technology is being implemented and tested, they are still using a human behind the wheels to assist the vehicle in case something goes wrong. But once the technology has proven to be effective and efficient, goodbye drivers and hello “driverless vehicles” to transport passengers all across town and beyond. I just wonder what’s going to happen with all these millions of people around the world presently making some type of living as drivers?….

    5. What type of car do you drive to incur .50/.60 per mile? Like how did you come up with your own math? Is this variable cost or fixed cost or both? Gas, Oil, Maintenance and Repairs are variable, depending on how you use your car which offsets in the long run. Depreciation, Auto loans, Insurance, etc are fixed costs incurred whether you operate it or not.

      On what basis are you are you depreciating your asset to come up with .50/cent per mileage? Please apply some real #’s to your statement because it makes no sense. An average car used for business purposes will incur no more than a $700 monthly in actual expense, but the IRS deduction may well be $1,400 depending on variable factors. Please, you guys need to be informed or cease spreading falsehood.

  25. If I want to be a part time driver, just ride the person on the way my home after my full time work, is it possible to choose the passenger, i mean knowing the direction before pick up?

  26. I am considering driving with UBER. I live in South Orange County CA. Rancho Santa Margarita specifically. Any feedback for this general area would be appreciated in regards to the ability to make around $20 an hour net.

  27. Can you give your full name, so that I can contact Uber to find out about my sign-up bonus? Because I never entered any code, It said “Aaron sent you $500” and I never received it and I fulfilled all requirements.

    1. Yes, we need Aaron’s last name in order to use this code. Aaron, will you please email me? Please send last name to wisucprojectATgmailDOTcom. Thanks!

  28. I make on a good week $2300 working 40-50 hours. I do not catch that many Surges I just would the peak time and PARK SMART

  29. Hello, Im valuing the option of driving with Uber, but my big concerns is what is the average trips/day can Uber assign you?.
    Im considering to invest my savings in an uberselect car but Im afraid to dont make enough to pay the expenses associates with this type of vehicle and support my family.
    Can someone driving with Uber answer my question?
    Thanks

  30. Simple math for or against being a partner with Uber
    In Las Vegas the cost per hour is $1.10; out of this Uber gets 25% or $0.275. The IRS recognizes as business expense $0.54 per mile for using your car. So we have 1.10 – 0.275 – 0.54 = $0.285 per mile is what the partner makes.
    So how many miles a driver should do in order to make $100? 100/.285 = 350.88 miles
    If the city’s speed limit is 35 miles per hour the driver needs to drive ten hours. And this is based on having a paying client all the time…. Don’t forget the cost of business license and taxes to the IRS!

    1. Simple math it is, and your math is tragic.
      I believe you should add the .54 because it is an expense the IRS credits you back against other tax liabilities, or pays you, if your expenses exceed the tax owed.
      So it should add up as $1.10 – 0.275 + .54 = $1.365 per mile or 73.26 miles to make $100

      1. Huey the IRS does not “pays you, if your expenses exceed the tax owed”. It is not a tax credit it is a tax deduction. I hope you have someone else doing your taxes for you other then you.

        1. Dennis whether it’s a deduction or credit really doesn’t matter in this case. Both will lower your tax liability. Either way you end up paying less to Uncle Sam. It may different in amount but it still lessens your total amount owed.

  31. Uber should pay drivers for damages done to their cars by the riders and they dont. A female rider pulled really hard on the door handle cause she was drunk and mad at her spouse and ripped the door handle off. did uber charge the rider for damage to the vehicle or pay to have it fixed nope cause uber got there money.

  32. I would like to know, Dave, what kind of car you are using for uber and/or lyft ?
    and what the best car is for this business, thanks for reply.

  33. Uber take 50% out of the fare not 20% as you think. At the end, Uber is only the one making profits not a driver. Below is one of a trip they pay me.
    Total fare ($13.54) – Booking fee ($4.51) = $9.03

    $9.03 – 25% Uber Service Fee ($2.26) = $6.77 Total Earnings.
    Brian

  34. NONE of what Dave has posted is true in Green Bay, Wisconsin. UBER takes 25% of the fee, There is often an hour or more wait between rides, and most rides are in the $5-$10 range. There is RARELY a surge, except at 2:00 am when all the belligerent drunks are pouring out of the bars at closing time. I’m lucky if I eeek out $7-$10 per hour. Also, UBER is saturating the market with drivers (even runs adds in Craig’s List and on job websites), while the rider pool is barely increasing. Green Bay is so small, that leaving downtown means heading out into residential neighborhoods and farmlands. There NO opportunity for a ride on the way back, which means you eat your time and mileage, often up to 20-30 minutes, on the return trip. My goal is to make $1.00 per mile, to cover all expenses, including the $0.57 per mile calculated by the IRS. BTW, I’m from Orange County, California. Moved to Wisconsin in 2011. I’ve attached a screenshot of my reality, a Friday night in Green Bay.

  35. 39k as full-time!? Just doesn’t seem worth it, I’d do it for fun maybe but fck me if people actually rely on this income.

  36. I will have to say this is quite similarly to my experience driving full time…in Nashville.. Which the is growing at 70 new people a day on who moves here…traffic is shitty!!!! People Dont want to drive here..so its a gold mine here……every night the surge is high and people pay 40+ just to go 8 freaking miles and I end up with 32 of it….and that’s all freaking night!!! Some cities are different… I just happen to work in the one where no one wants to drive…people have money to blow and like to get other people’s cars to confess and tip you for listening…. Beside the point.. You make good money… But if you can hustle and know the city as I do…I make 22 an hour on average through the week and 27 over the weekend Thursday to Sunday morning…. I use to be an optician… It was decent money.. But I worked for someone else and made them more money… I like it this way…my bills are always paid early… I have time to do what I want and do what I want…oh and my car has an extended warranty so as far as maintenance its covered for a few more years lol

  37. I don’t need to make a ton of money, but I want to be sure I can at least make the lease payment every week. Have enough for gas and insurance. Obviously uber makes most the money , and that’s fine by me when most of my jobs , especially the one I had most recently, bad boss who expected me to do all the work so he and his wife could play all day , with or without their kids. I wasn’t able to save enough for a car and I still have a 700 dollar balance to pay off on my credit card. My credit is fair , although a couple hard entries just lowered my score thanks to the credit union not helping me with a loan to pay of my credit card (which the card wasn’t through them btw) at a way lower interest rate. But because I’m not currently employed they can’t help yet.
    I don’t currently have a car, or a job because I don’t have a car. I’m back at home living with my parents who are too old to be driving me to work plus it’s not worth the hassle. But I’m a pretty good driver and I miss it.
    Parents are pretty discouraging , mostly my Dad, who likes to always point out all the negative stuff . It’s good to not be delusional , right ? But I see good and bad. Mostly good with the benefit of the doubt keeping my skepticism in the back of my mind. So far from what I’ve read , this newer leasing plan is passing all the pyramid scheme tests.
    It’s not even too good to be true.
    My parents plan to move , but have been saying this for 30 years now so , I don’t really believe it for now a lease would be perfect because we will probably be here at least for the next 36 months.
    Yeah it’s expensive plan , but hey , I think my life is worth a lot more than whatever gets paid to uber. And if I can do something about being stuck at home not able to find a job anywhere close enough to walk, it’s worth it to me just to get out and be my own boss , because I’m really sick of working for mangers who are total sociopaths , seems like a win win to me.

