How Much Do Deliveroo Drivers Make in the UK?

The average Deliveroo driver in the UK earns approximately £7–12 per hour before costs, with per-delivery fees ranging from £2.90 to £6.00 depending on distance, restaurant and demand. After deducting petrol, insurance, wear and tear, and tax, realistic take-home pay drops to around £5–9 per hour — though top performers in busy areas during peak slots can push monthly earnings above £3,000.

The gig economy has transformed how people earn a living in the UK. The global gig economy sector grew by over $250 billion between 2018 and 2023, and food delivery has been at the heart of that growth. Deliveroo led the way, hiring over 100,000 riders and drivers across the globe on flexible gig economy contracts.

But the headline earnings figures rarely tell the full story. When comparing delivery platforms, always factor in the additional cost of food delivery insurance — a legal requirement that many new drivers overlook.

Editorial Note: Earnings figures in this article are based on publicly available data and driver reports. Actual earnings vary significantly by location, hours worked, vehicle type and individual circumstances. This article is for informational purposes only.

Average Deliveroo Driver Earnings

The average rate for a Deliveroo driver or rider is approximately £7–12 per hour. However, working as a Deliveroo driver means accepting some uncertainty. You don’t get paid a fixed wage, and you can’t be sure how many deliveries you’ll secure in any given hour. The rate can change significantly depending on demand, time of day and your location.

To put this in context against the current national living wage of £11.44 per hour, drivers typically need to complete 3 or more deliveries per hour to match it — once costs are deducted. Driver data suggests that although an average hour might produce 2–4 drops, it’s not unusual to earn well below the living wage during quieter periods.

Deliveroo is just one of many online food delivery apps that you can work for, part or full-time.

How Much Do Deliveroo Drivers Get Per Delivery?

The rate per delivery varies depending on the restaurant, distance, the order size, and tips. The higher end of a delivery fee can reward drivers up to £6, whereas the lower end falls to around £2.90.

Since 2021, all Deliveroo drivers are paid purely on commission per drop, with no base pay. Previously, some drivers received a base rate plus a smaller commission per delivery, but this model was phased out.

What’s the Most You Can Make as a Deliveroo Driver?

The most determined and consistent Deliveroo drivers can earn upwards of £3,000 per month. The app rewards drivers who are reliable, fast and polite — they get priority access to the best time slots and tend to receive more tips thanks to better customer service.

Two key factors determine how much a rider or driver will earn: timing and location. Riders can earn significantly more during busy weekend dinner slots (Friday and Saturday evenings in particular). And some areas are simply much busier than others — drivers based in central London, Manchester, Birmingham or other major cities can expect above-average earnings compared to smaller towns.

Deliveroo Earnings at a Glance

*After-cost figures assume car delivery with petrol, insurance and wear-and-tear deductions. Bicycle and scooter riders typically have lower running costs.

How Does Deliveroo Work?

Deliveroo is a food delivery company that connects restaurants with customers through its app. Their uniformed riders have become synonymous with ordering takeaway in the UK. They were the first company to make bicycle food delivery a mainstream service.

The company partners with restaurants across the UK and has expanded over the past decade to cover most major cities and towns, as well as operations across Europe, Asia and Australia.

Most transactions are conducted via the Deliveroo app, where customers scroll through restaurants by category, browse the menu, place an order and pay via debit card, Apple Pay or cash on delivery. Orders become visible to nearby drivers and riders, who can claim a delivery, collect from the restaurant and deliver to the customer by bike, scooter or car.

The Hidden Costs of Being a Deliveroo Driver

The hourly rate looks attractive at first glance, but several ongoing costs significantly reduce your take-home pay. Understanding these before you start is essential for deciding whether Deliveroo work is financially viable for you.

Petrol

Although you can ride a bicycle, many drivers prefer the speed and comfort of a car or moped — and earn more with these vehicles. However, they require fuelling, and if you’re driving 100–300 miles per week, this adds up quickly. A refill can cost upwards of £50 for a larger tank, which inevitably eats into your earnings. It’s worth calculating the petrol cost per delivery based on your vehicle’s MPG before committing.

Wear and Tear

Driving long distances takes its toll on your vehicle. This can come in the form of tyre wear, spring damage, fluid leaks, clutch and brake deterioration. If your delivery routes include poor roads with potholes, these issues can crop up sooner than expected. A trip to the mechanic can set you back hundreds or even thousands — and may also reduce the resale value of your vehicle.

