Best Delivery Jobs – 7 Top Choices for Making Money

If you’re looking to earn some extra cash, you may want to consider applying for a delivery job.

There are plenty of benefits associated with this kind of gig. Not only can you work flexible hours, but you can earn just as much money as you feel inspired to hustle for – really, the sky’s the limit when it comes to your potential earnings!

You may find the best luck pursuing a job offered by a large delivery service company, like Uber or Lyft. However, that’s not to say that you won’t have any success applying for a job offered by a smaller, more localized company, either.

Here are some tips for finding the best delivery jobs – as well as some of the most lucrative options out there for you to consider.

Best Delivery Jobs

Below we’ve gathered the seven best delivery jobs. Whether you want to deliver groceries, mail, or join a food delivery service, here’s an option that can help you earn some cash.

1. DoorDash

DoorDash is among the best food delivery service to work for. It provides customers with takeout orders just about everywhere in the United States. It was one of the first food delivery services here and can also be found outside of the continental US in places like Puerto Rico, Canada, and Australia.

As a DoorDash driver, you’ll earn a set rate plus the ability to earn extra money through tips. DoorDash is one of the best food delivery companies that also offer drivers discounts for necessary car repairs – that way, you won’t have to worry about the extra wear and tear on your vehicle. 

If you don’t have a car, though, this best food delivery app is still an option. You can make money by delivering with your scooter or bike. You can even walk if you live in a large city. To become a DoorDash worker, you’ll need to be 18 years of age and have a driver’s license if you plan on delivering with your car. 

One of the cons of delivering with DoorDash is that the mileage fee is fairly low and pickup time is long. Note that with Doordash, you only deliver restaurant meals.

2. FedEx

A multinational company, FedEx is one of the most financially lucrative companies you can pursue employment with as a delivery driver. According to Indeed, you could earn upwards of $77,000 per year, with plenty of opportunities for promotion and even benefits like healthcare, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. FedEx drivers even qualify for discounts on shipping expenses for items they have shipped via the delivery service. 

As a FedEx driver, you’ll transport packages between warehouses and corporations, manufacturing plants, and individual private households. To be eligible for one of these positions, you’ll need to be 21 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license, and have at least a year of professional driving experience. 

This last part is what makes FedEx such a competitive employer – not just anyone can get a job driving for this company. However, you need some experience, so it may make sense for you to pursue employment at one of these other delivery services before you apply here. 

Of course, you’ll also need to jump through other hoops like passing a drug test, a physical exam, and pass a background check. But once you do, you can get one of the best-paying delivery jobs.

3. Uber Eats

If you’ve ever taken an Uber, you’ve probably heard of Uber Eats, Uber’s just-as-awesome little brother. This food delivery service specializes in delivering takeout food to customers all over the country.

You must be of the minimum driving age for wherever you live (usually 16) and have a year of driving experience. So while new drivers are encouraged to apply, you’ll need to get some driving under your belt before you can jump into one of these jobs.

Food delivery apps like this are unique in that you can sign up with the food delivery app to make deliveries in a vehicle other than a car, too. You can become one of Uber Eats delivery drivers using a scooter or bike. You’ll need to be either 18 or 19 years old and licensed, but as an Uber Eats driver, you’ll be entitled to competitive benefits like instant payment and flexible scheduling. It’s a great job for college students or other workers looking for a little extra cash on the side. 

The average pay for an Uber Eats driver varies widely since this is not a salaried position. However, some earn up to $62,000 per year or more!

4. Grubhub

Grubhub is one of the best food delivery services, and it’s available in thousands of cities around the country. You will need to be at least 19 years old to work for this company, but you can make deliveries with a car or a bicycle. If you plan on driving your car, you’ll need to have a valid license and auto insurance.

For the most part, Grubhub partners with large chain restaurants for food delivery services, but you may also be asked to pick up from local restaurants and partners, too. You’ll benefit from a flexible schedule that will allow you to choose your own hours (you can work either full or part-time). Since this is a “gig” type job, your pay will vary, but some of the best-paid Grubhub drivers earn more than $45,000 per year. 

You’ll be able to maximize your earnings by getting tips – plus, you’ll still get hourly pay even if no delivery orders come through when you’re on duty. 

5. UPS 

If you haven’t heard of UPS, you might be living under a rock! By far, this delivery service is one of the most widespread. You can work for UPS regardless of where you live.

