Do Uber drivers make a good living, or are they just chauffeuring people around for the glory of a five-star rating and a $2 tip? Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering it.
Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the Uber ecosystem, from Uber rides to Uber Eats – from sign-up woes to background check errors, and everything in between.
This guide is your GPS through the world of Uber gig work. We’ll answer the real questions: How do Uber drivers get paid? How long does it take to get approved? What about Uber Eats driver pay? How many Uber drivers are there? And what happens when that dreaded Uber background check throws a curveball?
Let’s peel back the tinted windows and take a good look at the – Uber driver life.
Quick Links
How Does Uber Work?
Imagine a world where hailing a ride doesn’t require flailing your arms at traffic like you’re trying to summon a wizard. That’s Uber. It connects riders with Uber drivers through a simple app – no cash or awkward waving required. You tap, a car appears, and off you go.
For Uber drivers, the hiring process is equally simple – on paper anyway. You sign up, pass the Uber driver background check, upload a few documents, and voilà, you’re your own boss. (Except your boss is an app that rates you, times you, and tells you where to go – so, basically a digital micro-manager in your pocket.)
From Uber rides to Uber Eats, the system pairs demand with supply. But just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s straightforward. Between figuring out how much Uber takes from drivers and deciphering the pay structure, many new Uber drivers feel like they need an economics degree before their first fare.
Still, millions of people sign up because flexibility is king, and Uber knows it. Work when you want, drive where you want, and listen to whatever podcast obsession you’re into – just hope your passengers don’t leave a review about your true crime phase.
How Much Do Uber Drivers Make?
Here’s the million-dollar question – or, more realistically, the twenty-dollar-an-hour question. Uber drivers’ income varies wildly depending on the city, time of day, and whether the universe decides to throw a surge pricing bone your way.
According to Uber, drivers are compensated based on three factors including: Fares, promotions, and tips.
On average, reports suggest
- Uber drivers earn between $15–$25 per hour before expenses.
- After factoring in gas, insurance, and the occasional car wash- take home pay can drop to $10–$18 per hour.
So when people ask, “How much does Uber take from drivers?”, the answer is: about 25–30% per ride – though sometimes it feels like Uber takes a little piece of your soul too.
Payment is handled weekly, or instantly if you opt for Uber Instant Pay. But remember, Uber drivers are independent contractors – translation: no benefits, no paid time off, and you get to file your taxes with the enthusiasm of someone about to do their own root canal.
Still, for many Uber drivers, the gig offers freedom that’s hard to beat. You can log in, make money, log out – no boss breathing down your neck (unless you count the algorithm).
If you want a real-world perspective on pay, the Reddit community for Uber drivers is a goldmine. Spoiler: it’s equal parts motivational and mildly horrifying.
How Much Do Uber Eats Drivers Make?
Ah, Uber Eats drivers – the unsung heroes delivering your double cheeseburger at 1 a.m. while you contemplate your life choices. They’re technically part of the same Uber ecosystem, but their pay structure dances to a slightly different beat.
Per Delivery Earnings
While Uber drivers earn per ride, Uber Eats drivers earn per delivery, factoring in distance, time, and demand.
The burning question: Do Uber Eats drivers get paid hourly? Nope – it’s per trip, plus tips. Speaking of which, do Uber Eats drivers see tips? Yes, and thank goodness for that, because those digital dollars often make the difference between “meh” and “worth it.”
Pay averages around $12–$20 an hour after expenses, though it’s more feast-or-famine depending on your area. During the lunch rush, it’s raining McNuggets and money. Between 2 – 4 p.m.? Likely crickets.
How to Become an Uber Driver or Uber Eats Driver
Becoming one of the many Uber drivers or Uber Eats drivers isn’t rocket science, but it’s also not instant gratification. Think of it like dating – you fill out the profile, submit some photos, and then hope the algorithm approves of you.
Here’s what you’ll need before hitting the road:
- A valid driver’s license
- Proof of insurance
- A vehicle that meets Uber’s city-specific requirements (translation: not your 1989 Corolla with 750k miles and an AC that “mostly works”)
- Meet the minimum age required to drive in your city
- A smartphone that won’t die mid-ride
- A clean background check
Once you’ve gathered all that, you’ll fill out a quick online application and upload your documents. After that, it’s time for the Uber driver background check – the digital gatekeeper between you and your potential Uber driver salary.
The app will guide you through setup, including taking photos of your car and license plates, and sometimes even a selfie for verification. If you’re signing up for Uber Eats, the process is almost identical, except your passengers are tacos, not people.
The Beauty of Uber is Flexibility!
Uber drivers can choose whether to do Uber rides, Uber Eats, or both. You can switch modes in the app faster than you can say “double order at Chick-fil-A.”
And yes, you’ll want to learn how much Uber takes from drivers, because that number can impact how you plan your hours and routes. Most drivers juggle multiple platforms including – Uber, Uber Eats, DoorDash, even Instacart, like gig economy ninjas chasing the most profitable hours.
So if you’ve got a reliable car, a good attitude, and the ability to resist road rage, congratulations – you’re halfway to joining the millions of Uber drivers keeping the world moving (and well-fed).
How Long Does it Take to Become an Uber Driver
If you’re thinking of joining the ranks of Uber drivers, the timeline to get rolling depends on how smoothly things go. On average, the process takes 3 – 10 business days, but sometimes it’s quicker. And sometimes… Well, Uber likes to take the scenic route.
The first few steps are simple:
- Submit your application
- upload documents
- wait for the Uber driver background check to clear- The check itself usually takes two to five days, but that depends on your state’s reporting systems (and how awake their computer servers are). Some Uber drivers have been approved in under 48 hours, while others waited two weeks or longer and aged spiritually in the process.
