What do Uber drivers actually make per hour?

After platform fees, gas, taxes, and depreciation, most full-time Uber drivers earn $10-18 per hour net. Advertised earnings of $25-30/hour are gross figures before expenses.

How much does Uber take from each fare?

Uber typically takes 25-30% of the gross fare as a service fee. The exact percentage varies by market, trip type, and whether surge pricing is active.

Is rideshare driving worth it financially?

It depends on your market, vehicle efficiency, and hours worked. Use the full earnings calculator to see your specific net hourly rate after all costs. For most drivers, rideshare works best as supplemental income rather than a primary job.

Do rideshare drivers pay self-employment tax?

Yes. Rideshare drivers are independent contractors and must pay self-employment tax of 15.3% on net earnings, plus federal and state income tax. Set aside 25-30% of gross earnings for taxes.

Rideshare Earnings Calculator

📊 Your Driving Numbers

Platform

Weekly Gross Earnings ($)

Hours Driven Per Week

Miles Driven Per Week

🚗 Your Vehicle

Car Fuel Economy (MPG)

Gas Price ($/gallon)

Car Value (for depreciation)

Annual Miles Driven (total, all uses)

💵 Monthly Fixed Costs

Car Insurance ($/month)

Rideshare Insurance Add-On ($/month)

Car Payment ($/month, 0 if paid off)

Tax Filing Method

Net Hourly Rate

—/hr

Weekly Take-Home

—/wk

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💵 Gross earnings (what Uber/Lyft shows)—

⛽ Gas cost—

🔧 Maintenance & wear (~$0.03/mi)—

📉 Car depreciation (rideshare portion)—

🛡️ Insurance (rideshare portion)—

🧾 Self-employment tax (15.3%)—

🧾 IRS mileage deduction credit—

✅ Your weekly take-home—

Monthly Take-Home

—

Annual Take-Home

—

Effective Tax Rate

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What Do Rideshare Drivers Actually Earn?

Rideshare platforms advertise $25-35/hour — but those are gross earnings before expenses. After platform fees (25-30%), fuel ($0.12-0.20/mile), vehicle depreciation ($0.08-0.15/mile), and self-employment taxes (15.3% on net profit), most full-time drivers net $10-18/hour in take-home pay.

Market and timing matter enormously. Top earners in San Francisco, New York, and Chicago during peak windows (Friday/Saturday nights, airport surges) report net rates of $20-28/hour. Drivers in smaller markets or working off-peak often net less than minimum wage after expenses.

The 2026 IRS mileage rate of $0.725/mile is the most powerful tax tool available. At 20,000 business miles/year, that's a $14,500 deduction — saving approximately $3,190 in federal taxes at the 22% bracket. See your exact savings with the mileage tax deduction calculator.

💰 Real Rideshare Earnings Calculator

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What Do Rideshare Drivers Actually Earn?