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From food and groceries to parcels and prescriptions, Canada’s gig delivery economy is booming. But how much do drivers actually earn across platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Amazon Flex, and SkipTheDishes?
đź’° National Snapshot: Average Delivery Pay
According to PayScale and Indeed, the average delivery driver in Canada earns $20.06–$21.60/hour, with regional highs reaching $26.43/hour. These figures reflect gross income before expenses.
| Experience Level | Hourly Pay Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $15.68–$17.45 | Lower efficiency, fewer bonuses |
| Mid-Career | $19.75–$21.60 | Platform stacking begins |
| Experienced | $23.00–$26.43 | Strategic routing, peak pay mastery |
🧾 Net Income: After Expenses
Delivery drivers cover their own fuel, insurance, maintenance, and CRA reporting. Net income typically ranges from $12–$18/hour, depending on platform, region, and strategy.
Common Expenses:
- Fuel: $0.12–$0.18/km
- Insurance: $200–$400/month (commercial)
- Maintenance: $100–$300/month
- CRA deductions: Self-employment tax obligations
🗺️ Regional Highlights
| City | Avg Hourly Gross | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ottawa, ON | $23.10 | High government zone demand |
| Victoria, BC | $22.58 | Dense delivery routes, high tips |
| Toronto, ON | $21.95 | Platform competition, surge pricing |
| Calgary, AB | $20.70 | Suburban scheduling, parcel stacking |
| Halifax, NS | $19.00–$21.00 | Weekend brunch, pharmacy runs |
📦 Platform Comparison
| Platform | Avg Gross Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DoorDash | $20–$26/hour | Peak pay, stacked orders, tip protection |
| Uber Eats | $18–$24/hour | Surge pricing, multi-app switching |
| Instacart | $15–$20/hour | Batch pay, heavy item bonuses |
| Amazon Flex | $25–$30/hour | Parcel delivery, fixed blocks |
| SkipTheDishes | $18–$22/hour | Consistent demand, lower peak bonuses |
đź“Š Real Logs: Driver Diaries
Using the Ride Income Calculator, Canadian drivers have logged:
- DoorDash Toronto (2 hrs): $52 gross, $34 net
- Uber Eats Vancouver (3 hrs): $78 gross, $50 net
- Amazon Flex Calgary (4 hrs): $110 gross, $72 net
These logs help drivers track performance, optimize routes, and prepare for CRA filings.
🧠Strategic Tips for Canadian Delivery Drivers
- Multi-app switching: Use multiple platforms to fill gaps
- Cherry-pick orders: Decline low-paying requests
- Track expenses weekly: For CRA compliance
- Stack bonuses: Peak pay, referral codes, challenges
- Log every delivery: For forensic clarity and audit-ready documentation
đź“Ś Final Thoughts
Delivery driving in Canada offers flexibility and solid income potential—especially for those who understand platform dynamics and regional rhythms. With the right tools—like your Ride Income Calculator—and a disciplined strategy, drivers can turn gig work into a sustainable income stream.