Quick Answer
All six major gig delivery platforms treat drivers as 1099 independent contractors who keep their tips and cover their own vehicle costs. The big difference is the pay model: Amazon Flex pays a flat rate per delivery block quoted upfront, while DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Grubhub, and Spark pay per offer/trip/batch (base pay plus 100% of tips plus promotions). None reimburse mileage, but your miles are tax-deductible.
Pay & Fee Comparison Table
| Platform | Pay Model | Base Pay Structure | Tips | Fees / Cut Taken | Pay Frequency | Mileage Reimbursed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Flex | Block-based flat pay, quoted upfront | Set rate per delivery block (e.g. a fixed amount for a 3–4 hour block), shown before you accept | Tips added on tip-eligible deliveries (Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, Prime Now) | No per-order commission cut; you see the block pay upfront | About 2x/week (debit card or direct deposit) | No (1099 contractor; deduct it yourself) |
| DoorDash | Per-offer pay | Base pay (varies by distance, time, desirability) + promotions / Peak Pay | 100% of tips | No cut from your pay; you accept or decline each offer | Weekly deposit, or instant pay (DasherDirect / Fast Pay) | No (1099 contractor) |
| Uber Eats | Per-trip fare | Fare = pickup + dropoff + distance + time, plus promotions (surge / quests) | 100% of tips | Service fee built into platform pricing; you see the trip fare before accepting | Weekly deposit, or Instant Pay | No (1099 contractor) |
| Instacart | Per-batch pay | Batch pay based on item count, complexity, and miles | 100% of customer tips | No cut from batch pay (full-service shoppers are contractors; in-store-only shoppers were W-2 part-time) | Weekly deposit, or Instant Cashout | No (1099 contractor) |
| Grubhub | Per-order pay | Formula based on mileage, time, and order count, plus special offers | 100% of tips | No cut from your pay; order pay shown before accepting | Weekly direct deposit, or Instant Cashout | No (1099 contractor) |
| Spark (Walmart) | Per-trip offer pay | Offer pay based on distance and effort, plus incentives | 100% of tips | No cut from offer pay; you accept or decline each offer | Paid via Branch (often same / next day) | No (1099 contractor) |
Source: each platform's own driver pay and help documentation. Pay models and fee structures are described generally because exact dollar amounts vary by market and change over time. Verify current details in each platform's driver app before signing up.
What Every Platform Has in Common
Despite different pay models, all six platforms share the same core economics for drivers:
- 1099 independent contractors. No taxes are withheld from your pay.
- You cover your own costs. Gas, mileage, vehicle wear, and phone are all on you, and none of these platforms reimburse mileage.
- Those costs are deductible. Because you are self-employed, your business miles are tax-deductible using the IRS standard mileage rate (72.5¢/mile in 2026). That is often the single biggest tax break for gig drivers.
- Tips matter. On the per-order platforms you keep 100% of tips, so tip-heavy markets and orders can change which app pays best for you.
Why We Compare Models, Not Hourly Rates
You will see big "$25/hour" claims for every app, but real earnings swing enormously based on your city, the time of day, tip behavior, and active promotions. A figure that is true in one market on a Friday night can be wildly off in another market on a Tuesday afternoon.
That is why this page compares the things that are stable and verifiable: how each platform structures pay, how tips work, what cut (if any) is taken, how fast you get paid, and whether mileage is reimbursed. Treat any specific hourly number you see elsewhere as "varies by market."
Frequently Asked Questions
Do gig delivery drivers keep 100% of their tips?
On DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Grubhub, and Spark, drivers keep 100% of customer tips on top of base pay. Amazon Flex pays a flat block rate quoted upfront, and tips are added on tip-eligible deliveries such as Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods.
Which gig platforms reimburse drivers for mileage?
None of them. Amazon Flex, DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Grubhub, and Spark all treat drivers as 1099 independent contractors, so drivers cover their own gas, mileage, and vehicle costs. The upside is those costs are tax-deductible using the IRS standard mileage rate.
How does Amazon Flex pay compare to DoorDash and Uber Eats?
Amazon Flex pays a flat rate per delivery block that you see and accept upfront (for example a set rate for a 3 to 4 hour block). DoorDash and Uber Eats pay per offer or per trip, with base pay plus 100% of tips and promotions, so earnings vary order by order rather than being fixed for a block.
How often do gig delivery apps pay?
Amazon Flex pays about twice a week. DoorDash offers weekly deposits or instant pay via DasherDirect or Fast Pay. Uber Eats offers weekly pay plus Instant Pay. Instacart and Grubhub offer weekly deposits or instant cashout. Spark typically pays via Branch, often same or next day.
Are all gig delivery drivers independent contractors?
The driver and full-service shopper roles on these platforms are 1099 independent-contractor positions. (Instacart's in-store-only shopper role has historically been a W-2 part-time position.) As a contractor, no taxes are withheld and you are responsible for your own self-employment tax and deductions.
How much do gig delivery drivers earn per hour?
Hourly earnings vary widely by market, time of day, tips, and promotions, so no single figure applies everywhere. The more reliable way to compare platforms is by their pay model and fees, which is what this table focuses on.
Tax Disclaimer
This is general information, not tax advice. Tax rules change and individual situations vary. Consult a qualified tax professional or CPA before filing.