If your application has background check errors, mismatched information, or missing documents (like expired insurance), Uber will hit pause until you fix it. Patience is your new best friend here – next to your gas rewards app.
While you wait:
While waiting, it’s a good time to brush up on the Uber driver app, learn the ins and outs of Uber rides and Uber Eats, and maybe even calculate your potential Uber driver salary after expenses. (It’s not a yacht, but it’s solid side cash.)
If you’re wondering “How long does it take to become an Uber Eats driver?” – the timeline’s similar. Just make sure you meet the local delivery requirements, which sometimes allow bikes or scooters. Because yes, even those count as “vehicles” in the Uber universe.
Once approved:
Once you are approved, you’ll join millions of Uber drivers nationwide who decided to swap cubicles for car seats, and many haven’t looked back (except for the occasional rear-view mirror glance).
Passing the Uber Driver Background Check
Now, let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous but extremely important part of becoming an Uber driver: the background check.
Think of it as Uber’s version of a leap of faith – except instead of jumping, you’re handing over your personal history to a third-party screening company.
Here’s how the process typically works for Uber drivers:
- Identity Verification – You’ll need to provide personal details, like your Social Security number and driver’s license, so Uber can confirm you’re really you (and not your cousin Mike who “needs a side hustle”).
- Driving Record Review – They’ll check your motor vehicle report for accidents, DUIs, moving violations, and other red flags. Uber drivers pass easily if their recent record is clean and accurate.
- Criminal Background Screening – This covers national, state, and local databases to flag events related to interactions with the criminal legal system. The goal is simple: keep Uber rides safe for everyone involved.
- Continuous Monitoring – Once you’re approved, Uber doesn’t just forget about you. They periodically rerun background checks to make sure nothing new pops up.
- Approval or Follow-Up – If everything checks out, congrats! You’re now officially one of the many Uber drivers. If not, you’ll get a notice explaining the issue, often fixable, but pay close attention – if it’s due to a background check error.
Uber uses third-party background check companies like Checkr to process these screenings, and most come back within 3 – 7 days. But if your local records are slow to update, it could take longer. Keep an eye on your email while waiting.
The good news? Most Uber drivers pass easily. The bad news? Even a minor clerical error can delay things and a major error (like someone else’s criminal history reported as yours) can be a full-scale deal breaker.
This is where knowing your rights becomes critical.
How to Fix Errors in the Uber Driver Background Check
So, you’ve done everything right – passed your Uber driver application, double-checked your documents, and yet you’re suddenly told you didn’t pass the background check. Don’t panic. Errors in background checks happen all the time, and Uber drivers are no exception.
When Background Checks Get It Wrong
Many Uber drivers face rejections due to outdated records, mistaken identities, or reports that simply don’t match reality. The good news? You have rights.
Common mistakes include:
- mismatched names
- outdated records
- identity mix-ups
- criminal history errors (reporting dismissed or expunged charges, inaccurate dispositions, false or duplicate entries, etc.)
Here’s what to do if you believe your Uber driver background check is inaccurate:
- Request a Copy of the Report – You’re legally entitled to see what Uber saw. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the right to review and dispute the report used to make employment decisions.
- Identify the Errors – Look for incorrect criminal records, outdated information, or someone else’s data showing up under your name. (Yes, it happens.)
- File a Dispute – Contact the screening company – often Checkr – and submit proof that the report is wrong. Include court records, expungement papers, or any official documents supporting your claim. We suggest disputing through certified mail to create a document trail and protect your rights.
- Follow Up with Uber – Let Uber know you’ve disputed the report and are waiting for an update. Many Uber drivers are reinstated once the issue is corrected.
- Know Your Rights – If you lose income or opportunities due to background check errors, you may be entitled to damages (money). This is where Consumer Justice Law Firm steps in.
We’ve represented countless Uber drivers and gig workers whose livelihoods were jeopardized by bad data. Under the FCRA, companies must ensure accuracy when reporting information – and if they fail, they’re responsible for the consequences.
So, if a background check error costs you an Uber driver salary, freedom to work, or peace of mind, we can help you fix it – and possibly get you paid.
For more insight into your rights when it comes to background check errors check out our practice page.
Get Justice! Fight for Fixes & Money!
Now that you know what to expect if you want to drive for Uber, or if you’re already one of the many hardworking Uber drivers on the road, let’s talk about what happens when things don’t go as planned.
Sometimes, background check companies or even Uber itself can slam the brakes on your driving dreams – often for reasons that aren’t your fault.
Maybe your Uber driver background check is taking forever. Maybe it came back with errors, or worse, false information. Or perhaps you were deactivated without explanation. These aren’t just technical hiccups, they’re roadblocks that can cost you serious income, and your ability to work.
If a background check mistake stopped you from driving, we can help make it right.
How Consumer Justice Law Firm Can Help
At Consumer Justice Law Firm, we focus on helping Uber drivers and gig workers who’ve been wrongfully denied or deactivated. We challenge false reports, make them fix bad data, and hold negligent background check companies accountable. Our legal team has helped countless drivers clear their names and get back behind the wheel – where they belong.
So, if a background check company is trying to block your Uber driving opportunity, don’t just wait around refreshing your email. Reach out.
You’ve already worked hard enough to earn your place on the road. Let us handle the legal potholes. We’ll fight to get your record corrected, your access restored, and your rights protected – without adding any financial burden along the way. Ready to take the next step? Contact Consumer Justice Law Firm today for a free consultation and let’s get you back in the driver’s seat – literally. Your road to justice starts here.
FREE Consultations! You pay $0 upfront or out of pocket. We only get paid when we win, and the companies we sue pay our legal bills. No Justice, No Fee.TM