A multinational company, UPS specializes in delivery services between various warehouses and different businesses or even public members. According to Indeed, drivers earn an average salary of $84,881 per year, with many eligible for regular bonuses. 

To work for UPS, you’ll need to have a valid driver’s license and pass a DOT (Department of Transportation) exam. You may be asked to work some odd hours, especially during the busy holiday season and other high-traffic times for package delivery. Still, you’ll be rewarded handsomely with an impressive salary, career promotion opportunities, and benefits like medical, dental, and vision.

6. Postmates 

Postmates is a large company that doesn’t offer delivery everywhere but can be found in nearly 3000 cities . As a Postmates driver, you’ll deliver things like groceries, takeout, and other products that customers need to be delivered directly to their homes or businesses. In addition, you’ll be eligible for competitive pay and tips, plus perks like Postmates discounts.

To be eligible, you’ll need to be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. You can deliver via car, motorcycle, or scooter, but you will need insurance for whatever vehicle you choose to use. 

7. Instacart

Another American company to consider on your hunt for one of the best delivery jobs is Instacart. Also operating in Canada, Instacart focuses mostly on picking up and delivering groceries to households. It’s a great service for individuals with disabilities and busy professionals who don’t have time to get to the grocery store. 

It’s not just about groceries, either – as an Instacart driver, you might also pick up items from drugstores or other types of shops, too. It also offers an alcohol delivery service for selected retailers. You could earn up to $48,000 per year as an Instacart driver, and you’ll also be eligible for customer tips. 

The biggest benefit of working for Instacart, though, is the ability for you to create your own schedule and work flexible hours. 

To apply to become one of Instacart’s delivery drivers, you will need to be 18 years old or older and have your own car. You’ll also need a valid driver’s license (not necessarily a surprising requirement!) and have a  smartphone that’s at least an Android 4.4 or iPhone 5 or higher. 

Other Options

The list of the best delivery apps is by no means exhausted.

Another option to consider is Favor Delivery. It is one of the best food delivery apps to work with. You also deliver groceries, products from drug stores, and other goods that can be delivered within an hour. To get their delivery driver job, you must be 18 years, have a reliable vehicle, and a driver’s license.

Favor Delivery does not have the best pay when compared to other food or grocery delivery services. However, unlike other delivery apps, you can keep 100% of your tips, letting you make more money in addition to your hourly pay.

Alternatively, you can work for Shipt as one of their independent contractors. It is one of the best-paying delivery driver jobs, but the minimum age is 18 to get employed. You must have an insured vehicle and a valid driver’s license. You get paid weekly and always have instant cash.

Finally, consider working for the food delivery service app, Caviar offers food delivery jobs to people in over 28 locations nationwide. Those applying for the delivery app jobs must be 18 and should have completed two years of driving since getting their driver’s license.

The delivery app pays immediately after you deliver food. This way, you don’t have to way long after delivering food to get paid. You also get to keep all the tips you get.

How To Land One of the Best Delivery Driver Jobs

Generally speaking, there aren’t many hard skills you’ll need to have to get a job with a delivery company. However, you’ll benefit from having certain “soft” skills like time management and customer service skills, and of course, being a good driver is always a plus, too.

Many of these delivery services have background checks or driving record checks as inherent components of the application process. Be sure to research any related requirements so that you can make sure you check off all the boxes before you apply. 

What Is The Best Delivery Job?

When it comes to choosing the best delivery job, you’ll have plenty of companies to choose from – and there’s no single best delivery job for everyone. You’ll want to consider the type of schedule you wish to pursue (full-time? Part-time?) as well as the job’s requirements before you apply. After all, you may be disqualified from some just based on your age or lifestyle alone.

If you’re looking for a full-time, salaried gig with benefits, you’ll want to pursue a job with FedEx or UPS. After all, these are some of the most competitive – yet permanent-  positions you can pursue. You’ll have consistent work that you can rely on.

However, if you’re looking for only occasional work or are just getting your feet wet in the delivery arena, you’ll want to consider UberEats. This is one of the most widespread companies you can work for, and the pay is pretty good, too – on average, you’ll earn up to $15 per hour, plus tips. Depending on your city, you may even get a per mile or per minute rate, too.

Otherwise, consider the other delivery jobs listed above. You’ll be (delivery) driving in style in no time!