Jacob LivesayUSA TODAY
Popular rideshare apps have practically become verbs in modern vernacular. Whether you’re trying to get home after a long night out or exploring a new city, it’s likely you’re using Uber or Lyft. There's even a service for teens and some offer car seats for kids.
But,the rideshare market is relatively new in the grand scheme of transportation. The social customs associated with these services are not always clear.
At restaurants, tipping norms are well-established, but in situations like these, it’s easy to feel unsure how much you’re supposed to pay in gratuity.
Do you tip Uber drivers?
According to Uber, “Tips are neither expected nor required.”
Although Uber does not require tipping, the median income of an Uber driver falls below the average living wage for a family of four, so many drivers, especially those with families, depend on tips to supplement their income, according to Gigworker.
According to HyreCar, Uber and Lyft drivers make less than $15 an hour when driver costs are considered.
According to Ridester, an online resource for the rideshare industry created by former Uber driver Brett Helling, Uber drivers also rely on tips for gas, car maintenance and other costs not covered by Uber.
There are plenty of reasons to tip, but do you know how much you're supposed to give your driver?
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How much do you tip an Uber driver?
To make tipping simple, Uber always suggests $1, $2 or $5, but you shouldconsider the total price of your ride when deciding on a tip. Just like at restaurants, Uber tips should be calculated in proportion to the total.
International etiquette consultant Julia Boyd recommends tipping between 10 and 20%,according to The New York Times.
Do you tip Uber Eats, Doordash and Postmates delivery drivers?
Just asyou tip a pizza delivery driver, Uber Eats, Doordash and Postmates workers should be tipped. The standard in the restaurant industry is 15to 20%, according to Shopfood.
Ridester says a minimum tip amount of $4-$6 should be the standard, as a $3 coffee delivery could require the same driving or biking distance as a more expensive meal. Business Insider also reportscustomers and drivers generally believe $4 is a reasonable amount to tip.
You should also consider the weather your delivery driver hasto endure. If you're staying in and orderingfood because it's pouring rain, your rideshare driver should be compensated for working in adverse weather conditions, according to Ridester.
How much are Uber and Lyft drivers paid?
As of January 2021, Uber drivers reported an average income of $15.68 per hour, according to Doughroller, while Lyft drivers reported a slightly higher $17.50 per hour.
Both these averages are before expenses like car maintenance andgas. HyreCar estimates Uber and Lyft drivers make less than $15 an hour when costs like these are considered.
Earnings, though, largely depend on where a driver is working. In New York City, for example, USA TODAY reported drivers earned an average of $37.44 per hour. USA TODAY also said drivers in Chicago and Philadelphiaearned $30.49 and $32.60, respectively.
Uber driver wages: It depends on where you drive, but here's what we know
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