Uber Driver Salary And Can You Make 6 Figures?

Uber Driver Salary

Hiring a taxi is a tiring task. There are always times when you need a taxi but can’t find one. Then there are times when you may even miss a taxi simply because the driver wasn’t able to see you waving. This can be quite frustrating, not to mention a waste of time. However, this is equally frustrating for cab drivers.

They have to wait at awkward places to find a cab ride. Even then they are not as successful in finding a lot of fares in a day. These are exactly the concerns that Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick addressed with Uber. This is a mobile app available for Android and iOS. Ever since it was launched, this app has gained immense popularity.

Uber Driving Training

What Is The Idea Behind Uber?

The idea behind this mobile application is to eliminate the hassle that people and cab drivers have to go through to find a cab or passenger. This application can be downloaded on your smartphone for you to keep on hand. When you require a cab service, you can simply signal a nearby driver with the help of the app. You won’t have to hail a cab or make a scene by waving and shouting.

Once you use the application to signal a cab, a driver will find you. Not only is it easier for drivers to find fares, but it’s easier for customers to look for cabs. The company does not own cabs or hire drivers. The mere objective of Uber is to provide drivers and passengers a common platform. Another positive trait of this application is that you do not need to pay in cash.

When you download the application, you can enter your payment details. Whenever anyone wants to use a taxi service, they are provided a quote on the app. You can pay using the application and eliminate the hassle of paying cash. Uber charges a fee for its services. The standard fee that Uber charges is 20% of each fare, which is applicable to the driver.

The best part is that anyone can become an Uber driver. If you own a vehicle and wish to become an Uber driver, you can easily do so. You have to meet the requirements of the company. If you meet the requirements, you can work with the company and get the standard uber driver salary. It is a great way to make cash if you have a car.

Requirements for Becoming an Uber Driver

There are three main categories of Uber drivers. Each of these categories of drivers has a specific purpose and each of them charge a different fare. Uber does not hire its own drivers. They basically hire freelancers who work for them. The freelance drivers have to meet the requirements of the company to be able to work for an uber driver salary. Let’s look at the three types of Uber drivers ( in some cities there are more):

UberBLACK

To become an UberBLACK driver, there are some pretty hard and fast requirements. This is because these drivers get the elite driving jobs. If you want to work with Uber as an UberBLACK driver, you have to be a chauffeur. Professional chauffeurs have a commercial driving license. However, this is not all that you need. Uber requires BLACK drivers to have commercial auto insurance as well. Since the vehicle will be your own, there are certain requirements for that as well.

First and foremost, the color of your vehicle should be black. The condition of the vehicle has to be impeccable. The vehicle has to be large enough to seat anywhere between 4 and 6 passengers. Preferably, you should have a crossover SUV, town car, sedan or a full-size SUV. If you meet these requirements, you can become an UberBLACK driver.

UberX

UberX drivers have the fewest requirements and almost anyone can qualify. Firstly, you need to be at least 21 years of age. Along with the age requirement, you need to have a valid personal driver’s license along with auto insurance. When it comes to the vehicle, this category does not have any specific requirements. The vehicle you own should have four doors. It can be a mid-sized or a full-sized vehicle. However, the condition of the vehicle should be spick and span. It has to be well-maintained and comfortable.

UberTAXI

If you are a certified taxi driver and hold a valid license issued by the city, you can opt for the UberTAXI service. All you need is a taxi and you are good to go. This proves to be a great option for taxi drivers who are looking to earn more money. This is because taxi drivers do not make much money generally. But working with Uber gives them a chance to earn a good amount of money.

Once you select the service you are interested in on Uber’s website, you are required to fill a form. You will be asked to enter a bunch of details. This is where you have to be vigilant. Uber has formed a loyal customer base because they provide impeccable service. Each of the drivers they hire goes through a thorough background check. Only if the background check throws up no surprises do they hire the driver. You will even be asked to select the area you want to drive in. This makes Uber driving convenient.

Uber Driver vs. Taxi Driver

If you want to become a commercial passenger driver, you have two options. You can either work as a regular taxi driver or partner with Uber. There are quite a few advantages of working as an Uber driver, as compared to a regular taxi driver. The first and foremost difference is in the pay scale. Uber driver salary is higher as compared to that of a regular taxi driver. There is also an uncertainty in getting passengers, so this limits the income as well. Let’s look at the advantages of becoming an Uber driver.

• One of the main reasons drivers are compelled to work with Uber is the pay scale. As compared to regular taxi drivers, an Uber driver is paid significantly more. This difference can easily be determined by comparing the income per year of taxi drivers and Uber drivers. An average Uber driver can easily earn about $90,000 annually. On the other hand, taxi drivers make around $30,000 per year, on average.

• Locating fares is relatively easy when you are an Uber driver. If there is a passenger nearby, you will get the location and you can pick them up. On the other hand, if there are no potential passengers on the route you chose, you can just relax. This lowers fuel costs and saves a substantial amount of time. A taxi driver may need to circle the block several times before finding a fare.

• If you are an Uber driver, you can choose one from the three types available. These driver types allow you to choose the timings you prefer. The pay scale varies from type to type. But at the end of the day, you get to choose your work hours. Even then you will end up earning more money than a regular taxi driver.

• If you need extra cash and have some spare time on your hands, you can always work overtime. This gives you the ability to earn more.

