Amazon Flex vs. Uber: Which Should You Choose (and Can You Do Both)?

Uber outshines Amazon Flex by not having to stop to get in and out of your vehicle all the time.

Amazon Flex doesn’t have as much freedom as Uber, but it will be easier if you’re not keen on chatting to passengers or driving late at night.

Embracing the gig economy, these companies hire drivers as independent contractors — letting you choose when, where, and how much you work. 

And both companies are thriving, offering a strong possibility of regular work. 

In 2021, Amazon reported a 22% increase in net sales, achieving sales of $469.8 billion. Uber also saw growth in 2021, with gross bookings of $25.9 billion, a jump of 51% year-over-year.

So, you’ve got two strong options to choose from if you’re looking for gig work. 

The question is, which one is right for you?

With Uber and Amazon Flex serving different customers, the final decision ultimately depends on what type of life you want.

Here’s what it’s like to work for Amazon Flex versus Uber so you can decide which gig is right for you. I also explain how to work for both delivery services at once (yes, it’s possible).

Is it better to work for Amazon Flex or Uber?

When comparing Amazon Flex and Uber, the truth is that one isn’t “better” than the other.

With Amazon Flex, you’re going to be delivering packages. Meanwhile, Uber is a rideshare service — bringing people safely from one point to another.

There are a few other things that differentiate Uber from Amazon Flex, including:

• Tasks: You’re delivering packages with Amazon Flex, so you’ll be doing some lifting and carrying. You’ll also have to get out of your vehicle to bring packages to people’s doors. With Uber, you’re simply picking up riders and dropping them off — no carrying or walking needed.
• Interactions: Because of the different tasks, your driving experience will be different if you’re driving for Amazon Flex versus Uber. If you’re an extrovert who loves chatting with and meeting new people, Uber might be more your style. But if you’re an introvert who prefers quiet, Amazon Flex might be better for you.
• Working hours: Amazon Flex lets you book shifts to work in blocks of time. You want to make deliveries when people are home (and awake!), so you’ll be working during the day. With Uber, you can drive at all hours. For example, Friday and Saturday nights are peak hours for Uber in many cities, as people might be out partying and need rides home (we’re glad they’re not drinking and driving).
• Earnings: Pay for Amazon Flex and Uber differs. With Amazon Flex, you get paid per delivery block. With Uber, you get paid per ride. Both services also include the possibility of earning tips. We go into more detail on the pay structures for each service below.
• Driver and vehicle requirements: Finally, there are different vehicle and driver requirements for Amazon Flex versus Uber. Uber’s policies tend to be a bit stricter. We get into the details below.

Does Amazon Flex or Uber pay better? 

How much you earn with Amazon Flex or Uber depends on several things, like your location, demand, and how much you drive. 

Of course, you’ll earn more if you drive 40 hours full-time per week instead of just 10 hours part-time.

Amazon Flex says their delivery partners earn an average of $18 to $25 per hour. The exact numbers depend on location, tips, how long it takes you to make deliveries, and more. 

Learn more about how Amazon Flex calculates pay below.

Average earnings for Uber rideshare drivers are similar, ranging from $15 to $22 per hour. Uber explains that many factors affect earnings — from location to demand. 

We give some details about how Uber calculates rates below.

What’s it like to drive for Amazon Flex?

Amazon Flex drivers deliver packages to residences and businesses.

As an independent contractor, you can choose when and where you work by signing up for delivery blocks. Here’s how it works:

1. Reserve a delivery block. Once you have a Flex account (we explain the requirements to get approved to drive below), you can search delivery blocks in your area. Each block estimates how long it’ll take to complete and the projected earnings. Sign up for whatever block you like.
2. Deliver packages. You pick up the Amazon packages you will deliver from a specified Amazon location. The Amazon Flex app then gives the location information you need to deliver the packages.
3. Get money. You get paid after you’ve completed your delivery block. Flex makes direct deposit payouts twice per week. You can track your earnings in the Earnings section of the Amazon Flex driver app.

What are the requirements to be an Amazon Flex driver? 

You must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license to become an Amazon Flex driver. You also need to pass a background check.

You’re also required to have a midsize or large vehicle, ideally a four-door midsize sedan or larger, such as a van, SUV, or truck with a covered bed. 

Sorry, scooters aren’t allowed.

Need help finding the right set of wheels? Our post on the best vehicles for delivery can help!

Finally, you must have an iPhone or Android compatible with the app — get the details.

We also have a handy guide on the best phones for delivery drivers in 2022. 

Can you make good money as an Amazon Flex driver? 

You can make decent money as an Amazon Flex driver — but you aren’t going to get rich with this gig. 

