How much you can make as an Uber driver is a contentious issue. Try to find an answer and you'll get a few estimated average incomes. You'll also find some debate over how much drivers actually earn. This is largely due to all the other costs that need to be factored in when you become an Uber partner driver.
The guide below can help you find out how much you can expect to make as an Uber driver in Australia before expenses, what expenses you need to deduct and what your take-home pay will be each month. You can also use the calculator on this page to estimate your UberX yearly income.
Average Uber driver earnings in Australia by city
Based on working 38 hours per week
How much can I make as an Uber driver?
Take home earnings from Uber fluctuate massively, depending on the time of day you work and where you're driving.
In Australia and the US, Uber drivers keep just less than 75% of their weekly fare total. According to our figures, drivers in Australia have an average income of $33.15 per hour before Uber takes its 27.5% cut. Keep in mind this is before you take into account any additional expenses you incur as a driver. If you want to start earning money by driving for Uber, click below to find out how you can get started today.
If you drive for Uber in Australia, we'd be interested in learning how much you earn per hour. Extra data points will help make our table above more accurate.
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What factors affect how much you can make as an Uber driver?
Wondering how much you could earn from Uber driving? Take these factors into account.
Uber city
Generally speaking, the busier the area you're driving in, the more money you'll make. However, it's also more profitable if you do longer journeys. If your rides are mostly short, you'll spend more time waiting on trips and less time making money.
Top tip – airports are where Uber drivers can boost their profits and make most of their money. If you Uber near a busy airport and are looking to get your day off to a good start, head there first. There are lots of flight tracker apps that let you track incoming passengers, so you know exactly when passenger demand is high.
Your Uber vehicle
To maximise profits, you want a car that's cheap to run. Look for a vehicle with good mileage to keep fuel costs down. Hybrids are really popular with Uber drivers because they're cheap on fuel, plus they often have automatic transmissions installed, making for a more comfortable ride.
You also want a car that's cheap to repair if something goes wrong. Vehicles from manufacturers such as Toyota, Skoda and Kia are good on mileage and are affordable in Australia. Because you're clocking up so many kilometres as an Uber driver, your car will depreciate in value quickly, so don't invest a lot in a new or high-end vehicle.
Your goals
Before you start Ubering, have some goals in mind. Will it be a full-time thing or something you do on the side?
If you're a freelancer or are starting a business, for example, the flexible working hours mean that you can make consistent money while working on your start-up.
It's also good if you want to earn some extra cash at night or during the weekend on top of your main income.
If you live in a busy city, own a car that's cheap to run and are willing to put in the hours, Uber can also be a successful full-time job.
Your strategy
Lots of drivers only work during rush hour, bank holidays and at night on the weekends to make Uber driving as profitable as possible. For many, working at off-peak times might not be worth it. This is because you risk spending most of your time waiting around, earning nothing.
To make the most of Uber driving, it pays to know the area you work in. Popular areas of the city for nights out, airports and the CBD are all prime spots for ridesharing services.
One of the biggest things experienced Uber drivers mention is to look out for surge pricing. These are multipliers that increase your earnings at busy times. Uber also runs promos that could boost your earnings. Uber mentions there's an algorithm for surge pricing, so once you figure that out, you could make way more money per trip. Once an area starts surging, heaps of other Uber drivers are probably going to make a beeline for that area, so staying ahead of the curve is important.
Higher-end services like UberXL and UberSUV can make a lot of money as well. Once again, it pays to know the area you're working in and whether there's a demand for a more expensive and luxurious service.
Other Uber drivers blend ride-sharing with Uber Eats food deliveries to maximise their income and to stay busy, even during lulls in passenger requests. One Uber driver even said sometimes the food orders are within walking distance from the restaurant, so you can park the car and make your way on foot.
Expenses, deductions and taxes
Uber drivers are essentially running a business, so you should hold onto all work-related receipts and invoices as well as keep a logbook. If you have a logbook, you can claim tax back based on the business-use percentage of the expenses, including running costs and a proportionate decline in the car's value.
