Searching for "delivery driver jobs near me" usually means you need income fast. Maybe your hours got cut at work. Maybe you just moved to a new city. Or maybe you are between jobs and cannot afford to wait 3 weeks for a traditional hiring process. The good news: delivery driver jobs in 2026 let you go from application to first paycheck in as little as 2 to 5 days, and they are available in virtually every US city, suburb, and even rural area with a Walmart nearby.
While delivery driving is one of the fastest ways to start earning, it is not the only option. If you need income today — before your delivery app background check clears — apps like I am Beezy let you earn $5 to $15 per day from your cell phone immediately. No background check, no vehicle inspection, no waiting period. View content and get paid while you wait for your delivery app approval. Here is everything you need to know about finding delivery driver jobs near you in 2026.
Which Delivery Platforms Are Hiring Near You
Nationwide platforms available in every major metro
DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Grubhub, and Amazon Flex are the five largest delivery platforms, and all of them are actively hiring in 2026. DoorDash covers the most territory with delivery zones in over 7,000 US cities. Uber Eats is available wherever Uber operates. Instacart covers any area with a partnered grocery store. Your specific availability depends on local demand, but if you live in a city of 50,000 or more, at least 3 of these platforms are operating near you right now.
Regional and local delivery options
Beyond the national platforms, regional delivery services are expanding in 2026. Gopuff operates in 650+ US cities for convenience store delivery. Spark (Walmart's delivery service) is hiring in every Walmart delivery zone. And many local restaurants use platforms like ChowNow or Menufy that hire their own drivers. Check your city's restaurant delivery scene — smaller platforms often have less competition and faster onboarding.
How Much Delivery Drivers Earn by City
Earnings vary dramatically by location
A DoorDash driver in New York City earns very differently from one in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Cost of living, restaurant density, and local competition all affect your per-hour earnings. In 2026, delivery drivers who work strategically during peak hours can earn a livable income in most US cities.
| City | Platform | Gross $/Hour (Peak) | Gross $/Hour (Average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | DoorDash / Uber Eats | $25 - $35 | $18 - $24 |
| Los Angeles | DoorDash / Instacart | $22 - $30 | $16 - $22 |
| Chicago | Grubhub / DoorDash | $20 - $28 | $15 - $21 |
| Houston | DoorDash / Uber Eats | $18 - $25 | $13 - $19 |
| Phoenix | Amazon Flex / DoorDash | $18 - $24 | $13 - $18 |
| Dallas | DoorDash / Uber Eats | $17 - $24 | $13 - $18 |
| Atlanta | Instacart / DoorDash | $17 - $23 | $12 - $18 |
| Denver | DoorDash / Grubhub | $18 - $25 | $14 - $20 |
Between orders, smart drivers use I am Beezy to fill downtime. Fifteen minutes of content viewing while waiting for your next delivery ping adds $3 to $5 to your daily total — and those small amounts add up to $100 or more per month.
How to Start Delivery Driving This Week
Step 1: Apply to 2-3 platforms simultaneously
Do not apply to just one delivery platform. Apply to DoorDash, Uber Eats, and one more (Instacart, Grubhub, or Amazon Flex) at the same time. Background checks take 2 to 7 days, and applying in parallel means you start earning as soon as the first one approves you. While you wait, sign up for I am Beezy and start earning immediately from your phone — no background check required.
Step 2: Get your vehicle and supplies ready
You need a reliable vehicle (car, bike, or scooter depending on the platform and city), a phone mount for navigation, and an insulated delivery bag ($15 to $25 on Amazon). Make sure your car insurance is current and your driver's license is valid. Some drivers also invest in a portable phone charger and a small cooler for grocery deliveries.
Step 3: Learn your zone before your first shift
Before you accept your first order, spend 30 minutes studying your delivery zone on the app's heat map. Identify restaurant clusters where orders originate, learn the fast routes to residential neighborhoods, and note where parking is easy versus impossible. This preparation saves 15 to 20 minutes per shift in wasted driving and significantly boosts your per-hour earnings from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can I start delivery driving?
DoorDash and Uber Eats typically approve drivers in 2 to 5 business days. Amazon Flex can take 1 to 2 weeks. Instacart often approves within 24 to 48 hours in high-demand areas.
Do I need a new car for delivery driving?
For food delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub), any reliable vehicle works — car, scooter, or even bicycle in some cities. Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) require a car 15 years old or newer. Amazon Flex requires a midsize sedan or larger.
Can I deliver on a bike or scooter?
Yes, in most major cities. DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub all allow bike and e-scooter deliveries in urban areas. Earnings may be slightly lower per delivery due to shorter range, but you save on gas and parking.
Is delivery driving worth it after gas and expenses?
In most markets, yes. After gas, maintenance, and taxes, net earnings average $12 to $20 per hour. Drivers who work peak hours in major metros net $15 to $25 per hour. Track mileage for a $0.70/mile IRS tax deduction to maximize take-home pay.
Conclusion
Delivery driver jobs near you are available right now in 2026, and you can realistically start earning within a week. Apply to multiple platforms simultaneously, prep your vehicle, and learn your zone before your first shift. While your background check processes, sign up for I am Beezy for free and start earning $5 to $15 per day from your phone today — no waiting, no driving, no expenses. Once your delivery apps are approved, you will have two income streams running from day one.