  38. I took a ride to the dr it was 19.40$ the ride there , however the same distance an uber driver charged me 36.67$$ HOW REDICIOULOUS – I am contacting uber & never using them again. He came from Columbia Heights to pick me up at Maple Grove home to Coon Rapids … NO TRAFFIC BOTH WAYS! Irate & will never ever use uber for a ride again!! PERIOD, I’d rather walk!

  39. So , readers of this website and alike i.e. – the rideshare guy are supposed to believe that on top of you driving for uber full time , on top of that have all this free time to blog about how great it is to drive for uber, in addition to being Web page developers and all? Lol I was buying it until now.

    1. I’ll tell what in Philadelphia Uber black drivers make about $5.00 or less an hour. There are way to many cars on the platform. Guys are logged on almost 80 hours. Uber is out of control. Drivers here are losing their cars because they can’t make the payments. It used to be ok . Guys were making money. But in October 14 Uber started defying the law here in philly and add uber x . Lyft followed . With an oversaturated platform the only ones making money are Uber. Oh yeah and maybe the companies buying the subprime loans we drivers took out to get uber started here. There about 12,000 or so uber x drivers in the Philly area. About 500 uber black drivers. There were only 1600 taxis . And Uber keeps adding cars. And to top it off uber raised our commissions to 25%. No way to make a living doing those in the Philly area anymore. But didn’t Pt Barnum say there’s a suckered born every minute. Most uber drivers here are former taxis drivers. So it won’t be long before uber is the same as the taxis everyone hates. Because if drivers can’t make money they can’t keep up with maintenance. It’s just not worth it for all the miles, wear and tear on their vehicle. Ubers business model is deceptive. That’s why they are working on the driverless car because regular people will catch on eventually. They killed what could have been a good thing for drivers.. But it great for riders.

  40. Uber has been charging me money every week since April 11th and I just started driving 2 days ago, I called the number on my bank statement the message says to do chat support, I go on chat support and it just takes me to a statement. There is no chat support! What are they charging me for, besides the fact they take their money out of the money I’m supposedly making. This is just wrong!

    1. I was wondering about that. I just signed up to drive for Uber and as I was doing the app on my phone there is a statement it the terms and agreement part talking about accepting the charges. I also saw that Uber charges a fee to direct deposit your pay into your bank account.

  41. I make good money with Uber. THIS IS MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. Hopefully if you get some tips on making some extra money from me, then great! Everyone is different. Remember, you are an independent contractor. If you see if as a business not a job then you can be successful. I only work part time (20 hours a week) and average $700-900 a week. I only work one 40 hour week and made over $1300 without my tips. After all my expense (gas, insurance, taxes, and maintenance), I make $25-35 an hour and average 20 hours a week in the San Francisco/San Jose area. I know many have already stated their tips of success but I think I should also share mine. Remember every city, vechile, and experience is different. This is just mine!

    1. I work on peak/surging hours. Yes early mornings (3:30am-9am) Monday-Friday are my favorite. The surge is 2-3.5x and appox. 60% of my airport riders tip between $5-10. I don’t have to claim on my taxes. Or Friday-Saturday night 8pm-2am only 30% tip but the surge is higher (3-5x). I don’t work everyday nor do I always work 6 hours. I have kids and sometimes I only work 2 hours during those times and get 3 rides but with surge I still make $20/hr.

    2. I have little snacks or water for riders. I don’t hand them out nor do I leave water out for every rider. When a rider gives me hints or request it, I have it available.

    3. I have phone charges for both Apple and Android. Everyone lives off there phone now a days.

    4. I qualified for an Uber Fuel Card after so many trips. I know my area pretty well. I get gas at the cheapest location and use the card. The money get taken out of my bonus pay so I don’t have to worry about it. Also I get a gas 0.15 a gallon discount on top of that.

    5. Become a POWER DRIVER. It pays my gas and/or taxes!!! 30 rides a week is $50, 50 rides a week $100, 80 rides a week $225…… etc…. You get that money 100%.

    6. Read your emails. Look at your weekly progress. If you are not working during the recommend hours, you’re luck if you’ll break even for the day!!! Uber sends emails everyday of incentives, bonus, expected peak hours, etc. CLAIM those offers. Here’s an example of this week’s email

    Want to earn a guaranteed $40/hr?

    With more riders expected to be out and about for Cinco de mayo, we’re offering higher guarantees for extended periods of time. This week, earn a guaranteed $35/hr for driving during the week, with an opportunity to earn $40/hr guaranteed Thursday night.

    Make sure to click the button below to claim your offer of up to $40/hr guaranteed!

    Thanks for all that you do to keep the Bay moving. Drive safely.

    – Your Uber Bay Area Team

    CLAIM OFFER

    Times Earnings

    Tuesday

    7am – 10am $35/hr

    5pm – 7pm $35/hr

    Wednesday

    7am – 10am $35/hr

    5pm – 7pm $35/hr

    Thursday

    7am – 10am

    5pm – 11pm $35/hr

    $40/hr

    Friday

    7am – 10am $35/hr

    This email will help you make that extra money!!! It has failed me yet!!!

    7. Now the expense….I track my miles, save all my receipts, and write it all off. For taxes, I personally pay 30% like I was an employee. When I make $900, I know my taxes are $270. I can use my incentive money or referral bonus to pay those taxes. I pay quarterly so I don’t have that big expense on April 15th. My friend pay 15-20%. I just like getting money back during refund season!!! Maintenance…. I have a 2013 VW Passat S. Oil & Service is every 10K and I make sure I’m on top of that. Uber has rewards discounts. 15% Jiffy Lube or Midas…. etc… I use it. It keeps my car on the road.

    8. I almost forgot. I always greet my rider using their name instead of sir or madam. It makes them feel safe and secure and keeps your rating high! I don’t have to explain customer service. Treat people the way you’d like to be treated.

    9. Now be smart with your money! I have good and bad weeks. I put the extra money away for rainy days and having needed to use it yet. Just because I made $900 one week next might only be $400 because I couldn’t catch a surge or bonus. Like I said treat this as a business not a JOB.

    I am grateful that I can UBER and make money. I am a single mother of 2 daughter and I want to be available for them when needed. Also I go to school full time so I can have a career I want not a JOB. I went from working 60 hours to working on my own hours. Hopefully this will help some of you. It’s not for everyone.

    Please feel free to ask me any questions.

      1. You are very wrong shumeka. Uber has said that it won’t build it into the app like Lyft but you can accept tips. Please learn your facts.

    1. How long have you been driving for Uber? Just wondering because at if you avg $900 and you are putting in 30% this year you may still owe (assuming last year was your first year with Uber) 900 * 15.3 = 137.70 SSA & Medicare Tax 900 * 25% = 225 (tax rate for income over $37600) 225+137.70=362 / 900 = 40.3% tax rate (note if you have state or local income tax that gets added on as well (Philadelphia, PA for example has both local and state income tax)

    2. I have a few questions. In orlando there is no uber power program and rates are .64c a mile and .11c a minute. Is it worth it?

      1. I take advantage of all the incentives. In South Bay/Santa Cruz, CA we get $35 an hour between 7-9am and 5-7pm M-F 5pm-2am Friday-Saturday. The San Francisco incentives are higher.

