Key Findings
Study Methodology
Data collected from 1,247 Amazon Flex driver self-reports via online surveys between January-December 2026. Respondents provided earnings data, hours worked, expenses, market location, and delivery type breakdown. Outliers (top/bottom 2%) were excluded. All figures represent medians unless otherwise noted. Full methodology below.
Earnings by Delivery Type
Key Insights
Whole Foods delivers highest pay
$28.50/hr average including tips ($8-15 avg tip per block)
Amazon Fresh close behind
$26.75/hr average with grocery tips included
Standard logistics most common
$22.80/hr average, represents 68% of all blocks
Same-day offers highest hourly
$31.20/hr but limited availability
| Delivery Type | Avg Gross/Hr | Avg Tips | Avg Net/Hr | % of Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Same-Day Delivery | $31.20 | $0 | $24.40 | 8% |
| Whole Foods | $28.50 | $12.50 | $23.80 | 12% |
| Amazon Fresh | $26.75 | $9.25 | $21.60 | 12% |
| Standard Logistics | $22.80 | $0 | $17.45 | 68% |
Earnings by Major Market
| Market | Avg Gross/Hr | Avg Net/Hr | Base Rate | Surge Frequency | Drivers Surveyed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $29.80 | $22.50 | $21/hr | High | 89 |
| Seattle | $28.40 | $21.80 | $20/hr | High | 112 |
| New York | $27.60 | $19.90 | $20/hr | Medium | 156 |
| Los Angeles | $26.20 | $19.40 | $19/hr | Medium | 134 |
| Chicago | $24.80 | $18.90 | $18/hr | Medium | 98 |
| Dallas | $23.40 | $18.20 | $18/hr | Low | 87 |
| Houston | $22.90 | $17.80 | $18/hr | Low | 76 |
| Phoenix | $22.10 | $17.40 | $17/hr | Low | 65 |
| Atlanta | $23.60 | $18.30 | $18/hr | Medium | 72 |
| Miami | $24.20 | $18.60 | $18/hr | Medium | 68 |
Average Expense Breakdown
Expenses Per Hour Worked
Expense Categories
Based on median values from driver reports. Individual costs vary by vehicle type, location, and driving habits.
Earnings by Experience Level
Why Experienced Drivers Earn More
- • Reserved blocks: Priority access to better-paying shifts
- • Surge strategy: Better timing for catching increased rates
- • Route efficiency: Complete routes faster, take more blocks
- • Multi-station access: More block options across locations
- • Delivery type selection: Focus on higher-paying Whole Foods/Fresh
Full-Time vs Part-Time Comparison
Part-Time Drivers
Less than 30 hours/week (n=847)
Full-Time Drivers
30+ hours/week (n=400)
Methodology
Data Collection
This study collected self-reported data from 1,247 Amazon Flex drivers between January 1 and December 10, 2026. Respondents were recruited through driver forums, social media groups, and the FlexDriverGuide website. Survey participation was voluntary and anonymous.
Survey Questions
Drivers reported: weekly hours worked, gross earnings, delivery types (logistics, Whole Foods, Fresh, same-day), estimated expenses (fuel, maintenance, insurance), vehicle type, market location, and experience level. Data was collected for the most recent complete month of driving.
Data Processing
- Outliers (top and bottom 2% of earnings) were excluded to prevent skewing
- Incomplete responses were excluded from relevant calculations
- All figures represent medians unless noted as averages
- Net hourly rates calculated using reported expenses, not IRS mileage rate
Limitations
Self-reported data may contain inaccuracies. Selection bias may exist as respondents were recruited from driver communities, potentially over-representing engaged drivers. Results should be considered directional estimates rather than precise figures.
Citation
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About Glen Meade
Founder of FlexDriverGuide and SideQuestHustle.com. I've spent years researching gig economy platforms and interviewing hundreds of drivers to bring you strategies that actually work. My goal is to help you maximize your earnings while avoiding common pitfalls.