With the rapid rise of ride-hailing apps , the question “how much does a ride-hailing driver earn?” has become a common search on the internet . Unfortunately, the answer depends on several factors and is not easy to determine.
In this article you will see:
Factors that affect drivers' earnings, tips to increase earnings as a driver, comparison between the main transport platforms.
Factors affecting drivers' earnings
A driver's salary varies and depends on several factors. Therefore, it is difficult to find two drivers who earn the same amount.
The reasons that affect the gain are usually the following:
– City : the cost of rides and demand vary from one city to another.
– Demand : Demand for rides varies throughout the day and week, affecting the frequency and price of rides.
– Application : Each application has its own payment policy, fees and incentives.
– Expenses : The total cost of fuel, maintenance and vehicle taxes affect the total amount of drivers’ salary. The cost of expenses is higher if the vehicle is leased.
– Dynamic rate: the earning amount increases when there are more requests for rides and fewer drivers available.
– Incentives: apps often offer bonuses and promotions to attract and retain drivers, which can increase earnings during certain periods.
According to a survey carried out by the StopClub app, the average profit of drivers in 10 Brazilian capitals, discounting vehicle expenses, is:
– Belo Horizonte (MG) : R$ 2,805.77 in 54 hours per week.
– Porto Alegre (RS) : R$ 2,527.58 in 50 hours per week.
– São Paulo (SP) : R$2,501.61 in 60 hours per week.
– Rio de Janeiro (RJ) : R$ 2,414.31 in 54 hours per week.
– Goiânia (GO) : R$ 2,041.50 in 54 hours per week.
– Fortaleza (CE): R$ 1,947.52 in 56 hours per week.
– Curitiba (PR) : R$ 1,888.24 in 56 hours per week.
– Salvador (BA) : R$ 1,712.19 in 54 hours per week.
– Brasília (DF): R$ 1,320.64 in 50 hours per week.
– Recife (PE): R$ 1,148.27 in 50 hours per week.
The main conclusion of the study was that drivers can earn a good income, but they have very high expenses. Therefore, the net profit is not that great.
On the other hand, a survey released in 2023 by the Brazilian Association of Mobility and Technology (Amobitec), which represents the Uber and 99 apps, and by the Brazilian Center for Analysis and Planning (Cebrap), estimated that the average net income of drivers varies between R$2,925 and R$4,756 per month, for a 40-hour workweek.
Tips to increase earnings as a driver
Whether it's to generate extra income or to have a job, working as a ride-hailing driver requires getting a lot of rides and downtime can affect your monthly income. Here are some tips to increase your earnings:
– Take advantage of periods with high demand : cloudy and rainy days, commercial areas and neighborhoods with a lively nightlife are good for getting rides. The beginning and end of the day are also good opportunities for rides, when workers are going to or coming from work.
– Avoid short runs for very long periods : work in more profitable areas of the city during strategic times. This helps you avoid spending too much time in traffic and runs with low revenue.
– Find good positioning points : choose to stay near more profitable locations that result in longer journeys (airports and bus stations, for example). Avoid driving around for too long looking for customers, as this increases fuel costs.
– Find out about city events : fairs, shows and events in general are great opportunities to run not only at the venues, but also at hotels and airports.
– Make deliveries: one way to fill your time without running and earn money is to sign up to be a delivery person.
Comparison between the main transport platforms
Currently, the main transportation platforms in Brazil are Uber and 99. However, many cities and regions have their own local transportation apps, which may or may not follow the same payment terms.
Unfortunately, companies do not disclose fixed figures on the amount paid to drivers per kilometer driven and the fee for using the platform.
What is known is that rates can vary between 15% and 25% depending on the driver's level, dynamic pricing, car availability, among other variables.
99 provides an earnings calculator . When you select your city and working hours, the tool shows you estimated earnings per week.
Selecting the city of São Paulo and 50 hours per week, the estimate is R$1,598.39 in earnings per week.
(With Estadão Content)
