Food delivery jobs in Australia Uber Eats DoorDash and more is one of those topics that comes up when students want flexible work. Food delivery seems perfect: choose your own hours, work when you want, earn money quickly. But is it actually that good? I’ve done food delivery, and I’ve watched friends do it. Some made good money. Others struggled. The difference was understanding what it actually involves.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve done food delivery, and I’ve learned what it pays and what it’s like. Some times were good. Others were quiet. The difference was timing and location.
So here’s everything I know about food delivery jobs in Australia, based on what actually happens.
What Food Delivery Actually Involves
Let me start with this, because understanding the work helps you decide if it’s right for you.
Food delivery involves: accepting delivery requests, picking up food from restaurants, delivering to customers, and handling payments.
You need your own transport. Usually a bike, scooter, or car. This is an upfront cost you need to consider.
You work as an independent contractor. You’re not an employee, so you don’t get sick leave, annual leave, or other employee benefits.
But here’s what I’ve learned: food delivery is flexible, but it’s not as easy as it seems. You need to be available during busy times to earn well. Quiet times don’t pay much.
Pay: What You Can Actually Earn
This is the key question, and here’s the reality.
Pay is per delivery. You earn a base fee per delivery, plus tips if customers tip. Fees vary by platform and distance.
In busy times, you might earn $20 to $30 per hour. In quiet times, you might earn $10 to $15 per hour or less.
Tips vary. Some customers tip. Others don’t. Tips can add $2 to $5 per delivery, but they’re not guaranteed.
But here’s what I’ve learned: pay is variable. You might earn well in busy times, but quiet times pay less. Don’t count on consistent income. Base your budget on average earnings, not best case scenarios.
The Platforms: Uber Eats, DoorDash and More
This is important, because different platforms work differently.
Uber Eats is the biggest platform. It has the most orders, but also the most drivers. Competition can be high.
DoorDash is growing. It has fewer orders than Uber Eats, but sometimes better pay rates.
Other platforms exist. Menulog, Deliveroo, and others operate in some areas. Check what’s available in your area.
But here’s what I’ve learned: you can work for multiple platforms. Many drivers work for Uber Eats and DoorDash simultaneously to maximise earnings. This can help, but it’s more complex.
Pros and Cons: The Real Picture
Let me be honest about both sides, because there are real trade offs.
Pros: flexible hours, choose when to work, can work around study, and can earn quickly in busy times.
Cons: variable pay, need your own transport, no employee benefits, and quiet times don’t pay much.
But here’s what I’ve learned: food delivery suits some students but not others. If you need flexible hours and have transport, it can work. If you need consistent income, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I earn from food delivery?
It varies. In busy times, you might earn $20 to $30 per hour. In quiet times, you might earn $10 to $15 per hour or less. Average earnings are usually $15 to $25 per hour, but this varies by location and timing.
Do I need my own transport?
Yes. You need a bike, scooter, or car. This is an upfront cost. Bikes are cheapest, but cars allow you to work in more areas and in bad weather.
Can I work for multiple platforms?
Yes, usually. Many drivers work for Uber Eats and DoorDash simultaneously. This can help maximise earnings, but it’s more complex.
When are the busiest times?
Usually lunch (11am to 2pm) and dinner (5pm to 9pm). Weekends are usually busier than weekdays. These times pay better, but competition is also higher.
Is food delivery worth it?
It depends on your situation. If you need flexible hours and have transport, yes. If you need consistent income, maybe not. Consider your needs and whether food delivery fits.
Do I need to pay tax on food delivery earnings?
Yes. You’re an independent contractor, so you need to declare earnings and pay tax. Keep records of your earnings and expenses. You can claim expenses like fuel, maintenance, and phone costs.
Final Thoughts
Food delivery jobs in Australia can be flexible and convenient, but pay is variable. You can choose your own hours, which fits around study. But you need your own transport, and quiet times don’t pay much. Consider whether the flexibility is worth the variable income.
Don’t count on consistent income. Food delivery pay varies by time and location. Base your budget on average earnings, not best case scenarios. And remember, you’re an independent contractor, so you need to handle tax yourself.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Flexibility comes with variability. Food delivery is flexible, but pay is variable. Don’t count on consistent income. Base your budget on average earnings, and be prepared for quiet times.
If you’re still looking for work, check out my guides on best student jobs in Australia and how to balance work and study. And if you’re considering food delivery, be realistic about earnings. Flexibility is nice, but pay is variable. Make sure it fits your needs.