Insurance

Any driver using a car, moped, motorbike or motor vehicle for food deliveries needs a special type of insurance called Deliveroo insurance (hire and reward cover). This is separate from your standard social, domestic and pleasure policy and must be held alongside it.

This type of insurance accounts for the higher risk of long hours on the road, frequent stops in busy areas, and late-night driving. A typical annual delivery insurance policy costs between £650 and £1,200, though this varies by driver age, location and vehicle. Pay-as-you-go delivery insurance is available for part-time drivers, charged by the hour rather than annually.

Important: Driving without hire and reward insurance while delivering food is illegal. If you’re involved in an accident during a delivery, your standard car insurance will reject the claim and your policy may be voided. You also risk a £300 fine, 6 penalty points and having your vehicle seized.

Tax & National Insurance

As a self-employed Deliveroo rider, you’re responsible for filing a Self Assessment tax return with HMRC. You’ll pay income tax on profits above the personal allowance (currently £12,570) and Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance contributions. Many new drivers forget to set aside money for their tax bill — a common pitfall that can cause financial problems down the line. Consider saving 25–30% of your earnings for tax.

How to Maximise Your Deliveroo Earnings

The difference between earning £7/hour and £15/hour often comes down to strategy. Experienced drivers consistently apply these approaches:

• Work peak hours: Friday and Saturday evenings (6pm–10pm) and Sunday lunchtimes consistently offer the highest demand and best fees.
• Position yourself near restaurant clusters: Waiting near areas with multiple popular restaurants reduces dead time between deliveries.
• Be selective with orders: Reject low-fee, long-distance deliveries that eat into your hourly rate. Focus on short, high-value drops.
• Multi-app: Run Deliveroo alongside Uber Eats or Just Eat to fill gaps between orders — just ensure your insurance covers multi-platform work.
• Use PAYG insurance: If you only deliver part-time, pay-as-you-go delivery insurance saves hundreds compared to an annual policy.
• Maintain your vehicle: Regular servicing prevents expensive breakdowns and keeps your vehicle efficient — saving fuel costs in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Deliveroo drivers make per hour in the UK?

The average Deliveroo driver earns approximately £7–12 per hour before costs. After deducting petrol, insurance, wear and tear, and tax, realistic take-home pay is around £5–9 per hour, though this varies significantly by location and time of day.

Do Deliveroo drivers get a base pay?

No. Since 2021, all Deliveroo drivers are paid purely on commission per delivery. There is no hourly base rate — your earnings depend entirely on the number and value of deliveries you complete.

Can you make a living from Deliveroo?

It’s possible but challenging. Full-time drivers in busy urban areas can earn £1,600–£2,200 per month after costs, with top earners pushing above £3,000. However, earnings are inconsistent and depend heavily on working peak hours in high-demand locations.

Do I need special insurance to deliver for Deliveroo?

Yes. If you deliver by car, van, moped or motorbike, you legally need hire and reward insurance. Standard car insurance does not cover food delivery. Driving without it means you’re uninsured and risk fines, points and vehicle seizure. Compare food delivery insurance quotes to find the right cover.

Is Deliveroo better than Uber Eats for earnings?

It depends on your area. In some cities Deliveroo pays slightly more per delivery, while in others Uber Eats offers more consistent order flow. Many drivers work across both platforms simultaneously to maximise earnings.

How much tax do Deliveroo drivers pay?

As a self-employed driver, you pay income tax on profits above £12,570 (the personal allowance) and National Insurance contributions. You must file a Self Assessment tax return with HMRC each year. It’s recommended to set aside 25–30% of your earnings for tax.

What are the best hours to work for Deliveroo?

Friday and Saturday evenings (6pm–10pm) are consistently the busiest and most profitable. Sunday lunchtime is also a peak period. Weekday lunchtimes (12pm–2pm) offer moderate demand, while mid-afternoon and early morning are typically the quietest.

Can I deliver for Deliveroo on a bicycle?

Yes. Deliveroo accepts bicycle riders, and you won’t need hire and reward motor insurance for a standard bicycle. However, earnings may be lower due to shorter delivery range and slower speed compared to car or scooter drivers. E-bikes can help bridge this gap.