Uber
Ride-hailing app · Nationwide (most metro areas)
Gross, before gas and car costs. Varies a lot by city, time of day and surge.
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- Worker
- Contractor (1099)
- Vehicle
- Own car, or rent through Uber's rental partners in many cities
- License
- Regular driver's license
- Min. age
- 21+
- Schedule
- Flexible / on-demand
- Home time
- Home every night
- Benefits
- Occupational accident insurance in some states; health stipend in CA (Prop 22) and some other states
- Paid
- Weekly; instant cash-out several times a day
- Tips
- Yes, 100% of tips
- You cover
- Gas, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, phone
- Upfront
- $0 to sign up. Car must pass inspection in some cities.
Requirements to drive for Uber
- Age 21+
- Valid US license, 1+ year of driving history
- 4-door vehicle that meets your city's model-year rules (often 15 years old or newer)
- Personal auto insurance in your name or listed on the policy
- Background and motor vehicle record check
- Smartphone
Experience needed
1+ year licensed in the US (3 years if under 23)
Pros
- Start earning in about a week
- Work any hour you want
- Largest rider demand in most cities
- Can combine with Uber Eats in the same app
Cons
- Your car's wear and tear eats into pay
- Earnings swing with demand
- No minimum wage outside a few states
- Deactivation can happen with little warning
Who it suits best
Anyone with a newer 4-door car who wants to work whenever they like
Figures are typical reported ranges in U.S. dollars, reviewed September 2026. Pay and requirements change often and vary by location. Confirm with Uber before applying. The Apply button may be an affiliate link.
Articles about Uber
Rideshare & deliveryUber Says It's Moving Incentive Money From Riders to Drivers: What It Means for Your Pay
On its November 4 earnings call, Uber said it is moving incentive dollars away from riders and toward drivers, and that fares may sometimes rise. Here's what was actually said, what it could mean for U.S. drivers this holiday season, and how to cash in.
Taxes & insuranceYear-End Tax Checklist for Gig Drivers: 1099-K vs 1099-NEC, the $20,000 Rule and What to Do Before December 31
Fewer drivers will get a 1099-K this year, but every dollar is still taxable. Here's which forms to expect in January, the deadlines that matter, and a checklist to finish 2026 without a tax-time surprise.
Taxes & insuranceHealth Insurance for Gig Drivers in 2027: Higher Premiums, a Shorter Sign-Up Window and No Safety Net on Repayments
Open enrollment for 2027 Marketplace plans runs November 1 to December 15 in most states, insurers want about 15% more, and the extra ACA subsidies are gone. Here's how Uber, DoorDash and Amazon Flex drivers can avoid overpaying.
Laws & rulesWill Robotaxis Take Your Rideshare Job? What the Minneapolis Waymo Fight Means for Drivers
Minneapolis tried to require a human inside every robotaxi to protect rideshare jobs. The mayor vetoed it and the override failed on October 15. Here's where Waymo runs today, how fast it's growing, and what drivers can do.
Laws & rulesUber and Lyft Drivers Now Have Unions in Massachusetts and California: What It Means for Your Pay
Massachusetts drivers are already bargaining with Uber and Lyft, California certified a union for about 800,000 drivers in September, and Illinois just passed its own law. Here's what could change, what won't, and when.
Rideshare & deliveryDriving Uber or Lyft in a Tesla: Is It Possible, Is It Profitable, and How Much Range Do You Need?
Yes, a Tesla qualifies for Uber and Lyft, and Model 3 is on Uber's Comfort Electric list. We break down charging cost per mile, the daily range a full-time driver needs, and when renting beats buying.
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