        I also work shorter rides and tons of pools. So I make the Power Bonus and can get 120 rides and the $500 bonus.

        Our rates here start at: $1.85, .15 a minute, and .90 mile. Orlando is lower so depending on the demand it might not be worth it if you can’t get power bonus or incentive. That’s where the money is at.

        Invite code: EGU7H earn up to $1000 bonus depending on location.

  42. A regular taxi driver is “off the grid” so to speak. In the Phoenix area an individual “contract driver”, not an employee of the cab company can lease a taxi for a 12 hour shift for $100. Since you’re not an employee there is no W-2 or 1099 reporting and since it’s a cash business the IRS has no idea about the money involved. The cab company furnishes the insurance for the car, not the driver and the onboard computer dispatch. The driver pays for gas and cleaning of the cab and keeps everything on the meter. Voucher rides screw the driver because cab companies have contracts with government agencies that give free rides to illegals or vagrants living on the government tit. Voucher rides are flat rate, usually $6 to $8 regardless what is on the meter. The driver gets screwed because he must pay for gas so he is essentially subsidizing some low life that’s getting a free ride. Still, its hit or miss. I drove a cab for awhile between real jobs and averaged around $200 a week driving seven days a week, 12 hours a day. Some days I couldn’t cover the $100 lease and other days I made $400 to $500 a day. It was a very emotional roller coaster. Yeah, I could have made more money being a greeter at Walmart but pushing a hack gave me the flexibility to operate out of the cab and look for “real” work. Walmart employees can’t even make personal phone calls while on the clock.

  43. Honestly I think the people bashing uber are expecting too much. I’m currently a 20 year old college student scraping by with a part time (12 hrs a week) job for my school and a restaurant gig on the weekend (anorher 12 hours a week). I work a total of 24 hours a week for about $300 a week and go to school full time. As a 20 year old you really don’t have a lot of options to make decent money. Personally I’m dying to turn 21 so I can finally start working for uber. If I could just make $100 more per week and not have to bust my ass working at a restaurant on my weekends when I should be having some downtime I’d be the happiest person in the world. With that being said the uber argument is a matter of perspective. If you’re trying to make a living off of uber of course it’s not going to happen. But if you’re a broke college kid living by himself in a big city like Chicago paying ridiculous rent so the commute to school everyday doesn’t take over an hour, an extra buck or two from driving for uber is a blessing.

  44. One year ago, I did the calculations for a friend of mine that was driving a 2002 Chevrolet 1/2 ton four wheel drive truck. The truck was free – his father abandoned it after the frame broke. The driver had to put 4 new tires on the truck to drive it. Every 3 weeks the driver had to pay $40 to have all the maintenance done to the vehicle. Unlike a regular private passenger vehicle, when you haul passengers, you must ensure that everything is in tip top conditions. Every 6 months the vehicle needed a 4 wheel brake job. About once a year you will need a new windshield. An accident will easily cost you $3000.00 About every 3 years you will need to replace your vehicle – using 35,000 miles as an average mileage per a year, driving part time. Not all of the trip is paid, a certain portion will come out of your own pocket. Basically where your last stop ends back to your house. At least once, possibly twice a year, you will need 4 new tires. Especially if you live where there is snow. Wreck and you will be sued. The break even point is $1.00 a mile. That will basically pay for the replacement cost of the new vehicle you will need in 3 years and all the fuel and maintenance. Your salary will be anything you make over $1.00 an hour! If Uber paid $1.35 a mile, then your salary would be $.35 a mile – probably $3.50 to $7.00 an hour. After 3 years, if all went well and you stuck with it, you would still be right back where you started with nothing to show for your work except a pile of receipts and a worn out vehicle. People are disrespectful, they will damage your vehicle, track in dirt, mud, when you confront them, they will deny any wrongdoing. The only people to make money on the deal is UBER – since UBER doesn’t have anything into this except a web site and an alleged insurance policy that doesn’t pay for much of anything. Taxes will probably take 65% of everything that you make. Not having to tip – gets the customer out of paying gratuities – like a taxi cab. Not having to pay for a license to run a Cab service gets UBER a higher profit then a regulated industry like a Cab service. There is no guarantee that the vehicle that hauls the customer is going to be nice, clean, or safe. Mostly this type of service is designed to be operated by students and college students where their parents furnish the vehicle. The student runs the vehicle until it blows up or falls apart and you trade the value of your vehicle for cash in your pocket. Much like Cheech and Chong in the movie – Things are tough all over….

    1. The fact remains and cannot be avoided that in consideration of the present paradigm in Mass Communications involving the advanced electronic devices that have saturated modernized societies and the never-ending development of even more convenient Social Media applications there is no question that the taxi-cab business will soon go the way of the horse and buggy.

  45. I live in albuquerque. I make on average 7$ per hour. It appears the only worth while period is surge driving. Saturday night surge I drove six hours and made $63 and Sunday non surge I made $12 for 3hours 45 mins. I prefer not to chase surges because it moved around too often. But there are areas where you know it will surge off and on at certain periods. The surge drives for Saturday night are short so it’s only a few dollars. From reading others articles on uber I gather the amount you can make really depends on what city you are in and not surge hours. I will continue during surge times and areas only.

  46. I noted that the writer did not mention that he is required by his insurance to update his policy to indicate he is using his vehicle for business purposes in which case his rate changes dramatically. The first accident he gets in (no matter if it is his fault or not) the other driver and uber/lyft driver have to trade insurance info. As part of the process each insurance company will take a recorded attestation of what happened. As soon as the insurance company for the uber/lyft driver finds out he was using the vehicle for business purposes they will deny the claim, cancel his policy (for falsifying his auto insurance application or failing to provide accurate information) then the state will be notified and the real fun begins with in some states the driver being prosecuted for failure to maintain proper insurance coverage.

    1. Insurance problem was my reason for deciding to NOT drive for Uber, even after I was approved. You should NOT be a driver without commercial drivers insurance! I looked everywhere and couldn’t find affordable commercial insurance (over $1,000 a month). If you are in an accident while driving for ANY Uber/Lyft type company and are under your standard policy, the claim WILL BE DENIED, your policy WILL BE CANCELLED, and be prepared to file for BANKRUPTCY because your ARE GOING TO BE SUED once the other person’s insurance company finds out that your insurance company is not going to pay anything!

      1. Why would any uber drivers lie about how much they make. I even posted phone screen photo of two months of work and pay. On this post some people are trying to help other uber driving make more money.
        The complainers are morons and just not cutout to drive for uber.
        By the way are you a uber driver? LoL

      1. Read your auto policy. I don’t know about anyone else. But I checked mine and it says it excludes payment for any losses incurred in the event the vehicle is used for commercial purposes. Also checked a friend who was already working for Uber and her’s also had language that said any claims resulting directly or indirectly from the car being used for hire are not covered by the policy. Florida was working on making ride sharing companies provide primary insurance and I have heard Lyft covers their drivers as primary any time the app is open (meaning the drivers is available for rides). It doesn’t mean you can avoid telling your insurance. Of course all of this is governed by your individual state insurance regulations and financial responsibility requirements that each state sets for motor vehicles. You state may be more or less restrictive also if you cross state lines you may have to meet requirements of both states. (why some taxi’s in DC say they can’t go into MD, or VA.