The average hourly wage in the US is $29.81. Amazon Flex delivery partners earn an average of $18 to $25 an hour, a bit lower than the national average.

Amazon Flex pay is calculated based on blocks. This means that when you sign up for a delivery block, you have a set amount of time to deliver a certain number of packages. 

For example, a four-hour delivery block might pay $72.

Some Amazon Flex delivery blocks also offer the opportunity to earn tips for extra money. 

For each delivery block allowing tips, Amazon Flex shows you an estimated earnings range based on the tips other delivery partners have gotten for similar blocks.

What’s it like to drive for Uber?

Uber drivers take people from one point to another in their vehicles. They don’t deliver packages but offer a rideshare service.

As with Amazon Flex, Uber drivers are independent contractors. You can choose when and where you work by accepting rides through the app. Here’s how it works:

1. Get set up in the app. Once you’re approved as an Uber driver (we explain the requirements below), you can sign into the app and mark yourself as available so the app knows you’re ready to accept rides. When a rider in your area requests a trip, you’ll get a notification and can choose to accept the ride.
2. Complete your trip. The Uber app gives you the relevant information to complete a trip, including pickup and drop-off points. You’ll also get the rider’s profile, including their name, for identification purposes. Pick up the rider and complete your trip.
3. Get paid. You get paid after the trip is complete. The rider can also add a tip through the app (or even give you cash). You can track your earnings on the app. The money you make is transferred to your bank account weekly. There’s also an instant pay option, which lets you cash out your earnings up to five times per day.

What are the requirements to be an Uber driver? 

You must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license to drive for Uber. 

You’ll need to share proof of vehicle insurance (we can help you choose the best insurance for your needs), proof of residency in your state, and pass a background check.

Uber also checks your driving history. 

You must have at least one year of licensed driving experience (or three years if you’re under 25).

You’ll also need an eligible four-door vehicle to drive for Uber. Each city has its own vehicle requirements, so check your area’s rules when you sign up to drive.

You also need to have a smartphone compatible with the Uber app. Uber has specific recommendations.

Can you make good money as an Uber driver? 

You can make good money as an Uber driver, but — again — it will not make you rich. 

Go Banking Rates says the average Uber driver earns an hourly pay of $15 to $22, well below the national average hourly salary of $29.81.

Uber rates include many points when calculating earnings. 

First, there’s the standard base pay. Then, there’s additional money earned depending on how long the ride is and how many miles it covers.

However, Uber is rolling out a test program in some cities piloting a new earnings structure with just one upfront fare. 

Learn more about how it works and which cities are impacted.

Uber drivers can also earn tips from riders. 

Drivers get to keep 100% of the tips they earn. The rideshare app doesn’t take a cut.

There are also opportunities to earn more with promotions like Surge. 

Surge pricing kicks in when demand is high: A multiplier is applied to the standard rate. 

So, if you normally earn a $5 base fare and a multiplier of x2 applies, you can earn $10 instead.

Can you work for Amazon Flex and Uber at the same time?

When you drive for Amazon Flex or Uber, you’re considered an independent contractor. 

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), “An individual is an independent contractor if the payer has the right to control or direct only the result of the work and not what will be done and how it will be done.”

So, unless a company asks you to sign a noncompete agreement (something neither Amazon Flex nor Uber generally requires as of 2022), you’re free to work for other rideshare or delivery apps.

While so-called “multi-apping” (working for more than one rideshare or delivery app) is possible, make sure you’re aware of a few things.

For example, your vehicle needs to meet the requirements of each app you use.

Also, splitting your time between apps might make it difficult to qualify for bonuses, like Uber Pro. 

This is a tier-based rewards program, and part of the way you advance is by gathering points through trips.

So, if you’re driving for Uber less because you’re also driving for Amazon Flex, you might miss out on Uber Pro rewards (like the option to earn more with higher Uber Quest promotions).

Get there faster with Circuit Route Planner

Amazon Flex and Uber offer two very different driving experiences — each with pros and cons. 

Social types may prefer driving for Uber and interacting with riders, while others may just want to stick to delivering packages.

Of course, these are only two of the many driving jobs available. There are many other package delivery and food delivery options — including Grubhub, DoorDash, Instacart, Postmates, Lyft, Amazon Fresh, and Uber Eats.

Whichever side hustle you choose to earn extra cash, trust Circuit Route Planner to help you get the job done quickly. 

Circuit Route Planner maps out the fastest order of stops for you, considering details like traffic patterns and construction. You can add and delete stops from your routes in real time while driving, and the app automatically updates your routes.

The app also offers perks like a proof-of-delivery feature, so you can reassure customers that their packages have arrived, and a package finder, making it easier for you to find packages in your vehicle.

This lets you get your deliveries done faster and with less hassle.