Why Drivers Are Turning to Side Hustles
If you enjoy being behind the wheel, earning extra income can be simpler than you think. Many people underestimate how many opportunities exist for drivers today. The rise of delivery apps, rideshare platforms, and transportation services has created a long list of flexible ways to make money.
The best part is that most side hustles for drivers allow you to set your own hours and work around your schedule. You can earn during your commute, while running errands, or on your way home from work.
Drivers often choose these opportunities because they don’t require special degrees or major investments. As long as you have a reliable vehicle, a valid license, and a willingness to help others, you can start earning right away.
Whether you’re looking to boost savings, pay off debt, or add steady part-time income, the options are more varied than ever. This guide breaks down the smartest, safest, and most profitable ways to make extra cash on the road.
Rideshare Driving for Extra Income
Rideshare apps remain one of the most popular side hustles for drivers, and for good reason. Companies like Uber and Lyft allow you to log in whenever you want, accept passengers on your schedule, and earn money based on distance, time, and demand.
For busy drivers, this flexibility makes it easy to work early mornings, late nights, or weekends. You can focus on higher-paying times such as Friday evenings or airport runs.
However, it’s important to understand how pay works. Drivers earn only when passengers are in the car, which means unpaid time can cut into your earnings. Gas, maintenance, and insurance also affect your profitability.
Still, many drivers report earning between $15 and $30 per hour, especially when they learn how to avoid slow areas and focus on high-demand zones. If you enjoy meeting new people and prefer a social job, rideshare driving can be a rewarding way to supplement your income.
Driving Kids Through Safe Transportation Services
If you want predictable hours and higher pay, kid transportation services can be a great fit. Companies like HopSkipDrive, Kango, and RubiRides specialize in safely transporting children to school, activities, and appointments.
These platforms often pay more than traditional rideshare apps, with some drivers earning $30 to $40 per hour or more. Unlike regular rideshare, most routes are scheduled in advance, which gives you structure and consistency.
These services typically require a background check, a clean driving record, and experience working with children. Many drivers appreciate that routes occur during morning and afternoon hours, which can be ideal for part-time work.
Parents rely heavily on these platforms for safety and convenience, making this a stable and trusted category among side hustles for drivers. If you’re responsible, patient, and enjoy supporting families, this option could be a perfect match.
Transporting Pets and Animals
If you love animals, transporting pets is one of the most unique side hustles for drivers. Platforms such as CitizenShipper and uShip connect drivers with families needing help transporting pets across short or long distances.
You can choose which jobs you want, set your own price, and travel to interesting locations. Some drivers earn hundreds of dollars per trip, depending on distance and urgency.
Animal transport requires patience, gentleness, and good communication with pet owners. You may transport dogs, cats, rabbits, or even exotic pets depending on the platform.
Rover is another option that lets you drive dogs to daycare or boarding appointments while also offering walking or pet-sitting services. If traditional rideshare starts to feel repetitive, pet transport can be a refreshing and heartwarming alternative.
On-the-Way Long-Distance Deliveries
If you regularly drive between cities or commute long distances, you can earn money for the miles you’re already driving. Apps like Roadie and Hitch match drivers with people or packages heading in the same direction.
This makes them extremely efficient side hustles for drivers, especially for commuters who want to reduce fuel costs.
These platforms reward drivers for completing deliveries that align with their travel plans. Hitch focuses on transporting passengers between major cities, while Roadie handles packages, lost luggage, and local deliveries.
When used as intended, these jobs help drivers earn without going out of their way. However, it’s smart to avoid requests that require long detours or don’t cover gas expenses.
Food and Grocery Delivery for Quick Earnings
Food and grocery delivery has become one of the fastest-growing side hustles for drivers. Platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub allow you to deliver meals, groceries, or convenience items.
Many drivers enjoy these apps because the work is straightforward and often tip-friendly, especially during lunch and dinner hours.