  47. I absolutely LOVE this article!! I have tried to explain to simple minded folks that your success with Uber depends on the schedule you build for yourself as well as THE MARKET IN WHICH YOU DRIVE!! My husband is a full time (5 to 7 hrs per day 4 to 5 days a week) driver and we make approx. 1500 DOLLARS PER WEEK (pre expenses) how do we obtain such lucrative income? WE LIVE IN HAWAII…
    HONOLULU TO BE EXACT.. we live in a market where people come to vacation everyday of the week and arrive at all hours of the night!! We live in a TOURIST market..if you do not live in such a market it may truly be difficult to obtain the same results but that doesn’t mean Uber drivers ain’t out here getting PAID!

  48. Uber is BS. I drove for Uber and ended up making minimum wage after taking all the expenses out. Only a fool will drive a car for uber. In addition, if you get into an accident, you will be all stuck in a lingo!! For minimum wage, only a fool will risk everything. I am talking about driving in philly!! Uber=BS for drivers.

  49. Hi Y’all, if you are in San Francisco, California and interested to drive for Uber, please use my Invite Code i983x for signing up bonus. Thanks and happy for driving with Uber 🙂

  50. Hi there I am a new uber driver, how do I create the link you did for my social media platforms, to sign new drivers and be sure they and I get bonus, thanks so much, and your site is very informative x

    1. This guy is a tech guy and smart. If you dont know that much tech, I suggest you to use the website . He has also done search engine optimization (SEO) to make sure his results pop out first in the google. I guess he is making more money of this website through ads and referrals than driving with uber (lol). Smart move man!

  51. Are you serious>?????????????? Who in the US today is paying 10% TAXES????????
    Who can get $50 on surges per day???? You are just insane. Realistic pay is between $10-15 after which you have to pay taxes, car maintenance, wear and tear, depreciation and everything else. Not to mention that you don’t have option for health insurance, no protection if you get in an accident, exposing yourself to much for possible traffic ticker etc. Exposing yourself to strangers.

    LETS BE HONES, Everybody benefits here but drivers. (uber is making way to much money and riders are still getting very good fares)

  52. I live in Los Angeles and i’m thinking about driving during in the summer while I’m on break from CSUN. I was going to lease a car with Uber. Can you explain the insurance to me? Do you come out of pocket for insurance at all or does Uber cover it? Keep in mind i’ll only be using this car for Uber. I also have my own car, i just prefer not to use it. Thanks 🙂

  53. Drove 44 hrs; 130 trips;

    $1,182 + 107 surge.

    258 Fee to Uber

    158 gas

    $301 for 60 out of 100 trips

    (promotions)

    $1188 take home (*before taxes*)

    Do the math!

    Guaranteed It’s a no Brainer if you like to drive and help people. I was just in one of the home office’s today and they were signing up people and every chair was filled

    1. You didn’t count depreciation, car expenses and ALL TAXES . You’re making $20 hr w no benefits. Turnover is sky high

      1. There’s a lot of misconception about taxes, car expenses, etc. This is the reason why your standard deduction for mileage (54 cents for 2016) covers all these expenses. Here’s a simple math. He drove 130 trips x 10 miles (assumption of average mileage), that’s 1,300 miles or $726 deduction at current mileage rate. This gives a net balance of $460 weekly gross subject to self employment tax and net income. This is assuming that you don’t have anymore deductions. If you have other deductions such as

        Interest on the auto loan
        Personal property taxes
        Business related expenses such as parking fees, tolls, etc.
        Your phone service bill (assuming you have two lines and one for business)
        If you have an app for calculating/assigning mileage such as Mile IQ
        Any service you request say an attorney, accountant, etc.
        If you’re a business entity such as LLC, you can deduct the fees
        Any software, I’ll recommend QuickBooks to track all these

        As long as all these are business related, they can be deducted prior to payment of SE & I Tax bill. So assuming he correctly deducted all these prior to remitting his tax liability and files his quarterly annual tax return, You will realize that the tax bill is nothing compared to those who pay taxes. Furthermore, the income taxes would likely have some returns at the end of the year. I have not seen a job or rather wages where all these taxes are deductible to the fullest. If you do, please let me know.

        My advice is seek the expertise of a tax accountant to walk you through all these so that you’re not stuck with the bill, if any.

  54. The insurance was my reason for deciding to NOT drive for Uber, even after I was approved. You should NOT be a driver without commercial drivers insurance! I looked everywhere and couldn’t find affordable commercial insurance (over $1,000 a month). If you are in an accident while driving for ANY Uber/Lyft type company and are under your standard policy, the claim WILL BE DENIED, your policy WILL BE CANCELLED, and be prepared to file for BANKRUPTCY because your ARE GOING TO BE SUED once the other person’s insurance company finds out that your insurance company is not going to pay anything!

      1. I read the article thoroughly. My point is that when your personal insurance finds out you were driving commercially, you WILL be cancelled and may not be able to get a personal policy that is affordable, if at all. If you drive without commercial insurance, you are committing FRAUD, if you care about such things.

        1. Ride sharing is acceptable by most major insurers. You just have to NOTIFY them. My insurer even provides gap insurance for a small amount (about $14 per month) the gap insurance covers the time from call to pick up. If your insurer doesn’t accept ride sharing then you need a different insurance.

        2. Rule to the wise if you are an 1099 you would be wise to get a LLC or INC to protect yourself. Now if you called your insurance agent and explained what you are doing and ask for a gap insurance then it is all good. Why people get all upset when we on the same team ? Be informed and help each other is the key right?

          1. You form a subchapter S corporation and have an attorney submit the paperwork. Once that’s done, you request an EIN (EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER) from the IRS. After you get it, you open a business checking account under the name of your corporation (of which you are President) and have Uber make deposits to that bank account

          2. So in doing it that way does that help with tax breaks or does it make it to which you dont pay taxes on the check? Just curious because I plan om doinf this within the week

      1. You have no idea what you’re talking about. Call any insurance agent at any company and just ask them if their standard policy will cover you if they didn’t know you were driving for a rideshare service.

  55. The tax estimate is off in this article. FICA payroll tax alone is 15.3% for independent contractors. Then you add state and federal income tax.
    The $0.565 tax deduction per mile covers, gas, maintenance (oil, tires, brakes, etc.), insurance, and depreciation of the car. So if a car depreciates by $20,000 when you put 100,000 miles on it, that would be $0.20/mile for depreciation. If you change your oil every 3000 miles for $30 that is $0.01/mile. Tires are about the same, $0.01/mile (assume $500 cost and 50,000 miles between replacement). If gasoline goes to $3.00/gallon and you get 20 miles/gallon that works out to $0.15/mile. The rest of the tax allowance must cover insurance, license taxes/fees, and other maintenance.
    When figuring your costs you should also consider the mileage you put on the car going to the pick-up point. You don’t get paid for that mileage but you have to pay the expense, so be sure to include them in your tax calculations.

    The bottom line is, after Uber takes their cut, you get $0.80/mile + $0.144/minute – $0.565/mile (expense). If you assume an average speed of 30 mph (2 minutes/mile) the 14.4 cents/minute becomes 28.8 cents/mile. So now the equation becomes $0.80 + $0.288 – $0.565 = $0.523/mile. Again, assuming 30 mph average speed, 30mph X $0.523/mile = $15.69/hour. These calculations do not include any surge fees. If there is a 1.3 surge fee imposed, the hourly rate would go to $20.40. It also does not count the time you are waiting or the time and expense it takes to travel to pick up the passenger.

