Amazon Flex stands out as a solid delivery side hustle that provides clear upfront pay information for each shift. With no degree or experience required, you can quickly start earning and plan your shifts in advance, using flexibility that many other jobs don’t have.
But the big question is: How much does Amazon Flex pay over time, and is it worth it? Let’s dive into the details to see if delivering for Amazon Flex might be your perfect side hustle.
Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex launched in 2015, which allows individuals to deliver packages with their own vehicles. Drivers pick up packages from Amazon Facilities and deliver them to customers. Amazon Flex operates in over 100 cities.
Key Features
- Schedule blocks of time to work
- High hourly pay
- Low interaction with people needed
Table of Contents
What Is Amazon Flex?
Amazon Flex pays individuals to deliver packages and groceries for Prime Now and Amazon Fresh. Drivers use their own vehicles to pick up items from Amazon facilities and deliver them to customers.
Amazon wins because you’re an independent contractor, not an employee, so they don’t provide benefits. They can also lean on Flex drivers when demand is high without having to hire full-time employees when demand is low.
You win with this model because you are your own boss and can work as many or as few shifts as you want, all from the sanctuary of your car.
How Much Does Amazon Flex Pay?
So, what’s the earning potential with Amazon Flex? Amazon pays based on a shift, known as a delivery block, typically lasting 3 to 6 hours. As per their website, Amazon Flex drivers can earn a competitive rate of between $18 and $25 per hour, offering a promising income stream.
Here’s how it works:
- Base pay: The base pay per delivery block can vary depending on location and the time of day. Typically, you can make around $18-$25 per hour. You choose the delivery block in advance through the Flex app, which also shows you how much a block pays before you sign up for it. Amazon bases the rate on market demand, complexity, and distance.
- Tips: If you deliver groceries through Amazon Fresh or Prime Now, tips can increase your earnings. Customers can tip after delivery, and those tips are 100% yours.
- Surge pricing: Amazon may offer surge pricing during peak times or in high-demand areas. When they do, you could earn more than the average rate.
Consider a potential scenario: If you work a 4-hour shift that pays $80, you’ll earn $20 per hour. However, once you factor in expenses like gas and mileage, that rate may average to about $15 per hour.
You may still earn $20 per hour for four work hours if you earn tips. That’s not too shabby for a job that requires little training and no degree.
DoorDash needs new drivers
DoorDash is the nation’s largest food delivery service. Drivers can schedule their hours in advance and get paid instantly or weekly.
What Affects Your Amazon Flex Pay?
How much money you make with Amazon Flex can vary based on several factors:
- Location: Pay rates can be higher in cities with higher living costs. For instance, delivering in San Francisco might pay more than in a smaller town.
- Time of Day: Night or weekend shifts sometimes offer higher pay.
- Demand: During busy times like the holiday season, you can expect more delivery opportunities and potentially higher pay.
Where Is Amazon Flex Available?
Amazon Flex is technically available worldwide, but only in about 100 major cities. Their need for Flex drivers depends on market demand and seasonal increases, so available shifts fluctuate.
To start driving for Amazon Flex, you’ll first need to download the app and begin the application process. Flex driver opportunities depend on market demand and seasonal fluctuations, so the number of shifts available may vary. If your area doesn’t need drivers, you’ll be added to a waitlist and notified when positions become available.
When you sign up, the app will ask for your zip code, which is essential. Be sure you enter the zip code you want to work in because you can’t change it later unless you set up a different Flex account using a different email address.
Pros and Cons of Working for Amazon Flex
Like any job, Amazon Flex has its upsides and downsides. Here’s a quick rundown:
Pros
- Decent pay: Compared to other side hustles, Amazon Flex drivers sometimes earn more per hour, with rates typically ranging from $18 to $25 per hour.
- Flexible schedules: You sign up for delivery blocks that work for you, providing a guaranteed timeframe for work and payment. You don’t have to sign up if you don’t want to work.
- Infrequent customer interaction: For most deliveries, you drop the package at the door and never talk to the customer.
- Independence: You are your own boss. There’s no micromanaging or strict schedules. Your shift is over when you have delivered all your packages.
- No degree or special training required: You don’t need any special qualifications to get approved as a driver, so you don’t have to invest in education or certification to start making money.