If you don't keep a logbook, you won't be able to claim work-related expenses like your phone bill (if you use it for Uber), car insurance, servicing costs, cleaning costs, lease payments and more. You would have to use the cents per kilometre method, which only allows you to claim 68 cents per kilometre, up to a maximum of 5,000 business kilometres per car.
This will be relative to how many hours you work, your car's fuel economy and how much you use your car outside of Uber. You can only claim for what you use while working.
Super contributions
As these won't be made by UBER Driver, you have to make the decision whether you want to make these voluntarily.
Phone plan
While you can claim this on tax as a work expense, you still need to have a plan that gives you a fair amount of data, calls and GPS use each month. That's because Uber uses the "Uber Driver" app to manage rides.
Car maintenance
This includes car repairs, tyre replacement and servicing, like oil and filter changes. This will differ depending on how old your car is, what type of car it is, how often you drive it, where you drive it and how hard you drive it.
Parking
Will you have to pay for parking during your daily Uber driving? Factor this into your expenses.
Tolls
If a trip takes you through a toll, Uber will automatically reimburse you, but you'll need to make the payment first. Make sure you have a toll account and don't forget to pay before the deadline!
Extras
If you've ever ridden in an Uber, you'll note that they're generally quite clean. You might even notice a few extras such as gum, water or even magazines. If you want to keep your Uber partner rating up (drivers with a rating of less than 4.5 can't work), you might want to consider offering your passengers a few extras. Cleaning regularly is a must, especially if you're working the early hours when passengers are a bit merry and spillages happen.
Taking all of your expenses into account can help you manage your budget and even reduce what you're spending. Remember, any of the above is tax-deductible.
Other benefits to driving with Uber
Aside from how much you can make as an Uber driver, there are a number of other benefits to driving with Uber. These include the following:
Safety for drivers
Safety is a key advantage to driving with Uber as opposed to other forms of taxi driving. Because transactions are cashless, drivers don't risk unpaid fares and don't need to carry large amounts of cash. That should deter potential robbers. Drivers also rate their passengers, meaning that aggressive or disruptive passengers can be blocked from using the platform.
Safety for society
There's evidence to suggest that the accessibility and affordability of the Uber platform may go towards helping keep drunk drivers off the road.
Flexibility
As mentioned previously, Uber drivers pick their own hours and are not subject to shift work. This means that drivers can work with Uber alongside another part-time or even a full-time job. This can be useful for people saving for a substantial life purchase such as a house, holiday or wedding. That flexibility will also be popular with those starting their own business.
Compare your options for renting an Uber-ready vehicle
Even if you don't own your own car, you can rent one to be an Uber driver.
Uber drivers in Australia typically earn between $22 to $35 per hour after Uber's service fee, but this can vary based on location, time of day and demand.
To boost your earnings as an Uber driver, maximise your driving hours. Drive during peak times, keep your rating high, use fuel-efficient cars, and make the most of Uber's incentives.
To sign up as an Uber driver, you need to be at least 21 years old, have the right to work in Australia, and hold a valid full driving licence for the state or territory where you plan to drive. Requirements might vary by state.
Elizabeth Barry was the lead editor for Finder. She has over 10 years' experience writing about a range of topics with a focus on personal finance. You’ll find her writing and commentary in a range of publications and media including Seven News, the ABC, MSN, the Irish Times and Singapore Business Review. See full bio
Elizabeth's expertise
Elizabeth has written 211 Finder guides across topics including:
Bria Horne is a writer for Finder, with a specialist knowledge of personal loans, car loans and business loans. Originally from the UK, Bria has been a professional personal finance writer in Australia for over 2 years. She has an M.A and B.A in Philosophy and Literature from the University of Sussex, and previously worked on the UK’s leading hospitality publication. See full bio
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Can the car insurance be in someone else name but you are a nominated driver?