    What percentage of total miles traveled on average is with a passenger? If it is anywhere near 50% or less, you will actually lose money as an Uber driver.

    1. What about writing off food, clothing (uniform), car wash, maintenance, phone bill as buisness expenses? If you’re savvy enough you could come up with enough tax credits to offset this.

      1. And in other news, Mr. A cannot spell “cannot” correctly–although he can comment on every damn thing that’s said.

  56. I am thinking of driving for uber in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Yet, i am also a little hesitant. I would have to get a crappy loan from uber to purchase a car. I have bad credit, and dont own a car at the moment. So, not sure if the expenses to that loan would cancel out benefits, especially since i am sure Albuquerque is less profitable than LA.

    Anyone have experiences / feedback on the car loan options with uber, or with my local market, driving?
    Thanks $

    1. you should try it the process was amazing just make sure you have the $250 and look into the hybrid car since they said you will do a lot of driving and ask around for deal on riding sharing type insurance and gap insurance .. it is a 1099 type business that can be profitable.. just do the process and you will be fine I was surprise at the way Uber process my request and getting approved for it

        1. Yea but they cover all maintenance and there is no mileage caps. If you are making decent money driving it’s not a bad way to go…especially if you don’t have a carband need one. Now if you’re not making enough to cover then you’re screwed.

  57. 10% for taxes? Are you stupid?

    Your federal income tax rate will be higher than that + you have to pay 100% of social security fees since you are a 1099 contractor. Then there is California taxes. Cars depreciate about 50 cents a mile per the IRS so you are making very little money.

    I guess it is true, you really have to be stupid to drive from Uber.

  58. Uber are crooks and thiefs as well as liars! I have been driving for almost a year and it’s a living hell, too bad I financed a brand new car like an idiot for uber. I drive in Nyc and uber forces us to pick up uberx calls in a Luxury SUV, if we started after February 2015 and claiming that it is a nyc rule when it actually isn’t. Why doesn’t the city sue?? If it was a nyc rule then why can other companies even lyft allow us to pick up calls that are car is designated for? I had a trip on July 5th after July 4th midnight that exceeded over $1000 that uber has flagged and not paid me for, I have gone to the office and they said I won’t get paid for it and when I demanded a managed she stated it is under investigation, what does it have to do with me? I completed the trip they gave me which lasted 4.5 hours from New York City to Alabany and just because it exceeds over $1000 they blame me? I didn’t put a surge charge. I also see that surge charges are set ups. Sometimes there are no cars in a busy area and there is no surge, now that’s bullshit. Surge charge states that there is no cars in the area and the surge is to encourage the drivers, total bullshit. Just for the company to steal customers money. If you cared about the drivers then all surge charge will be ours. Drivers do not get to keep 80%, total bullshit. Get your facts straight. Uber takes 20%-29% percent and on top of that you have sales tax=8.9% nyc and black car fund which is another 4% and is not an option. Lets not forget commercial insurance that uber requires in nyc area $800 a month. No tipping because the company obviously doesn’t want drives to get too wealthy. All drivers work hard for our money and trust me, it’s not enough. The guarantees are bullshit and after all fees, maintenance, gas, tickets, Bills and yearly taxes, we make about $10-13 dollars and hour. I work 60 hours a week to make $1500 on average with all my expenses. After expenses I rather be working in Dunkin donuts where I can a tax refund

  59. I’m thinking about driving for Uber in Miami, does anyone have any idea of how much money I could be earning if I drive 30 hours per week? Also, what type of vehicle do you recommend for this type of job? I plan on buying a car for this purpose, nothing too luxury but something comfortable and nice for customers. Thanks.

  60. If I work 30-40 hours I earn anywhere from 5-600$ in a week in Miami. Spending about 60-80 of that on gas. The market is a bit saturated now, there are nowhere near as many surges as there were before. I’m still trying to figure out the best places to drive though.

  61. I currently work in NYC a office job 9 am-5 pm. The only time will be available to driver is after 5 pm Monday – Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday. I current do not have a car so I will be signing up with ubers rental program. LOOKING FOR NYC UBER DRIVERS OPINIONS ONLY. Is this worth the hassle?

  62. How does UBER address the Bed Bug Issue? What happens when you get them in your car, and bring them home? Could be a huge expense.

  63. I am a System Analyst. I want to clarify that I understand that this blog is talking about LA and I am from Raleigh, NC. As an Analyst I am a bit skeptical about claims coming from these ride sharing companies. So I decided to drive around my own city for a couple weeks and came to the conclusion that even in a city with a population of 1 Million. You will make $10-$35/hr but that is only Gross Earnings. With that said you’ll have to put in a good 60 hrs of work to make $1,000, Decuct Vehicle Expenses, Ride Share Fees, and you are left with $400.

  64. You said save 10% for taxes and 10% for expenses. WRONG! You need to take out 20-30% for expenses. Gas alone accounts for 10%, add to that depreciation, insurance, repairs, and maintenance. Also with Uber’s 60% in fees, sounds like you’ll be left with only 10% profit. At that rate, you’ll having nothing left to tax

  65. I drive for Lyft in Chicago, lol. It’s pretty decent money. Not bad or good. $755 per 31 hrs (minus $150 sign on bonus so $605 realistically)

    Unlike uber, the driving fee of 0% is achievable, they took 10% out last week because I didn’t meet #s after I had a rider puke alllll over front seat (still smells, have yet to receive any damages compensation for that)

    Traffic here is terrible nearly half the day every day. Plenty of riders however sometimes it takes a long time to get a rider even during surge (peak hours in Lyft terms) and if the rider wants a ride way out of town out of my prime time and population zone…well then I’m screwed cuz I have to spend my own money and time to drive back to the hot zones.

    My car only gets 18-20 mpg city 2014 vw jetta. And I put about 200 or more miles a day driving Lyft 10-17 hrs. I also have 40 miles (80 round trip) to commute to the city from my suburb at 31mpg.

    If I drove a Prius, it would prob be worth to continue driving. But right now, hell no. Not with my current car. And tips kind of suck, better off being a cabbie, get some health benefits or maybe getting some certs at school and doing a professional job.

    I am starting healthcare work in September so I’ll drive till then just to pay bills. After that my car is off limits. Pukers can stay away, lol. Driving your own car is barely worth it honestly.

    I’m also studying app development on my own free time, if you see a ride share app in the future only charging drivers 1-2% of the fare, you can thank me for that.

    Cuz realistically even 1% of fare value of a billion+ annual rides is already enough money to get stupid rich. Anything more will just be greed in my opinion. And if marketed well enough to riders it will be a play on ethics and good conscience to use a service that treats both riders and drivers with a little more respect than current options.

  66. I only have one question. How many trips, on average, do you make a week?
    How many hours do you drive on line? (You’re an actor. Lets say you have a week when you have 3 or 4 auditions, and you cannot retain a silver or gold status, what do you make then?)
    How much we make driving for Uber depends on how many hours we spend on line and how many trips we complete. If you don’t compete 50+ trips a week you’ll have to drive more to make the same as with gold status because the incentives are less. If you don’t make the silver level, 35 trips, you basically are working for nothing.
    When ever I see an Uber ad for drivers and they say things like: “Drive a few hours a week and make up to $300.” I cringe. It is simply a bold faced lie.

