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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 $0.70/mile is the most powerful tax tool available. At 20,000 business miles/year, that's a $14,000 deduction — saving approximately $2,160 in federal taxes at the 22% bracket. See your exact savings with the mileage tax deduction calculator.