Cons
- Vehicle requirements: Amazon Flex requires a newer vehicle with adequate package space.
- Long shifts: Delivery blocks can range from 3 to 6 hours, which might be a long commitment for some people.
- Wear and tear on your vehicle: Like any delivery gig, frequent driving requires the expense of gas, auto maintenance, and insurance.
- Limited availability: While you have control over deciding if you want to work on any given day, you are competing with other drivers for shifts. You might find it challenging to consistently get the hours you want during peak times.
- Physical demands: The job requires getting in and out of your car, carrying packages, and sometimes lifting heavy items.
- Must complete your deliveries: With other driver gigs, like DoorDash, you can quit a shift early with no penalty. This can be useful if unexpected demands on your time change. With Amazon Flex, you must complete your deliveries whether they take less or more time than the block you signed up for.
💡 Learn how DoorDash compares to Amazon Flex in our comprehensive guide.
Tips for Maximizing Your Pay With Amazon Flex
How much you get paid depends on your market, how often you work, and the time of day you work. But you have some control over making more money.
- You can earn tips for good service on grocery deliveries.
- You can pick up last-minute shifts during high demand and sometimes get paid more than you would for scheduling in advance.
- You can get to know your delivery routes and take shortcuts. Remember, your shift is over when you complete your deliveries, even if that’s earlier than your scheduled end time.
- You can — and should! — track your expenses to save money on tax-deductible items like gas, maintenance, thermal food bags, and cell phone service.
How Does Amazon Flex Pay?
Amazon Flex offers a variety of ways to get paid, and you can change your pay frequency at any time.
- Direct deposits: You can choose any weekday as your payday and control how many times a week you get paid. Whether you want to get paid every weekday, every Tuesday/Thursday, once a week, or any schedule you like, you simply use the app to set up or change your preferences.
- Amazon Flex debit card: You can direct your payment to an Amazon Flex Debit Card. Deposits to this account show up about six hours earlier than deposits to your bank account. Tips take a bit longer to credit since customers can add a tip up to 24 hours after delivery.
DoorDash needs new drivers
DoorDash is the nation’s largest food delivery service. Drivers can schedule their hours in advance and get paid instantly or weekly.
Amazon Flex Driver Requirements
If you like what you’re learning about Amazon Flex Pay and want to sign up, you must meet the following requirements.
- Be at least 21
- Have an iPhone or Android smartphone
- Have a midsize 4-door sedan or larger vehicle
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Maintain current auto insurance
- Have a Social Security number if you’re delivering in the U.S.
- Consent to a background check
💡 Learn more about becoming an Amazon Flex driver in this article.
Final Words on Amazon Flex Pay
Amazon Flex is worth considering if you’re looking for a flexible way to earn extra cash without needing a degree or extensive experience.
The pay is competitive, and the flexibility is a huge plus for students, side hustlers, and anyone needing more income on their terms. Other services like DoorDash can also be a good alternative to make money delivering with your vehicle.
Just remember, like any job, it comes with its challenges. Weigh the pros and cons, consider the impact on your vehicle, and see if the schedule fits your lifestyle. With some planning and strategy, you could turn those delivery blocks into a solid income stream.
FAQs
On average, Amazon Flex drivers make between $18-$25 per hour. You’ll have to schedule blocks in advance to start delivering packages. Blocks usually range between 2-6 hours, so your earnings will reflect the amount you get paid per hour minus the operating expenses like gas and vehicle wear and tear.
Yes, Amazon Flex works with a third-party company to run driver background checks. They’ll consider things like your work history, criminal record, and driving record. The background check can take 2-5 business days to a week or more in some cases.
You can check the Amazon Flex website for the availability of different cities/areas Amazon Flex is available for you to deliver.
DoorDash disclaimer:
- Earning more on certain types of orders (ex. alcohol): Earn more per order as compared to restaurant orders. Actual earnings may differ and depend on factors like number of deliveries you accept and complete, time of day, location, and any costs. Hourly pay is calculated using average Dasher payouts while on a delivery (from the time you accept an order until the time you drop it off) over a 90-day period and includes compensation from tips, peak pay, and other incentives.
- Get paid instantly (DasherDirect): Subject to approval
- Cash out daily (Fast Pay): Fees apply
- Start dashing today: Subject to background check and availability
- Dash anytime: Subject to availability