  67. A rule of thumb is that you will be able to pocket about 50% for the gross earnings. The rest goes to pay Uber’s 20% + Fees + Vehicle Expenses. If you only work at events and during surges your net income will be much higher.

  68. I am currently a Uber driver and what I have noticed in most of the posts is the incentives and medal program that Uber has in place are missing. In order to make any kind of real money you are going to have to complete a minimum of 45 rides per week to sustain Gold level driver rewards you can earn more by completing 75 rides per week for Platinum and go to a minimum of 25 rides for silver and get paid next to cost. The more you drive the more you make is what you must remember. That said your average gross will be anywhere from 500-800 per week depending on the location and time of day for driver with Gold status. I drive typically in the morning hours ( 430 am – 200 pm) M–Th and Fridays ( 800 am – 700 Pm ) I may or may not drive on the weekends and I will not drive nights, driving on Sat or Sun depends if I am up for it , if there is a special event or holiday or if I decided to take a couple days off during the week. I driver per shift 6 – 10 hours and always take at least two days off and manage 700.00+ per week take home. Being a driver is not for everyone and WE ARE NOT PARTNERS. Uber will always address you as ” Dear Partner” but it is far from the truth. Uber is concerned about Uber and that is the harsh reality. They know that for every driver that quits there is always another one waiting. They do not care about you or your safety and will always first take the side of the passenger in any dispute. I have only had a couple of non violent disputes and am pleased to report managed to get them thrown off the Uber platform after I advised Uber and explained the situation. You have to deal with several different types of personalities and some people no matter how nice you are to them are just true assholes and will what they can to bring you down and fuck with your rating. There are not many I would say less than 1% but they out there and it will affect have some effects on you. If your sensitive to this do not drive for a rideshare service it will not be a pleasant experience. . On the positive note LA / OC has a lot of great people that use the service. I have had some memorable conversations and some good laughs with some of my passengers and even made a new friend or two. Most people know that being a driver is hard and extremely stressful and try make the experience safe and enjoyable for all. The bottom line is like every job you will be rewarded for the efforts you put into it just be flexible and comfortable to having complete strangers coming in and out of your life every time you drive.

  69. I stopped driving. I don’t want to live in my car. When I first started driving they paid 1.20 a mile. The last time I drove, I didn’t realize until after I received my payout amount that the fare had gone down to .90! I complained and their answer was that they too were getting a lesser cut….. Off how many drivers????? Cmon. It isn’t goi g to improve until the drivers unite.

  70. These figures are incorrect. Grand Rapids Michigan . $1.55 booking fee and 28 % which brings it closer to 30%. It is very difficult if not impossible to make a decent living when uber bends us over like this after you factor in up keep,gas, insurance and vehicle payments.
    It took multiple requests to get this info but the finally coughed it up.
    Lyft is more for the driver and passenger. Uber is for the passenger only. they could careless about the drivers!

  71. I’m calling BS on this article. I’ve been driving for 2 months now, logged 8 hours a day, everyday of the week and I barely make $100 for the week, sometimes less. You do the math. Most people I go to pick up cancel when I’m halfway there or just arriving.

    1. I don’t know if I believe the article, either; but if you’re only making $100 a week, then you’re doing it wrong.

  72. If I want to ever take a taxi I will call a local Yellow Cab not some Uber driver who could be a criminal or who will rip me off on the fare. Get a real job.

        1. And your like 60 arguing with someone who is 23 about your and you’re lol, You old, fat, look like a pedophile, and just all around pathetic. Good luck with the rest of your life. Did I use “your” right this time?

  73. Here it goes for real: check the image! This is San Diego uber.

    This week, makes no difference than last 3 months!

    37 hours , total fare split income (before expenses) 248$, – GAS = 80$ – INSURANCE , – CAR PAYMENT. I’m still in minus after almost full work week.

    When I asked them about this fiasco of an “partnership” they actually they don’t give a damn! We are only here unil driverless cars.

    I am sure there will be uber media people who will challenge this real facts and real driver with some make up lies.

    Uber boycott!

  74. I have worked for Uber for 3 weeks. I currently live in St. Petersburg Florida (Tampa Bay Area) Unless you work 144 hours a week, you can not make any real money after expenses. I have kept track of everything and I do not see where it is possible at all to make any profit.. What about the miles it takes you to get to the pick-up? or do most drivers sit in the spot they drop the last person off and wait for another call from a customer within 3 blocks? Here is my exact numbers this week (which will be my last unless I find a better answer) I Worked 22.36 Hours …… Made $278.37 …. And the miles on fares was 196 Miles (Keep in mind, it takes a few miles most of the time to get to the call and those are not added. I actually drove 242 miles in the 4 days according to my card dash… LOL Uber Is Winning.. Meanwhile we are tearing up our cars and taking risk.

  75. Don is absolutely correct. The simple truth is Uber drivers don’t even make minimum wages. Signing up to drive with uber is about the worst mistake I ever made. Going in to a service industry and working for a company like Uber who encourages riders to be cheap and rude is just plain wrong. Please don’t do this to yourself thinking that you’ll make a good wage, you won’t and anyone who says otherwise is nothing but a paid poster by uber.

  76. In my opinion it’s not worth it if you don’t live in one of those major cities. I live in Tacoma Washington and I would say the average is between 12 and $15 an hour. On top of that I have to drive to the part of town where the fares are. This is definitely one of those jobs that you only do for extra income or while you’re looking for something better.

  77. A note to the owner of this blog: what are you afraid of by having my post displayed? You have deleted it twice now. I wrote (in precise terms) what a driver can reasonably earn. I guess this goes against whatever bs you are trying to sell or attempting to dupe your ‘marks.’ you are a selfish coward and a parasite.

  78. I do not appreciate reasonable posts being deleted by some parasite. I hope you enjoy “Anonymous” making your acquaintance. You are a leach and will be dealt with as such.

  79. There’s a lot of misconception and misinformation about taxes, car expenses, etc. The IRS has a standard mileage rate (54 cents for 2016) deduction in order to reduce your tax liability. These are the rules to taxes:

    1. The Self-Employment (SE) tax (Social Security and Medicare) is ONLY applicable to your “Self-Employment” net earnings or net income. In this case, whatever revenue (payout) from UBER- applicable expenses.

    2. The standard deduction is 54 cents per mile and it covers depreciation, lease payments, maintenance and repairs, gasoline (including oil taxes), Insurance, Registration fees. The assumption is that 54 cents on each mile should cover all your expenses. For a UBER driver, in more cases than not, it would cover all these expenses.

    3. The SE tax is 92.35% on your NET earnings or Net Income (after ALL business related expense deductions including the standard tax rate). Again, there’s a 7.65% credit adjustment for you SE tax bill.

    4. The SE tax law states that you get to take ½ of your tax liability less your actual income before calculating the income tax. Assuming your SE tax is $1,000 and your next is $10,000 for the year, your Income tax is on $9k ($10,000 – $1,000). So which means, you’re getting a credit on your SE bill (though it’s a deduction).
    Here’s a simple math.