Finder
ElizabethOctober 10, 2016Finder
Hi Robyn,
Thanks for your questions. You do need to have an ABN to drive with Uber. In terms of tax, you simply need to state how much you earned driving with Uber over the last financial year on your tax return.I am unsure on the insurance aspect, you may need to confirm this with Uber. According to its site, you just need to have a current policy of compulsory third party (CTP) and third party property insurance.
Hope this helps,
Elizabeth
TomNovember 21, 2016
Hi,
I found your Uber information calculator interesting, however, I can’t see any reference to GST.
By ATO law Uber drivers must Provide a BAS and pay GST.
Would this not reduce the drivers projected income?
ThanksTom
Finder
MayNovember 25, 2016Finder
Hi Tom,
Thanks for your question.
Just to confirm though that the calculator above is used for indication and general advice only.
As for the GST, whilst there are tax issues surrounding Uber driver’s GST, it is inevitable and important that your income is declared in your Tax Return. Uber drivers are considered as independent contractors, so ATO does not withhold any taxes and you must use a tax agent and seek for personalised advice on your tax. This is also the reason why the GST was not referenced in the calculator above. As for your projected income after tax, whether it decreases or not, that would entirely depend on when all your financial circumstances will be taken into account.
Cheers,
May
phoneabusOctober 4, 2016
We live in a country town that has a Rail station, Airport, Bus terminal, Several hotels, Motels, Caravan parks, Etc Etc, There is no Taxi,No bus, No way to get from point A to point B except Ask a friend or Walk, We have tried to use your calculator to see if it is worth the effort but it does not compute, Do you think it would be worth a try or is it not for the country areas Thank you Petre
Finder
ElizabethOctober 5, 2016Finder
Hi Phoneabus,
Uber has only officially launched in a few regional areas (it has now launched in Newcastle and the Central Coast), but not every regional area has officially been launched. So far it has launched in the following areas:
Adelaide
Brisbane
Canberra
Geelong
Gold Coast
Melbourne
Newcastle
Perth
Sunshine Coast
Sydney
Toowoomba
As well as some regional areas near those cities. It would be best to confirm whether Uber is available in your town on Uber’s site before you sign up.
Hope this helps,
Elizabeth
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Do you need to have an ABN?
I guess Tax needs to be paid but how?
Can the car insurance be in someone else name but you are a nominated driver?
Hi Robyn,
Thanks for your questions. You do need to have an ABN to drive with Uber. In terms of tax, you simply need to state how much you earned driving with Uber over the last financial year on your tax return.I am unsure on the insurance aspect, you may need to confirm this with Uber. According to its site, you just need to have a current policy of compulsory third party (CTP) and third party property insurance.
Hope this helps,
Elizabeth
Hi,
I found your Uber information calculator interesting, however, I can’t see any reference to GST.
By ATO law Uber drivers must Provide a BAS and pay GST.
Would this not reduce the drivers projected income?
ThanksTom
Hi Tom,
Thanks for your question.
Just to confirm though that the calculator above is used for indication and general advice only.
As for the GST, whilst there are tax issues surrounding Uber driver’s GST, it is inevitable and important that your income is declared in your Tax Return. Uber drivers are considered as independent contractors, so ATO does not withhold any taxes and you must use a tax agent and seek for personalised advice on your tax. This is also the reason why the GST was not referenced in the calculator above. As for your projected income after tax, whether it decreases or not, that would entirely depend on when all your financial circumstances will be taken into account.
Cheers,
May
We live in a country town that has a Rail station, Airport, Bus terminal, Several hotels, Motels, Caravan parks, Etc Etc, There is no Taxi,No bus, No way to get from point A to point B except Ask a friend or Walk, We have tried to use your calculator to see if it is worth the effort but it does not compute, Do you think it would be worth a try or is it not for the country areas Thank you Petre
Hi Phoneabus,
Uber has only officially launched in a few regional areas (it has now launched in Newcastle and the Central Coast), but not every regional area has officially been launched. So far it has launched in the following areas:
As well as some regional areas near those cities. It would be best to confirm whether Uber is available in your town on Uber’s site before you sign up.
Hope this helps,
Elizabeth