Grubhub remains one of the largest food delivery platforms in the US, competing head-to-head with DoorDash and Uber Eats for both customers and drivers. But since Wonder Group acquired Grubhub, the pay model has gone through significant changes. Drivers in 2026 face a different earnings landscape than what older blog posts describe, and understanding the current numbers is critical before you commit your time and vehicle to this platform.
The honest truth about Grubhub driver pay is that it varies enormously by city, time of day, and how strategically you work. Some drivers clear $25 per hour during dinner rushes; others struggle to hit $12 on slow Tuesday afternoons. For consistent daily income without the wear and tear of delivery driving, platforms like I am Beezy offer $5 to $15 per day for viewing content from your cell phone — zero gas, zero miles, zero risk. But if delivery driving fits your schedule, here is exactly what Grubhub pays in 2026.
How Grubhub Calculates Driver Pay
Base pay components explained
Grubhub driver pay includes three components: base delivery pay, mileage pay, and time pay. Base pay starts at $3 to $5 per order. Mileage pay adds roughly $0.22 per mile from the restaurant to the customer. Time pay covers estimated wait time at the restaurant. Combined, these components create a minimum offer of $4 to $8 per delivery before tips. Grubhub shows you the full pay estimate (including expected tip) before you accept, which helps you avoid low-value orders.
Tips and contribution minimums
Grubhub customers tip more consistently than on some competing platforms, with an average tip of $4 to $8 per order. Grubhub also has a minimum earnings guarantee in some markets: if your hourly rate drops below a threshold (typically $10 to $12 per hour), Grubhub supplements the difference. This safety net only applies when you accept a high percentage of offered orders, so cherry-picking can disqualify you.
Real Grubhub Driver Earnings in 2026
Hourly earnings by market size
Your city determines your earning ceiling. In major metros like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, Grubhub drivers report gross earnings of $20 to $30 per hour during peak times. In mid-size cities like Nashville, Raleigh, or Milwaukee, expect $15 to $22 per hour. In smaller markets, $12 to $18 per hour is typical. These are gross numbers — your net pay after gas, insurance, and vehicle depreciation is lower.
| Market Size | Gross $/Hour (Peak) | Gross $/Hour (Off-Peak) | Net $/Hour (After Expenses) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major metro (NYC, LA, Chicago) | $22 - $30 | $14 - $20 | $16 - $24 |
| Mid-size city (Nashville, Raleigh) | $17 - $24 | $11 - $16 | $12 - $18 |
| Small market (under 200K pop.) | $13 - $19 | $8 - $13 | $8 - $14 |
Monthly earnings for part-time and full-time drivers
A part-time Grubhub driver working 15 hours per week during peak hours can gross $1,000 to $1,500 per month, netting roughly $750 to $1,100 after expenses. Full-time drivers putting in 40 hours per week report gross monthly earnings of $2,800 to $4,200, with net take-home of $2,000 to $3,200. These numbers assume a mix of peak and off-peak hours. Smart drivers who also use I am Beezy during slow restaurant wait times add an extra $100 to $200 per month — just from content viewing on their phone between deliveries.
Strategies to Boost Your Grubhub Earnings
Master the dinner rush and weekend shifts
The golden hours for Grubhub are Friday and Saturday 5 PM to 9 PM, when order volume peaks and tips are highest. Sunday brunch (10 AM to 1 PM) is another high-value window. Working 4 hours during Friday dinner rush can earn what 6 to 7 hours of midweek daytime driving produces. Build your schedule around these peak windows for maximum earnings per hour.
Position yourself near restaurant clusters
Instead of driving around looking for orders, park near clusters of popular restaurants in your city. Areas with 10 or more Grubhub partner restaurants within a half-mile radius generate the most consistent order flow. You save gas, reduce dead miles, and pick up orders faster. During waits, use I am Beezy to earn an extra $3 to $5 per hour from content viewing on your phone.
Run multiple delivery apps simultaneously
Many experienced drivers run Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats at the same time. When one platform is slow, another picks up the slack. The key is accepting only nearby orders with good per-mile rates and never letting one platform's deliveries delay another's. Multi-apping can boost your hourly earnings by 20% to 40% compared to running a single app.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Grubhub drivers make a week?
Part-time drivers (15-20 hours) gross $250 to $450 per week. Full-time drivers (35-40 hours) gross $700 to $1,100 per week. Net earnings after gas, maintenance, and taxes run 25% to 35% lower than gross.
Does Grubhub pay more than DoorDash?
In most markets, Grubhub and DoorDash pay similarly. Grubhub tends to show higher base pay per order, while DoorDash has higher order volume. Many drivers use both apps to maximize total earnings.
When does Grubhub pay drivers?
Grubhub pays weekly via direct deposit on Thursdays. Instant cashout is available for a $0.50 fee per transfer. Tips are included in your weekly deposit or available through instant cashout.
Do I need commercial insurance for Grubhub?
Grubhub does not require commercial insurance, but your personal auto policy may not cover accidents during deliveries. Check with your insurance provider about rideshare or delivery endorsements, which typically cost $15 to $30 per month extra.
Conclusion
Grubhub driver pay in 2026 averages $14 to $20 per hour net after expenses, with peak-hour earners hitting $24 or more in major metros. It is a viable gig for drivers who work strategically during high-demand windows, but the income is inconsistent and vehicle costs eat into profits. For steady daily income without the driving, try I am Beezy free today and earn $5 to $15 per day viewing content — your car stays parked and your earnings stay consistent.