Uber Driver Types – – Uber Driver Salary

Altogether there are three Uber driver types. The uber driver salary for each type is different. The main reason these driver types have been introduced by Uber is to promote flexibility. People who are willing to drive for the company can easily choose the timings they think will work best for them. You can work overtime regardless of the category you are in.

Full-Time Driver – Uber Driver Salary

This is one of the most commonly opted for categories. These drivers work in shifts. They are regular drivers who have a dedicated route on which they drive. If you are constrained on time and can only work at certain hours, this arrangement might work out for you. You can drive between those timings and take care of your other responsibilities during the time you are not working.

Part-Time Driver – Uber Driver Salary

Part-time drivers are usually students looking to make some extra money. At times, people who hold jobs opt for this category. This allows them to make a few extra bucks. Part-time drivers are normally required to work weekends only. The uber driver salary for part-timers is relatively low, but if the work timings suit your preference, it is worth it.

Smart Driver – Uber Driver Salary

One of the most popular categories with Uber is the Smart driver. These drivers do not work in shifts. Instead they make their own hours. The hours during which these drivers work are considerably the most lucrative. These drivers mostly opt for driving to the airport. This is because they take a passenger on the way and can easily find one on their way back from the airport. Smart drivers also work during surge hours. These are the times during which Uber increases the fares. During surge hours, the demand for their services is quite high. This is why the fare is increased.

In Some Areas There Are More Options

Which Of The Three Uber Driver Types Get Paid The Most?

There are quite a few speculations regarding which of the three drivers get paid the most. There is no doubt about that there is a difference in the pay scale between the categories. Let’s look at how much you can expect to earn in each category:

Full-Time Drivers: These drivers supposedly make the most money. But this cannot be further from the truth. Full-time drivers have fixed timings during which they work. Only a lucky few drivers have their shift scheduled around peak hours. Others earn a significant amount, but it is less than the average uber driver salary. An average full-time driver at Uber can easily earn more than $50,000 a year. This may not be as much as what Smart drivers make, but it is a substantial amount nonetheless.

Part-Time Drivers: These drivers normally work weekends only. This is why they cannot earn a significant amount of money. However, this category is basically for people who are already working elsewhere and need extra cash or individuals who are constrained on time.

Smart Drivers: These drivers are the ones who make the most money. This is because they specifically drive during peak traffic hours. In addition, they make runs to the airport, which pays more than regular fares.

Airport fares pay twice of what they normally make. This is because when they drive to the airport, they can easily find a fare on the way back. Smart drivers can make anywhere between $90,000 and $150,000 a year.

How About Uber International?

– Image from Jana

How Can Uber Drivers Make More Money, What kind of Uber Driver Salary?

One of the perks of being an Uber driver is that the uber driver salary is not limited. While the average income of a full-time driver is between $50,000 and $55,000 a year, they can earn more than this. There are quite a few tricks to earn more. The first trick that drivers use is to set their shift timings between surge hours. Some drivers even map out specific routes that allow them to earn more as compared to other routes. This trick not only works for full-time drivers, but smart drivers also use this.

In addition, there are a few part-timers who earn a significant amount in comparison to their work hours by using these tricks. At an average, a Smart driver earns $90,000 a year. By applying these tricks, they can easily earn up to $150,000. In addition, drivers also work overtime. Overtime, combined with smart driving routes and working during surge hours, makes a significant difference to your income.

Ever since the introduction of Uber, many taxi drivers have begun working with the company. Even after Uber deducts 20% from the fare reducing uber driver salary across the board, they are left with a significant sum. The best part is that drivers save a lot of time in looking for fares. Due to the convenience offered by Uber, more people are using it. This gives drivers a better chance of earning a higher uber driver salary.

Is Uber As A Business For Everyone?

So after taking part as a customer (about 6 times in a weekend) and seeing different drivers and asking them some questions…

Here is what I have come up with … If a Uber Driver Salary is worth it.

1. All vehicles are new (or newer and very clean)
2. Drivers do NOT know the area (All the drivers I came in touch with had a hard time getting me to my exact destination)
3. One driver talked on the phone while driving
4. All the drivers were in school or didn't have a full time job (did Uber as a stop gap)
5. Every driver I talked to said – It is hard work and the chances of you picking up someone who is weird, stinky, or just “off” is pretty common.
6. You only get paid on your time. If you don't work… you don't get paid. This is a no go for me… A huge part of my income is “passive” and pays me regardless if I wake up. Uber as a company has the passive income (hiring drivers)…. The Driver is the “TOOL”.
7. You get to pick your times but the Earnings / Hr is limited as it's got a ceiling placed on fare rates.
8. It's available ONLY if you pass their background checks and you already have a nicer car (so in this case you will need a LOT of money to make money… because owning a NEWER car has it's costs.)
9. Now it's not a bad idea if you are Broke, need something to do, don't mind being paid $/time, and having strangers in your nice car.

For me…

I wouldn't want people in my Lexus ES Hybrid or in my Porsche Cayman S.

I don't see the draw to why you would want to trade time for money.

I'm glad there are people who WOULD do so and why as a Customer I would use them but to run it as an income stream….

My answer is NO. The Uber Driver Salary is a no go for me personally… I rather make money that is doing something I really dislike… Traffic.

I rather be UBER the company owning people's time by paying them commissions for their time and energy… vs using my own time/energy to work for someone else. It's like a vicious loop.

So instead I got a system working for me…

 

 

What are your thoughts?