Uber has become really popular worldwide, especially in big cities like those in the UK. In bustling places like London, you can make a decent living driving for Uber, as long as you put in the hours and effort.
Uber drivers generally earn around £14 to £16 per hour, depending on how many hours they work. If you work fewer hours, you’ll make less money, and if you work more, you’ll earn more.
Since March 2021, Uber drivers in the UK are guaranteed to earn at least the National Minimum Wage of £8.91 per hour, but this only applies to the time spent actually driving, not waiting for customers.
Before you start driving for Uber, it’s important to understand what the job involves, the requirements, and the benefits.
How Much Do Uber Drivers in the UK Make in a Week?
There are about 70,000 Uber drivers in the UK, and it’s becoming a popular job, especially in big cities. On average, Uber drivers make around £14 to £16 per hour. So, if a driver works about 40 hours a week in a city like London, they could earn between £500 and £600 a week.
Even though Uber drivers are entitled to the minimum wage of £8.91, most earn more than this. Uber’s data shows that drivers make at least the UK’s National Average wage, which is around £12.50 per hour. However, this rate only applies when they’re driving, not when they’re waiting for customers, so during slow times, earnings can drop.
Different cities in the UK have different minimum earnings per trip, so it can vary.
How Much Do Uber Eats Drivers Make in the UK?
Uber Eats drivers in the UK typically earn between £9 and £14 per hour, which meets the UK’s National Average Wage. Earnings depend on the number of hours worked and don’t include tips.
How Many Hours Do Uber Drivers Drive?
Most Uber drivers in the UK work part-time. Many do it to make extra money on top of a full-time job, another part-time job, or as students. Drivers set their own hours, working anywhere from 5 to 40 hours a week. However, Uber limits driving to 12 hours at a time, after which drivers must take a six-hour break.
What Percentage Does Uber Take?
Uber takes a 25% service fee from drivers’ earnings, which goes towards customer support and app development. Drivers also need to consider costs like insurance and car maintenance, which they can claim tax relief on.
Drivers get paid weekly, with Uber’s cut already deducted. Payments can be requested weekly, monthly, or even daily, and drivers receive an invoice detailing all trips and earnings.
Requirements to Become an Uber Driver in the UK
To drive for Uber, your vehicle must meet certain requirements.
A Newer Vehicle
Your car needs to be a 2006 model or newer (2008 in London). Older cars may not be accepted.
A Suitable Vehicle Model
Your car must seat at least four people and have four doors.
A Phone With High-Speed Mobile Data
You need a phone that can run the Uber app smoothly. If your phone has issues, you can pay Uber £5 weekly to use a company phone with satellite navigation, which includes data charges and phone repairs.
Benefits of Being an Uber Driver in the UK
There are several benefits to being an Uber driver:
– Flexible hours
– Minimum wage guarantee
– Company pension (both Uber and the driver contribute)
– Paid holiday (12.07% of earnings awarded as holiday pay every fortnight)
– Discounts on vehicle repairs with certain partners
You can work as much or as little as you want, needing to complete only one job a month to stay active. Following a UK Supreme Court ruling in March 2021, Uber drivers now receive more benefits, including paid holiday and minimum wage, as they are classified as workers rather than independent contractors.
Driving for Uber in the UK
Being an Uber driver in the UK can provide a decent income, along with several benefits due to new laws. If you meet the requirements and are willing to put in the effort, Uber can be a good option to consider.