    I commented below on a drive that made $1,186 gross earnings from 130 trips working 44hrs. That averages to about 8.8hrs/day or 26 trips/day. Assuming the drive drove an average of 10 miles/trip (not including mileage spent driving around and waiting on a request), he would have driven 1,300 miles in a week. Let’s assume he drives an extra 1 mile within trips to get a request, that’s an extra 130 miles. So in all, he drives about 1,430 miles on average weekly.
    Using a standard rate deduction of 54 cents/mile, he would have to deduct $772 from his gross pay of $1,186 as expenses. The $772 covers depreciation, lease payments, maintenance and repairs, gasoline (including oil taxes), Insurance, Registration fees. I don’t know what type of car you drive but there is no way you would incur $772 expense per weekly basis for expenses.

    This leaves a net of $414 that’s taxable but one this is certain: these are NOT all the expenses. In fact, there’s more, you just have to look for them.

    • Interest on the auto loan: this applies if you’re paying interest on the loan
    • Personal property taxes: applies to the amount payable to the county/city
    • Business related expenses such as parking fees, tolls, etc.
    • Your phone service bill (assuming you have two lines and one for business)
    • If you have an app for calculating/classifying mileage such as Mile IQ
    • Professional services: attorney, accountant, etc.
    • Business related expense such as fees associated with LLC
    • Software expenses like QuickBooks to track your expense or Mile IQ
    • And there are many more just check in with your accountant

    Assuming rather than deducting all these fees weekly, he does it on a monthly basis. In other words, assuming gross and expense remains equal, he would have a monthly IRS income of $1,656 ($1,414 x 4 weeks/month). Now deduct all these expenses OR let’s assume $500 monthly, your monthly net income is $1,156 ($1,656-$500).

    But wait, the tax liability isn’t on $1,156 but on 92.35% of $1,156 or ($1,068). This is what you pay taxes on. You have a SE tax liability of $163.40 OR (15.3% x $1,068) and an income tax rate of whatever your tax bracket is.

    For Net Income Tax purposes, your taxable income is net income earning – 50% of the SE tax bill. In this case, it’s $1,068 – $81.70 OR ($163.40 x 50%) = $986.29 which is your Net Income Tax liability.

    You Income for SE Tax liability purpose is $1,068
    Your Income for Income Tax liability purpose is $986.29

    As long as all these are business related, they can be deducted prior to payment of SE & I Tax bill. So assuming he correctly deducted all expense prior to remitting his tax and files his quarterly annual tax return, you will realize that the tax bill is nothing compared to those who pay taxes. Furthermore, the income taxes would likely have some returns at the end of the year. I have not seen a job or rather wages where all these expenses are deductible to the fullest. If you do, please let me know.

    My advice is to seek the expertise of a tax accountant to walk you through all these so that you’re not stuck with the bill, if any. Ignorance is the reason why a lot of people pay humongous taxes to Uncle Sam, pay that $200 monthly and have your accountant deal with the taxes to save you hundreds of $$$ in that month. It ONLY makes sense.

  80. What would be the top two best Uber car services to drive under that will net you the most profit while driving in LA? Uber pool, X, Select, Black, LUX?
    thank you.

  81. Well after 10 weeks of driving with Uber, I’m researching the possibility of a class action lawsuit against Uber for felony breach of contract.

    My agreement with Uber was that I would get 75% of the fair. Until recently, it was confirmed I w as only getting 68%. Then I found out a dirty filthy trick that Uber does to rip off drivers.

    Ex. I had a customer who needed to go 18.8 miles and it took 31 mintues. Uber says the total fair was 22.16. After ta king their 25% and adding a toll fee, I actually received 20.62. Seems legit right?

    …. except Uber charged the customer 48 dollars and some cents. So technically I should have received approx 26 dollars plus the toll per contractual agreement.

    So I wonder how many customers Uber has overcharged and how many drivers they have shorted financially in breach of contract?

    I’m am discussing options with an attorney and will also bring this to the attention of the state labor board.

    In San Francisco, a lot of customers are concerned how drivers are treated by Uber and lyft. I don’t think they would be happy to find out that drivers are being cheated out more than 50% of wages earned.

  82. I work doing Uber cycle in Toronto and in the spring of 2016, the average was about 22$ per hour at peak times after all fees etc were taken. I Started again in the fall because it’s cooler for bicycling, and the average hourly take home has gone down to about $10-13 per hour—So pretty much minimum wage. At least with cycling you don’t pay for gas etc.

  83. If a rider want to go 100 miles away is there anyway to accept /request fairs that will take you back into your area?

  84. I dont think that uber drivers make as much money as it was stated above.
    This information without exageration minimizes the costs and taxes by half. Taxese include oncome tax and GST (atleast 25% ) Ruunning cost ( car loan, insurance, registration, fuel, maintrnance is atleast 20%) Uber fee 25%. So this is without any exageration. After all the deductions, I believe drivers are making only 30% of the fair. Mind you the fair is also much lower in comparison to taxi. But the service is much better than taxi.
    Although I dont know how much money is Uber spending to run this bussiness, but I believe 20% deduction is too high particularly when the number of drivers accross the globe is taken into consideration.
    For this bussiness to be fair uber should try to make the three main stakeholders happy : the uber driver, the uber rider, and Uber company.

  85. That is BS… driving for Uber does not make as much money. An uber driver can make $200 on a good day not deducting gas! I have been driving for Uber for over a year and the money is not there! Uber is a bully who takes from their drivers without asking! Uber use to take 20% and now they take 28% and will be increasing to 30%. I drive in Houston and in the summer I have made $780 in a week
    Not including a $200 a week for the lease of the vehicle and not including gasoline. And as for the surge, they are so many drivers that it doesn’t surge as much anymore. The passengers play the game to lower the surge by calling Ubers and when you are about to reach the pickup point they cancel and do it again until there is no more surge! What I think is that the author of this page is trying to collect the $250 for each referral! Cut the BS!

  86. I just did my first Uber run as a driver and I can tell you Uber is fking drivers and getting away with it. I took my wife to the airport with her billing her company for the fare (business trip) so I was able to see the ACTUAL FARE charged to the rider and not the bullshiat amount they told me. Uber billed her $30.70.. in the app, it’s telling me the fare was $27.10.. so Uber is already skimming $3.60 off the top BEFORE any of the rest of their fees based on the formula above. So, with the $27.10, they take their $1.65 rider fee and their 20%… so I got $20.32 of the $30.70 my wife got charged. Uber got 33% of the fare.

  87. Hahahahahaha. This whole page is a bunch of crap if he thinks he’s making a lot of money. He only made this page so that you would sign up and he could get a bonus because he can’t make money on the road. If you work in LA you’re going to make about $160 in 12 hours. Then you can minus your gas and your car payment and your insurance which comes out to about $100 a day. Sure you can make $500 a week this way and make more money than working at McDonald’s but it’s all really a bunch of crap. I’ve been an Uber driver for about 2 years so I know what I’m talking about.

  88. UBER DRIVER. Im an Uber Driver in Orlando .. It’s simple… this is a $8 job an hour after paying for insurance, gas and maintenance I didi all numbers several times if you work 15 hours a day Monday to saturday yo will get net around $ 720 dollars

  89. Bottom LINE is driving for UBER it will depreciate your car value !
    Frequent oil change
    Tires
    Gas
    Maintenance
    Its good for customers Not for drivers.

