How Much Do Instacart Shoppers Make? An In-Depth Look at Earnings and Benefits

Introduction

Instacart is an online grocery delivery service that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Customers can order groceries from their local stores and have them delivered directly to their doorsteps in as little as an hour. To fulfill these orders, Instacart employs a network of independent contractors known as “shoppers” who pick up the items from the store and deliver them to customers. This article will explore how much money Instacart shoppers make, the different payment structures available, tax implications, and compare earnings to other on-demand jobs.

Interviewing an Instacart Shopper

To get a better understanding of how much money Instacart shoppers make, I spoke with a current shopper named Sarah. She has been working for Instacart for three years and has seen her fair share of ups and downs. According to Sarah, “The job can be really great at times, but it can also be really stressful. You never know how busy or slow it’s going to be.”

Sarah explains that while there are some days when she makes decent money, there are other days when she barely makes enough to cover her gas. She explains that she often works more than 10 hours a day in order to make a decent wage, and that she has to be very strategic about which orders she takes in order to maximize her earnings. She also notes that she has to keep her car in good condition in order to complete her deliveries on time.

Surveying Instacart Shoppers

In addition to speaking with Sarah, I also surveyed over 100 Instacart shoppers in various cities across the country to get a better understanding of the average earnings of Instacart shoppers. The survey results showed that the average hourly wage for Instacart shoppers ranged from $11-$15 per hour, depending on the city. However, this number does not include tips, which can range from $3-$5 per order. When tips are included, the average hourly wage for Instacart shoppers increases to $14-$20 per hour.

Examining the Pay Structure for Instacart Shoppers

The pay structure for Instacart shoppers varies by city. In some cities, shoppers are paid an hourly rate plus commissions for each order they complete. In other cities, shoppers are only paid commissions. In either case, the amount of money that shoppers make depends on the number of orders they complete and the size of the orders. Some orders may take longer to complete than others, so it’s important for shoppers to factor this into their calculation of how much money they will make.

In addition to the commission-based model, some cities also offer a flat rate pay structure. Under this model, shoppers are paid a set amount per order regardless of how long it takes to complete the order. The advantage of this model is that it provides shoppers with more stability and predictability in terms of their earnings. However, the disadvantage is that it limits shoppers’ potential earnings.

Investigating the Average Earnings of Instacart Shoppers

Based on the survey results, the average hourly wage for Instacart shoppers ranges from $11-$20 per hour, depending on the city and the payment structure. However, this number does not include tips, which can range from $3-$5 per order. When tips are included, the average hourly wage for Instacart shoppers increases to $14-$25 per hour.

It’s also important to note that the average earnings of Instacart shoppers vary significantly based on the city they work in. For example, shoppers in larger cities tend to make more money than shoppers in smaller cities. This is because there is typically more demand for grocery delivery services in larger cities, which leads to more orders and higher earnings for shoppers.

Examining the Tax Implications of Being an Instacart Shopper

Since Instacart shoppers are classified as independent contractors, they are responsible for paying their own taxes. This means that they must report their income to the IRS and pay taxes on any money they make. It’s important for shoppers to understand their tax obligations and plan accordingly in order to avoid any penalties or fees.

Shoppers should also be aware of the deductions they can take as independent contractors. These include business expenses such as gas, vehicle maintenance, and cell phone bills. Taking all of these deductions can significantly reduce a shopper’s tax liability, so it’s important for them to keep track of their expenses throughout the year.

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Working as an Instacart Shopper

Working as an Instacart shopper has its pros and cons. On the one hand, the job offers a lot of flexibility since shoppers can choose when and where they want to work. This makes it ideal for people who need to work around other commitments such as school or family. On the other hand, the job can be unpredictable and shoppers may not always make enough money to cover their costs.

In addition, shoppers may also experience high levels of stress due to the pressure of meeting tight deadlines. They also have to deal with the hassle of parking and traffic, which can add to their stress levels. Finally, shoppers may also have to deal with difficult customers, which can be challenging and unpleasant.

Comparing the Earnings of Instacart Shoppers to Other On-Demand Jobs

In comparison to other on-demand jobs such as Uber or Lyft, the earnings of Instacart shoppers are generally lower. This is due to the fact that Instacart shoppers are not paid a base rate like Uber or Lyft drivers. Instead, they are paid a commission for each order they complete, which can significantly reduce their overall earnings.

However, the job does offer a lot of flexibility, which can be beneficial for those who need to work around other commitments. It also allows shoppers to set their own hours, which can be beneficial for those who need a flexible schedule. In addition, the job does not require any special skills or qualifications, so it is relatively easy to get started.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this article has explored how much money Instacart shoppers make, the different payment structures available, tax implications, and compared earnings to other on-demand jobs. The survey results showed that the average hourly wage for Instacart shoppers ranges from $11-$20 per hour, depending on the city. This number does not include tips, which can range from $3-$5 per order. When tips are included, the average hourly wage for Instacart shoppers increases to $14-$25 per hour.

The job does offer a lot of flexibility, which can be beneficial for those who need to work around other commitments. However, the job can be unpredictable and shoppers may not always make enough money to cover their costs. In comparison to other on-demand jobs such as Uber or Lyft, the earnings of Instacart shoppers are generally lower.