How Much Does A Deliveroo Driver Make?

Learn how much Deliveroo drivers earn in the UK, what’s required to start, pros and cons, and how to increase your income delivering food.

How Much Does a Deliveroo Driver Make? UK Pay, Requirements & Job Guide

Deliveroo drivers (or riders) deliver restaurant food and groceries to customers using bikes, mopeds, or cars. It’s a popular gig for those seeking flexible hours and fast cash. But earnings can vary depending on location, hours worked, and platform strategy.

This guide explains how much Deliveroo drivers make in the UK, what’s needed to become one, the job structure, earning potential, pros and cons, and which platforms offer the best opportunities.

Job Description: What Does a Deliveroo Driver Do?

Deliveroo drivers pick up food from restaurants or supermarkets and deliver it to customers using instructions from the Deliveroo app.

Responsibilities:

  • Accepting and completing delivery jobs via the app

  • Navigating local streets using GPS

  • Collecting and transporting food quickly and safely

  • Communicating with customers if needed

  • Maintaining your vehicle (bike, scooter or car)

  • Managing your own time, income, and self-employment taxes

How Hard Is It to Become a Deliveroo Driver?

It’s very easy to get started compared to most jobs. Application and onboarding can be completed in a few days—especially in cities where demand is high.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

  • Time management skills

  • Navigation confidence

  • Good road safety awareness

  • Reliability and independence

  • Customer service mindset

  • Physical stamina, especially for cyclists

Do You Need Qualifications?

No formal education is required, but you must:

Requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old

  • Have a right to work in the UK

  • Own a bicycle, e-bike, moped, or car

  • For scooters/cars:

    • Valid UK driving licence

    • Insurance with food delivery cover

    • Valid MOT and road tax

  • Smartphone with the Deliveroo app

  • Pass basic background checks

No courses, degrees or study time required. You can apply online and start within a week or two.

Levels and Specialisations

New Rider - Starting out, learning routes and the app

Experienced Rider - Knows peak times and areas for efficiency

Multi-app Rider - Works across Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat

Driver with EV - Low running costs, better margins

Fleet Owner / Referral Partner - Manages other drivers or vehicles

What Experience Do You Need?

  • None. But if you’ve worked as a courier, driver, gig worker, or in hospitality, you’ll adapt faster.

  • A good grasp of your local area helps with faster deliveries.

Benefits of Being a Deliveroo Driver

  • Flexible schedule – work whenever you want

  • No boss – be your own manager

  • Easy to get started

  • Great for part-time or topping up income

  • Keep tips 100%

  • Can combine with other apps like Uber Eats or Stuart

  • Cycle and stay fit while earning (if on bike)

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • Inconsistent earnings – depends on demand

  • No sick pay or holiday pay

  • All vehicle and fuel costs are your responsibility

  • Weather-dependent, especially for cyclists

  • Potential waiting time between orders

  • Must manage your own taxes and insurance

How Much Does a Deliveroo Driver Make in the UK?

Deliveroo pays per delivery, not per hour. Earnings vary by location and time of day.

Part-time (10–20 hrs/week) - £8 – £12/hr

Full-time (35–50 hrs/week) - £12 – £18/hr

Top earners in busy cities - £20/hr+ (rare)

Tip: Peak hours (lunch, dinner, weekends) and cold weather often mean more jobs and higher pay.

Tax Example (Self-Employed, £30,000/year):

  • Income Tax: ~£3,432

  • National Insurance (Class 2 + 4): ~£2,049

  • Take-home pay: ~£24,519/year or £472/week

You can reduce your tax bill by claiming expenses like:

  • Fuel / repairs

  • Bike or car depreciation

  • Insurance

  • Phone and data costs

  • Equipment (bags, lights, locks)

What Factors Affect Your Earnings?

  • Location – urban areas (London, Manchester, Bristol) pay more

  • Delivery mode – bikes have no fuel costs, cars are faster

  • Platform strategy – use one app or multi-app for max volume

  • Peak hours and bonuses

  • Efficiency – know your area and avoid dead time

  • Tips – better service = better earnings

What’s the Future for This Role?

Stable, but evolving:

  • Increased demand for delivery services, especially post-pandemic

  • Greater competition among drivers and apps

  • AI-powered routing and batching could increase job frequency

  • Legal rulings may push platforms toward more rights for workers

  • E-bikes and EVs are becoming popular for efficiency and cost-saving

Long-term, gig workers may see unionisation and better base pay guarantees.

Best Companies to Work For in Gig Delivery (UK)

Deliveroo - Strong branding, steady demand

Uber Eats - More flexible, high-traffic cities

Just Eat - Offers hourly pay in some cities

Stuart - Per drop and parcel courier hybrid

Amazon Flex - Parcel delivery, set blocks of hours

Zapp / Getir / Beelivery - Grocery delivery, fast-paced

Gopuff - Warehoused convenience items

Many drivers use multiple apps to stay busy during quiet periods.

Final Thought

Deliveroo driving offers freedom, flexibility, and a quick path to earning money. While it’s not without its challenges—unpredictable earnings and running costs—many riders earn £400–£700/week by working efficiently and smart. Perfect for students, career changers, or anyone looking to hustle on their own schedule.