What Uber Eats jobs are and who can do them
Uber Eats offers two main types of work: delivering food orders to customers, or working in a restaurant kitchen or counter that Uber Eats operates. Delivery is the larger option — you pick up orders from restaurants and bring them to customers' homes or offices, using your own vehicle or a bike or scooter. Restaurant jobs are positions in Uber Eats' own kitchens, which exist in some cities and operate under the Uber Eats brand rather than a traditional restaurant name.
Delivery work is available in most US cities where Uber Eats operates. You set your own schedule and work as much or as little as you want. Restaurant positions are salaried or hourly roles in specific locations, with set shifts and management structure like any other restaurant job.
The main difference between the two: delivery is independent contractor work with no employer benefits, while restaurant jobs are traditional employment with the possibility of health insurance and other benefits depending on hours and location.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Eats delivery requires you to be at least 18, have a valid driver's license or ID, pass a background check, and own or have access to a vehicle, bike, or scooter.
- Delivery pay comes from order fees, customer tips, and occasional promotions; you keep 100% of tips but Uber takes a percentage of the delivery fee.
- Restaurant jobs at Uber Eats locations are traditional W-2 employment with hourly or salary pay, posted on the Uber Careers website by location.
- Delivery workers are independent contractors, so you pay your own taxes, vehicle maintenance, and gas — Uber does not withhold taxes or provide benefits.
- Both delivery and restaurant work require passing a background check, which typically takes a few days to a week.
How to become an Uber Eats delivery driver
Start by downloading the Uber Eats app and tapping the menu icon to find "Earn." You will see an option to sign up as a delivery driver. Uber will ask for your name, email, phone number, and date of birth. You must be at least 18 years old.
Next, you provide a valid driver's license, state ID, or passport. If you are using a vehicle, you will need to upload a photo of your car's registration and proof of insurance. Bike and scooter deliveries do not require vehicle documents. Uber will run a background check, which typically takes three to seven days. You cannot start delivering until the background check clears.
Once approved, you can open the app and toggle yourself "online" to start receiving delivery requests. You see the restaurant, the delivery distance, and the estimated payout before you accept each order. You are never required to accept an order.
Delivery pay, tips, and how money reaches your account
Your earnings come from three sources: the delivery fee Uber charges the customer, tips the customer adds, and occasional surge pricing or promotions during busy times. You keep 100% of tips. Uber takes a cut of the delivery fee — the exact percentage varies by city and changes periodically, but typically ranges from 25% to 50% of the fee.
For example, if Uber charges a customer $5 for delivery and the customer tips $3, you might receive $3.50 from the delivery fee (if Uber takes 30%) plus the full $3 tip, totaling $6.50 for that order. The math changes based on your city and Uber's current rates.
Money is deposited into your bank account weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on your bank's processing time. You can view your weekly earnings in the app. Uber does not withhold taxes — you are responsible for setting aside money for federal and self-employment taxes, which are due when you file your annual return.
Vehicle and equipment requirements for delivery
You can deliver using a car, motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle. The vehicle must be in working condition and insured if it is a motor vehicle. Uber does not provide insurance; you are responsible for your own coverage. Some personal auto insurance policies do not cover delivery work, so check with your insurer before starting.
If you use a bike or scooter, you do not need insurance or registration, but you are still responsible for any damage or accidents. Uber recommends keeping a phone mount, portable charger, and insulated delivery bag to keep food at the right temperature. These are your own expense.
Maintenance and gas are your responsibility. Uber does not reimburse mileage or provide vehicle maintenance support. Many drivers track their mileage for tax purposes, since vehicle expenses can be deducted from your self-employment income.
Restaurant jobs at Uber Eats locations
Uber Eats operates its own restaurants in select cities, primarily in major metropolitan areas. These are not franchises — Uber owns and operates them directly. Jobs include kitchen staff, line cooks, prep cooks, counter workers, and management positions. These are W-2 employment, meaning Uber is your employer and withholds taxes from your paycheck.
Pay is hourly or salary depending on the role. Benefits may include health insurance, paid time off, and meal discounts, though this varies by location and hours worked. Part-time positions typically do not include benefits.
To find restaurant jobs, visit the Uber Careers website and filter by location and job type. You can also search "Uber Eats restaurant jobs near me" to see current openings. Applications go through Uber's standard hiring process, which includes a background check and may include an interview.
Background checks and what disqualifies you
Both delivery and restaurant positions require a background check through a third-party company. The check looks at criminal history, driving record (for delivery), and sometimes previous employment. Most people pass within three to seven days.
Disqualifying factors typically include felony convictions, certain misdemeanors (especially those involving violence or theft), and serious traffic violations or a suspended license (for delivery drivers). Misdemeanor convictions are evaluated case-by-case — age, time elapsed, and the nature of the offense all matter. A single speeding ticket will not disqualify you, but multiple at-fault accidents or a DUI may.
If your background check is denied, Uber will tell you why. You can dispute the results if you believe the information is incorrect. The process for disputing takes additional time, typically two to four weeks.
Taxes and what you owe as a delivery driver
As an independent contractor, you are responsible for all taxes. Uber does not withhold federal income tax, Social Security tax, or Medicare tax. You must pay self-employment tax, which covers both the employee and employer portions of Social Security and Medicare — currently 15.3% of your net earnings.
At the end of the year, Uber sends you a Form 1099-NEC if you earned more than $600. You use this to file your tax return. You can deduct business expenses, including a portion of your vehicle costs, phone bill, and delivery equipment. Many drivers use the standard mileage deduction, which is simpler than tracking actual expenses.
If you expect to owe more than $1,000 in taxes for the year, the IRS requires you to make quarterly estimated tax payments. Failure to do so can result in penalties. A tax professional or free tax software can help you calculate what you owe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deliver for Uber Eats and other apps at the same time?
Yes. Many delivery drivers work for multiple platforms — DoorDash, Instacart, and others — simultaneously. You can toggle between apps and accept orders from whichever pays best at any moment. Uber does not require exclusivity.
What happens if I get in an accident while delivering?
Your personal auto insurance is responsible for covering the accident. Uber provides contingent liability coverage in some states if your personal policy does not cover delivery work, but this is a backup only. Contact your insurance company when ready after an accident and tell them you were delivering.
Do I have to deliver during peak hours or can I work whenever I want?
You choose your own schedule entirely. You can work nights, weekends, or random hours. However, you will earn more during peak times (lunch, dinner, weekends) because there are more orders and surge pricing is more common. You are never penalized for working off-peak hours.
How long does it take to get paid after I complete a delivery?
Earnings are deposited weekly, usually Tuesday or Wednesday. You can see your balance in the app when ready after each delivery, but the actual bank transfer takes several days depending on your bank's processing time.
What if a customer disputes a delivery or says the food never arrived?
Uber investigates disputes and may refund the customer. If this happens repeatedly, Uber may deactivate your account. To protect yourself, take a photo of the food at the customer's door or hand it directly to them when possible, and mark deliveries as complete only after you have confirmed the customer received the order.