Unlike rideshare, you don’t have to transport people, which some drivers prefer. You simply pick up food and deliver it to customers. Earnings vary, but during busy times and in high-demand neighborhoods, drivers can make steady income.
Many people combine food delivery with other driving apps to fill slow periods or earn extra during the evenings. With fuel-efficient vehicles, the profits can add up quickly.
Package Delivery Jobs for Steady Pay
If you prefer structured shifts over app-based gigs, package delivery may be a great option. Companies like Amazon Flex, UPS seasonal programs, and local courier services often hire drivers for predictable routes.
These opportunities provide reliable pay and often require no special training beyond knowing how to navigate local streets.
Amazon Flex, for example, lets you choose delivery blocks lasting two to four hours. You pick up packages at a designated warehouse and deliver them to customers.
Because pay is set per block, you have a good idea of what you’ll earn before you begin. Package delivery tends to be less social and more task-oriented, making it ideal for drivers who enjoy working independently.
Advertising Your Car for Passive Monthly Income
Car advertising is one of the simplest and most passive side hustles for drivers. Companies like Carvertise, Wrapify, and Nickelytics pay drivers to display ads on their vehicles. When accepted into a campaign, your car gets covered with a wrap or small decal promoting a brand. From there, all you do is drive normally.
Pay typically ranges from $100 to $450 per month depending on the campaign and how much of the car is covered. This option works especially well for people who already drive frequently for work or errands. It requires almost no additional effort, making it one of the easiest ways to earn recurring income with your car.
Comparison Table – Popular Side Hustles for Drivers
| Side Hustle | Average Pay | Flexibility Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rideshare Apps | $15–$30/hr | High | Social drivers |
| Kid Transport | $30–$40/hr | Medium | Drivers with a clean record |
| Animal Transport | Varies widely | High | Pet lovers |
| Roadie/Hitch | Trip-based | High | Long-distance commuters |
| Food Delivery | $12–$25/hr + tips | High | Flexible schedules |
| Package Delivery | $18–$30/hr | Medium | Drivers wanting structure |
| Car Advertising | $100–$450/mo | Very High | Frequent drivers |
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings as a Driver
Successful drivers learn to combine multiple platforms, choose profitable hours, and track expenses. Using mileage-tracking apps helps you document tax deductions and understand which routes pay best. Keeping your car well-maintained also prevents unexpected costs and improves your overall profitability.
It’s helpful to test different apps, compare earnings, and avoid routes with heavy traffic that may reduce pay.
To earn more, many drivers focus on specific times — lunch, dinner, weekends, airport rushes, or school pickup hours. Others sign up for both delivery and rideshare apps so they always have income options. Treat each side hustle like a small business. When you take time to plan, the rewards grow quickly.
Key Takeaways
- There are many profitable side hustles for drivers depending on your schedule.
- Rideshare, food delivery, package delivery, and pet transport offer flexible options.
- Car advertising and long-distance delivery are great for passive or low-effort income.
- Combining multiple apps can help maximize your earnings.
- Keeping your car efficient, maintained, and organized boosts long-term profitability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special license for these side hustles?
Most side hustles only require a valid driver’s license and insurance. Some kid transportation or premium services may need additional checks or certifications.
How much can I realistically earn?
Earnings vary based on location, demand, and the apps you choose. Many drivers earn anywhere from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000 per month.
Which apps are the easiest to start with?
Food delivery apps are generally the fastest to join. Rideshare platforms and kid transport services take longer because they require screenings or background checks.
Conclusion
With so many side hustles for drivers, earning extra income has never been easier. Whether you prefer delivering food, transporting pets, giving rides, or advertising on your car, there’s a driving opportunity for every personality and schedule. Even a few hours a week can make a meaningful difference in your budget.
Start with one platform, explore what works best for your lifestyle, and build your income at your own pace. Your car can become one of your most powerful earning tools — all while you drive the way you already do.
