How Much Do Deliveroo Drivers Make in UK? – Riders Get Paid

Thinking of Becoming a Deliveroo Driver? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re considering working as a Deliveroo rider in the UK—either to supplement your income or as a full-time gig—you’ve probably wondered: how much do Deliveroo drivers make?

The answer isn’t the same for everyone. Your earnings will depend on where you live, how many hours you work, and even what time of day you ride.

In this blog, you’ll get a realistic, experience-based breakdown of Deliveroo rider earnings in the UK, along with tips to maximise your income and manage your expenses wisely.

How Does Deliveroo Pay Its Riders?

Deliveroo pays you per completed delivery, not by the hour. Each delivery you accept and complete has its own fee, which you’ll see before deciding whether to take the job.

Are You Paid Hourly or Per Delivery?

You’re paid per drop, meaning per successful order delivery. There’s no base hourly wage, but Deliveroo may occasionally offer minimum earning guarantees during peak periods or promotional times in some zones.

How Is Your Pay Calculated?

Deliveroo calculates your pay using a dynamic system that considers:

• Distance between the restaurant and customer
• Estimated time to complete the delivery
• Time of day and day of the week
• Zone activity (busier areas may offer higher rates)

All of this is shown transparently in the Deliveroo Rider app before you accept an order.

How Often Are Deliveroo Riders Paid?

You’re paid every Tuesday, directly into your bank account. There’s also a “Cash Out” option in the app if you prefer to get paid instantly for a small processing fee.

So, How Much Do Deliveroo Drivers Actually Make in the UK?

Deliveroo riders across the UK earn on average between £10 and £16 per hour, depending on when and where they work.

In quieter towns, it may be closer to £9–£11/hour, while riders in busy cities like London can reach £14–£18/hour, especially during evenings and weekends.

Earnings increase with smart strategies—like sticking to boost zones, riding during peak meal times, and delivering in central, high-density areas.

How Much is Average Rider Paid by UK City in 2025?

City/Region	Avg Earnings per Hour	Notes
London	£14–£18	Higher demand, more boosts
Manchester	£12–£15	Strong lunch & dinner peak pay
Birmingham	£11–£14	Good rider incentives
Leeds	£10–£13	Medium order volume
Small Towns	£9–£11	Lower volume, fewer boosts

Are There Bonuses, Tips or Incentives?

Yes, and they make a noticeable difference.

Do Deliveroo Provides Boosts?

Deliveroo offers “boosts”—temporary per-drop pay increases during peak hours or high-demand periods. You’ll see these listed in the Rider app and can target them to earn more per delivery.

Will Deliveroo Drivers Get Tips?

100% of your tips go to you. Riders often earn an additional £10–£20 per day in tips, especially in busy city centres and during great customer service moments.

Do Deliveroo Drivers Receive Incentives?

Deliveroo occasionally runs special incentives, such as:

• Bonuses for completing a certain number of orders in a timeframe
• Referral bonuses for inviting new riders
• Acceptance rate bonuses

While they’re not guaranteed, these incentives can give your earnings a useful boost.

What Costs Will You Need to Cover as a Rider?

Because you’re self-employed as a Deliveroo rider, you’re responsible for covering your own costs and handling your taxes.

What are the Typical Rider Expenses?

• Fuel (if using a car or motorbike)
• Tyres, chain oil, brake pads, and general maintenance for bikes/scooters
• Mobile data plan for using the Rider app
• Insurance (especially for motor vehicles)
• National Insurance and income tax (self-employed rates)

It’s essential to keep a budget and records, and ideally set aside 20–25% of your income for tax purposes.

How Does Deliveroo Compare to Other Delivery Apps?

If you’re considering multiple platforms, here’s how Deliveroo stacks up against Uber Eats and Just Eat in the UK:

How Delivery Apps are Compared? – UK 2025

Platform	Avg Hourly Pay	Flexibility	Tips Policy	Shift Booking
Deliveroo	£10–£16	Fully flexible	100% tips to rider	No shifts needed
Uber Eats	£9–£15	Fully flexible	100% tips to rider	No shifts needed
Just Eat	£10–£13	Less flexible	Tips handled via app	Often shift-based

Deliveroo stands out for its no-shift system, clear per-drop pricing, and frequent boosts.

What are the Tips to Maximise Your Deliveroo Earnings?

To get the most from your hours on the road, here are strategies that consistently work:

• Ride during lunch (12–2 PM) and dinner (6–9 PM) — these are peak hours
• Target high-demand zones using the Rider app map
• Accept shorter, quicker deliveries to fit in more drops per hour
• Keep your vehicle well-maintained to avoid breakdowns
• Use multiple platforms (like Uber Eats) to fill slow periods

Summary Table: Deliveroo Pay at a Glance (UK 2025)

Metric	Typical Range
Per Drop	£3.00 – £5.50
Per Hour (UK average)	£10 – £16
Per Hour (London)	£14 – £18
Per Day	£70 – £120 (up to £140+ in London)
Per Week (full-time)	£450 – £700+
Per Month (full-time)	£1,800 – £2,800+

Final Thoughts – Is Being a Deliveroo Rider Worth It for You?

I hope you got everything on this guide on how much do Deliveroo drivers make. If you’re looking for flexible work with decent earning potential, Deliveroo can be a strong option.

You’re in control of your schedule, you keep 100% of your tips, and with the right strategy, you can consistently earn £10–£16 per hour or more—especially in busy zones or major cities like London.

That said, don’t forget to account for fuel, bike maintenance, and taxes—they add up quickly. But if you ride smart, choose your hours wisely, and treat it like a business, you can make Deliveroo work for you.