If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn extra money in your spare hours, driving for Uber part-time as a side hustle could be just for you. It’s a flexible and convenient way to boost your income.

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of driving for Uber part-time, and how you can maximise your earnings while keeping a healthy work-life balance.

Working for Uber part-time

As a part-time Uber driver, you have the freedom to choose when and where you work. You can pick up passengers during your free time, whether that's early in the morning, late at night, or on the weekends. This makes it an ideal option for people who have other commitments, like a full-time job or family obligations.

Along with the flexibility, part-time driving also allows you to control how much you earn. You can set a specific income goal for yourself and work as many hours as you need to reach it. You can track your earnings in real-time through the Uber app, so it's easy to monitor your progress and adjust your schedule accordingly.

Overall, being a part-time Uber driver allows you to create your own schedule and earn extra money on your own terms. It's a great option for anyone looking for a flexible side hustle.

Before you start driving for Uber, you’ll need to check that you meet Uber’s driving requirements.

How much do Uber drivers make part-time?

One of the most common questions about part-time Uber driving is how much you can earn. The answer depends on a variety of factors, including your location, the time of day you drive, and how many hours you put in.

According to Uber, part-time drivers can expect to make anywhere from £12 to £20 per hour, before expenses like gas and vehicle maintenance. However, this is just an estimate, and your actual earnings may vary.

Part-time Uber driver salary

As we discussed earlier, part-time Uber drivers can expect to make around £12-£20 per hour, before expenses. But what does this translate to in terms of monthly or yearly salary?

Again, it depends on how many hours you work. Let's say you drive for Uber 20 hours per week, at an average of £16 per hour. That's £320 per week, or about £1,280 per month. Over a year, you'd make around £15,360.

However, remember that this is your gross pay, before expenses. You'll need to subtract the cost of petrol, vehicle maintenance, and any other expenses to get your net pay.

Also, keep in mind that Uber drivers are considered self-employed, not employees. This means you're responsible for managing your own taxes. Be sure to set aside a portion of your earnings for tax time and consider consulting with a tax professional to ensure you're meeting your tax obligations.

How to maximise your earnings as a part-time driver

As a part-time Uber driver, you have the flexibility to choose when and where you drive. To maximise your earnings, you’ll need to be strategic with your time on the road. Here are some tips to help you earn more as a part-time driver:

Choose to work at peak driving times

Depending on where you’re based, there may be certain times of day or week when demand for rides is higher. Use the Uber driver app to monitor rider activity and identify those peak times. You can also check local events or activities that may increase demand, such as concerts, festivals or sports games.

Choose high-demand locations

In addition to peak times, you can also choose to drive in high-demand areas, such as busy city centres or near tourist attractions. These areas tend to have more riders, which can lead to more trips and higher earnings.

Be strategic with promotions

Uber often has promotions and incentives to encourage drivers to work during certain times and certain areas. Keep an eye on the app for these promotions, and plan your driving schedule to take advantage of them.

Provide excellent customer service

As a part-time driver, you may not have as many opportunities to build a base of repeat customers. That's why it's important to make a great impression on every rider you pick up. Be polite and professional, and go above and beyond to ensure your riders have a great experience. Happy customers are more likely to improve your Uber rating, which can mean more tips and higher earnings.

Balancing part-time driving with other commitments

As a part-time Uber driver, you’re able to balance your driving schedule with other commitments. It’s this flexibility that makes part-time Uber driving a great option for many people.

To strike that right balance between Uber work and your personal life, start by creating a schedule that works for you.

Write down the things you’re regularly committed to at the moment — things you have to do, or enjoy doing in your life, such as work, school, hobbies and family responsibilities. Then start to identify the days and times when you have gaps in your week. Those gaps should give you a rough idea of your driving schedule, allowing you to make yourself available for driving work with Uber.

Another tip for balancing part-time driving with other commitments is to take advantage of the Uber app's scheduling feature. This allows you to set specific times and days when you're available to drive, which can help you manage your time more effectively.

It's also important to be realistic about your driving goals and expectations. Remember that as a part-time driver, you may not earn as much as drivers working full-time. But by choosing your shifts and keeping a high rating, you can still earn a decent amount of money. Set realistic goals for how much you want to earn each week, and adjust your driving schedule around that.

Finally, don't forget to take care of yourself. Driving for Uber can be physically and mentally demanding, so it’s important to take breaks when you need them and get enough rest to stay alert and focused while driving.

By creating a schedule that works for you, taking advantage of scheduling features, setting realistic goals, and taking care of yourself, you can effectively balance part-time driving with other commitments in your life.

Comparing part-time driving with other side hustles

When it comes to part-time jobs or side hustles, there are a lot of options to choose from. Two popular choices are delivering as a courier (such as an Amazon Flex driver) and delivering food (with companies like Uber Eats or Deliveroo).

Part-time driving for Uber offers several advantages, including loads of flexibility and the potential to earn a good income. As a driver, you can set your own schedule, work as much or as little as you want, and often take advantage of bonuses and promotions to earn more money.

However, you’ll also need to consider certain downsides, like the wear and tear on your vehicle, the cost of fuel, and unexpected breakdowns or repairs. Also, you may find your earnings go down based on things like lower demand for rides at certain times, or competition from other drivers.

On the other hand, delivering as a courier offers similar benefits of flexibility and the ability to work when it's convenient for you. Depending on the service you work for, you may have the opportunity to deliver a variety of items, not just food or people. Some courier services don't require you to own a car, which can be a plus. However, it can also be physically demanding, depending on the type of courier work you do, and some services have more strict requirements for their drivers.

Delivering food is another option that offers flexibility and the potential for tips. Depending on your location, you may be able to deliver on foot or by bike, meaning you don’t necessarily need a car. However, delivering in bad weather can be a challenge, especially during the long winter months.

Ultimately, the best option depends on your own personal preference, availability, and location. By weighing the pros and cons of each option, you should be able to decide which side hustle is right for you.