  90. Use invite code EYPVP7VFUE while signing up to drive for Uber to earn up to an addtional $250 signing bonus after first 30 trips.

  91. Don’t listen to the negative people on here. I average around $20/hr and can make up to $100 in an hour. Currently uber is offering new drivers that are referred a $500 signing bonus after their first 50 trips so use my code to sign up so you can receive that bonus. Here it is: https://partners.uber.com/i/coreyc62

  92. This video is very misleading…

    Lets say I buy a new car for $30,000 and the most i can hope to get out of it is say 200,000 miles… that means the car cost alone is 15 cents per mile….

    Also, you can no longer get by with Personal Insurance. Call your insurance company and tell them you want to drive for Uber. They’ll make you purchase commercial insurance. You pay more if driving full time, so lets assume $2000 a year is a average for commercial insurance, that’s about $38 per week…

    Gas: Using 10% for gas is a little crazy unless you’re driving a hybrid. In my experience, gas cost is more like 30-40%, considering you are not paid to drive to the rider, nor driving back, wait time, etc.

    Tax… I don’t know what country you live in, but US income tax for independent contractors pay more than regular W2 employees, and it’s close to 25%.

    Also in my state, we have a 5.5% sales tax, and Uber doesn’t collect it. That means I’m responsible for paying about 30.5% in taxes.

    Lets see, what else… Well you surely can’t go around in a dirty car… On average I need to wash my car about 3 times a week with heavy driving… At $8 each time, that’s about $24 a week on car washes…

    Maintenance: Oil/Filter Changes… The miles add up quickly when Ubering… If you’re a heavy drive you probably need to change your oil every month / month and a half. For a synthentic oil change that could cost an extra $100/mo…

    Other costs: Data… I dont know if this is an issue for many people, but driving all day with Uber uses a ton of mobile data. If you have a cap on your plan, you may find yourself running out before the end of the month, and needing to buy addon data or pay overages…

    Air fresheners, car cleaning products… I go thru a bottle of Ozium every week, and i use alot of glass cleaner and paper towels.

    Also, due to driver saturation, even in populated areas, it is possible you might sit for 45 minutes or an hour without a ride request… Then you get 1 minimum fare…. Congrats you just made $3 per hour.

    What else… Well, being on the road all the time you’ll probably need to stop frequently for food or drinks or coffees, etc… you’ll always end up paying a percentage of your earnings to stay hydrated on the road.

    Vehicle Damage is always possible, when you drive so often, something is bound to happen… That one time you need to get your car towed for $200 will seriously destroy any profits that week.

    I would estimate to actually earn $1000 in profit with Uber, you need to drive probably 120 hours a week and cover about 2000 miles. At this point, you’re basically just taking a loan against the value of your car, where the consequence is that you need a car 5 years sooner than if you didnt’ drive for uber…

    Please consider it carefully… If you’re not willing to drive full time, it’s almost never profitable

  93. The think is Uber just calculate the fee and the fare which we got from the Rider ….
    I worked yesterday almost 12 hours in LA area and the calculation was :
    Fare $ 202.03
    Surge $ 6.43
    Boost $ 19.98
    Uber Fee -$ 57.17

    For me $ 171.27 for 12 Hours job

    The thing is I drove almost 300 Mills to get the customer and almost $ 25 Gas because of more than half a tank usage .
    U know for every 3000 Mills we have to pay approximately $ 29 for Oil each mills cost us 0.01 for Tyre cost ,

    Then pls you calculate how much I got ?
    $171.27
    Gas $25
    Oil Cost $ 2.89
    Tyre Cost $ $ 3
    (25+2.89+3=$ 30.89)

    Means $ 171.27-$ 30.89 = $ 140.38 for almost 12 Hours ==== $ 11.69

  94. Uber have to change the calculation way ….
    Are you guys agree with me ?

    We have to get $ 15 Hourly plus almost two times of the oil + Gas + Tyre and maintenance charges ..
    Because after 100.000 Mills your car if was new , no one will buy that one even for 15 % of the original values .
    Means if your car was $ 15.000 after 100 Thousand mills if you have a good chance can sell it with $ 2,250 .
    how much again we lose …$ 12,750 again …
    Every mills will cost us again $ 0.1275

  95. I n New York city Uber are sucks ….if some one intend to drive uber ..just do not trust any information you find on media about how much you make … all information are fake manipulated by this industry … so if you intend to drive uber never buy car before 8 month of driving .. because you ned commercial insurance 7k year ..deposit 2500 when you aply for insurance …every 4 month vehicle inspection.. commercial registration ..commercial driver license . and other expense of the vehicle …they gone put about 8000 to 10000 mile at month to get the warranty earning … they lie about you gone drive the category of vehicle you hold . it is big mistake to registrate luxury vehicle .. you gone have only uber x and uber pool only 0.1%black car.. New York city law… you can not drive more then 12 ores a day … if you drive tlc will suspend your driver license …uber educate riders for not tip so no tips .. if you hold luxury vehicle and you are not taking the uber x or uber pool request they put you on hold for that day .. they manipulate your rating and they warning you about closing your account .. i experiment this on my self then i left with 6 years high paymants of vehicle .. once you registrate you car as taxy the price of you car devalued half of the price …

  96. I’ve been driving Uber for 2 weeks in New Orleans. I just did the math and Uber has been keeping 35% of each fare. When I asked about that I was told “sorry for the unexpected increase, there is no update of how long this will last”. This was today. I won’t be driving for Uber at this rate!

  97. Uber keeps on hiring and hiring even when a market is already saturated and as a result it’s hard to pick up trips especially in a smaller market like albuquerque. It’s been extremely frustrating

  98. The lowest tax bracket is 15% – any only applies of you make UNDER $13K per year.
    Secondly, as an INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR, you are responsible for your own FICA taxes of an additional 7.65%. This means you are underestimating your tax from the get go by a minimum 12.65% or over 100% incorrect.
    Also as a contract worker, you receive ZERO benefits – health care, retirement, paid leaves, sick time, ECT….
    Using real numbers: your example of 30-50 hours per week averages 40 hrs, and $750-$1000 averages $875/week. That averages to $21.88/hr.
    FIT (federal Iincome Tax of 15% minium) of $3.28 / hr
    FICA of which you pay ALL being independent = $3.35 / hr
    Your post tax amount is $15.25 – from which vehicle maintenance is required: breaks, transmission, tires, etc.
    Now there’s maintenance – the IRS, as you point out – allows for $.535 per driven mile… That means the Government has calculated it costs and Average of $.54 per mile to maintain your vehicle! That’s future costs out of your pocket! Assuming an average of 10 miles per hour, and working 40 hours, that’s a future repair bill of $.535 * 400 miles = $214/40 hours = $5.35/hr of driving in future maintenance.
    So, you’re $15.25 – $5.35 leaves you with a REAL net of $9.95 per hour.
    Since many locations have raised minimum wage to $10…Sounds like YOUR the one getting the drive shaft..
    Plus you have to take the time out of your life for the extra time required for maintenance and repairs since you’re burning up your car faster.
    Uber is really only a money maker for the company… not the worker.

    Welcome to self-selected labor abuse.. Oh, well I guess at least you CAN take it in the shorts on you’re terms…isn’t that the idea behind the ‘gig’ economy…hahahahaha.

Leave a Reply to BJ Von Giblstein Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *