How to Make Money on Grubhub (2025): Complete Guide

Ever wondered how people actually make money on Grubhub without delivering food all day long? This guide shows you how to earn real income—up to $1,000 a week—even part-time. Whether you’re looking to cash in on lunch rushes, late-night cravings, or Grubhub’s newest pay guarantees, this blog is your blueprint.

You’ll learn the smartest ways to boost your hourly rate, maximize tips, and use block scheduling to guarantee higher payouts. We’ll also cover bonuses, hacks, and real driver strategies to grow your income.

By the end, you’ll be ready to build a Grubhub side hustle that could earn you $20,000–$45,000/year—and that’s before tapping into advanced strategies.

Key Takeaways

• Boost Grubhub earnings with block scheduling and missions
  Learn how to qualify for “Grubhub Contribution” blocks and stack delivery bonuses.
• Smart routing = higher profits
  Use route-tracking tools to lower gas costs, reduce downtime, and earn more per hour.
• Earn up to $1,000/week part-time
  See real driver stories showing how high performers hit this income level consistently.
• Peak hours and city choice matter
  Deliver in busy metro zones during lunch/dinner rush for top-paying orders.
• You keep 100% of tips
  Tips often make up 40–70% of a driver’s daily earnings—don’t leave them to chance.

How to Make Money on Grubhub?

Grubhub is one of the easiest delivery platforms to start with, thanks to a simple onboarding process and no strict vehicle requirements. The flexibility to work any time, anywhere makes it attractive to side hustlers and full-time gig workers alike.

However, while it’s easy to get started, earning well on Grubhub takes planning. Drivers who understand peak hours, order stacking, and city-based demand earn significantly more. You’ll also need to manage downtime and fuel costs smartly.

Many successful drivers use multiple apps (like DoorDash and Uber Eats) to fill in gaps, but Grubhub alone can still deliver solid earnings—especially in major cities. If you’re strategic, consistent, and willing to experiment with scheduling and tools, Grubhub can be a reliable income stream.

And the best part? You’re in full control of how much or how little you drive.

What Do You Need to Get Started?

To start making money on Grubhub, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old (21 in some markets)
• Have a smartphone and a valid driver’s license
• Own a reliable car, scooter, or bike (depends on city)
• Pass a basic background check
• Download the Grubhub for Drivers app and complete onboarding

It also helps to use apps like Gridwise or Para to track mileage, expenses, and ideal delivery times. Most drivers complete setup in 3–5 days.

How Much Money You Can Make on Grubhub?

Most Grubhub drivers earn between $14 and $20 per hour, depending on their city, schedule, and delivery habits. In top-tier metro areas (NYC, Seattle, Chicago), strategic drivers regularly hit $20–22/hour, especially when combining block pay, missions, and stacked orders.

For example, a driver featured by Para made $1,000 in a single week by only working lunch and dinner rushes in a high-demand city. They used block scheduling to guarantee hourly pay, stacked tips, and planned routes to reduce idle time.

On the lower end, drivers in rural areas or without block access might earn closer to $12–14/hour. That’s why optimizing your city, shift timing, and routing strategy is crucial.

Don’t forget: you keep 100% of tips, which can often make up nearly half your daily pay.

17 Proven Strategies to Make Money on Grubhub

Whether you’re a new driver exploring side income or a seasoned courier optimizing routes and tips, here are 17 proven strategies to make money on Grubhub—boosting hourly earnings, reducing downtime, and maximizing every block and delivery.

1. Deliver During Peak Hours

Delivering at the busiest times is the fastest way to boost your Grubhub earnings. These “peak hours” usually happen during lunch (11am–2pm) and dinner (5pm–9pm), especially Friday through Sunday. During these windows, order volume spikes and base pay tends to rise.

Grubhub’s algorithm prioritizes available drivers in high-demand zones, which means more frequent deliveries with less downtime. When restaurants are slammed, tips are also generally higher—people are more grateful you braved traffic to get them food fast.

Strategic drivers even schedule breaks outside of peak hours to avoid wasting gas or time. You can set your availability to match just the lunch or dinner rush, making this method ideal even for people with other jobs.

Requirements: None — just know your local market’s peak hours and enable push notifications for “Busy Bonuses.”

How to Deliver During Peak Hours on Grubhub?

• Use the “Scheduled Blocks” feature to claim peak shifts early
• Focus on Friday–Sunday, especially evenings
• Work major holidays, sports nights, and large events
• Monitor app heat maps (zones turn red/orange during surges)
• Prioritize short-distance, high-tip orders
• Use Gridwise to log peak hour performance and analyze ROI
• Stack orders to maximize time during busy windows

Quick tip: Work dinner rush near dense restaurant clusters to get more stacked orders per hour.

2. Stack Multiple Orders

Stacking—completing multiple deliveries in a single trip—is a pro strategy used by high-earning drivers. Grubhub occasionally offers stacked orders automatically, but seasoned drivers learn to identify stackable deliveries even across platforms like Uber Eats or DoorDash.

This method lets you earn more with less driving. Instead of making one trip for one payout, you make two or more stops along one optimized route, often doubling your earnings within the same timeframe.

Stacking works best in dense areas with low delivery radiuses, like college towns or downtown districts. It does require organization, timing, and GPS accuracy, but the payoff is real.

Requirements: None required, but multi-apping and smart routing tools like Para improve stacking efficiency.

How to Stack Multiple Orders on Grubhub?

• Enable order stacking in the Grubhub app settings
• Accept double-order batches when offered (look for $14+ pay range)
• Cross-reference other apps like DoorDash to combine nearby pickups
• Use Google Maps or Waze for real-time route optimization
• Keep orders organized (label bags if needed)
• Drop off the hotter food first to preserve quality
• Politely message customers about delays if stacking extends delivery time

Quick tip: Stack orders within a 2–3 mile radius to maximize pay and reduce travel time.

3. Use Grubhub Scheduled Blocks

Grubhub Scheduled Blocks (also called “Grubhub Contribution” zones) are time slots where Grubhub guarantees a minimum hourly rate, even if you don’t get enough orders. These blocks are gold for drivers who want consistent pay with less risk.

You can claim blocks 1–3 days in advance, depending on your driver level. Blocks last from 1 to 6 hours and usually require you to accept and complete at least 85–90% of deliveries during that time.

In competitive zones, these blocks fill up fast—but if you snag one, it’s a great safety net for newer drivers or slow days.

Requirements: Consistent delivery completion and high acceptance rate unlock earlier access to block scheduling.

How to Use Grubhub Scheduled Blocks?

• Maintain high acceptance and completion rate (80%+)
• Open the app every Saturday or Sunday to schedule for the upcoming week
• Choose peak hour blocks (especially Friday–Sunday dinner shifts)
• Show up 15 minutes early and stay online the entire block
• Track if your block includes a minimum guaranteed pay
• Cancel rarely—frequent cancellations lower your block priority
• Watch for notifications of block openings or shifts

Quick tip: Level up your “driver status” to unlock early access to top-paying block schedules.

4. Qualify for Grubhub Missions and Bonuses

Grubhub frequently runs limited-time challenges called “Missions,” which offer cash bonuses for completing a set number of deliveries during a specified time window. You’ll see these in your app’s Promotions tab.

Some missions offer $20–$50 bonuses for just 5–10 completed deliveries during a rush window. These stack with tips and base pay, making them one of the easiest ways to increase per-hour earnings.

You don’t have to sign up—just complete the required deliveries within the timeframe. This is a perfect method for motivated part-timers looking for a quick payday.

Requirements: None. All drivers are eligible when missions appear in their zones.

How to Qualify for Missions on Grubhub?

• Check the Promotions tab daily
• Accept as many orders as possible during the promo window
• Stack orders to complete more deliveries faster
• Focus on short-distance routes for faster turnarounds
• Avoid decline/cancellation penalties—they may disqualify you
• Use peak hours to complete mission deliveries faster
• Keep push notifications on so you don’t miss limited-time bonuses

Quick tip: Mission bonuses usually drop Friday afternoon—check your app before the weekend starts.

5. Multi-App with Uber Eats and DoorDash

Multi-apping means working on Grubhub and other delivery apps at the same time. It’s a proven way to reduce downtime, especially when one platform is slow. Experienced drivers switch between Grubhub, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and even Instacart to keep the money flowing.

This method takes some skill—you’ll need to know how to manage multiple apps, juggle routes, and avoid late deliveries. But once you get the hang of it, you can easily earn 20–30% more per hour.

It’s ideal for full-time gig workers who rely on delivery as their primary income source.

Requirements: Accounts on multiple apps and the ability to safely manage them on-the-go.

How to Multi-App Effectively on Grubhub?

• Sign up and get approved on at least two other platforms
• Use a phone mount to safely navigate and toggle apps
• Turn on all apps during busy hours; only accept the best offers
• Use Para to compare pay estimates and flag bad orders
• Avoid accepting overlapping orders with long distances
• Deliver the food from the app you accepted first
• Pause other apps while on critical deliveries to stay on time

Quick tip: Use Para to filter high-paying orders and avoid low-ball offers while multi-apping.

6. Deliver in High-Tip Neighborhoods

Grubhub tips aren’t capped—and you keep 100% of them. That means targeting areas where customers tip well can make a huge difference. High-income zip codes, luxury apartments, or business districts are usually strong bets.

Apps like Gridwise let you track which zones offer the highest tips per mile. Over time, you’ll see patterns and can tailor your shifts around those routes.

Some drivers even avoid entire neighborhoods known for low/no tips. This may seem harsh, but it’s smart strategy.

Requirements: None, but it helps to understand your city’s income and cultural tipping trends.

How to Deliver in High-Tip Areas on Grubhub?

• Analyze past tip trends using Gridwise
• Focus on zones with luxury apartments or large home deliveries
• Deliver during lunch to law firms or corporate offices
• Avoid fast-food-heavy areas with low average tipping
• Learn which zip codes consistently earn you the most
• Communicate politely with customers (it helps tip size!)
• Send a thank-you message after delivery—it increases tips over time

Quick tip: Customers at high-end restaurants tend to tip higher—prioritize those for better earnings.

7. Track Mileage and Maximize Tax Deductions

Many Grubhub drivers forget that mileage, gas, phone bills, and even car maintenance can be tax-deductible. This makes a huge impact on your net income, especially when tax season hits.

By tracking all business expenses with tools like Keeper Tax or Everlance, you can often deduct $5,000–$7,000/year, which means more money in your pocket—even if you earn the same gross.

Even better: apps like Keeper automatically scan receipts and mileage, so you don’t need to log anything manually.

Requirements: U.S. tax filer status and use of a reliable mileage/expense tracking app.

How to Track and Deduct Expenses on Grubhub?

• Download Keeper Tax, Hurdlr, or Everlance
• Set the app to auto-track your driving mileage
• Log business-related expenses (tires, oil, phone)
• Save gas receipts or use card statements for proof
• Export your expense report at tax time
• Use your tax refund to reinvest in your gig setup
• Check if you qualify for a home office deduction (rare, but possible)

Quick tip: Mileage tracking alone could save you over $3,000/year in tax write-offs.

8. Earn Extra with Grubhub Catering Orders

Some markets allow you to opt into large catering deliveries, which pay more than regular orders and often come with larger tips. These are pre-scheduled and require careful timing, but they can earn you $30–$50 per delivery.

You’ll usually need a catering bag and a clean car, as well as a strong driver rating. These orders come from offices, events, or corporate clients.

Requirements: Clean vehicle, high driver rating, and sometimes approval from Grubhub for catering tier.

How to Deliver Catering Orders on Grubhub?

• Apply for Grubhub’s catering access if offered in your region
• Buy a professional-quality catering bag or food warmer
• Arrive at restaurants 10–15 minutes early for prep
• Call ahead to confirm large orders are ready
• Handle food with care—catering clients expect perfection
• Dress professionally and stay organized for big deliveries
• Follow up with customer contact (some expect it)

Quick tip: One large catering drop can equal 3–4 standard Grubhub orders in pay.

9. Become a Grubhub Driver Pro in Your Market

Grubhub has informal “Pro” drivers in many markets—these are experienced drivers who know how to maximize pay by working smarter, not harder. They often get early access to blocks, better delivery zones, and early notifications about catering or event orders.

Becoming a Pro isn’t an official status you apply for—it comes from consistent high ratings, few cancellations, and good communication. Once you’re considered reliable, the algorithm tends to favor you.

Quick tip: Consistent 5-star ratings and low cancellation rates increase your chances of becoming a top-tier driver.

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10. Refer New Drivers and Earn Bonuses

Grubhub occasionally offers referral programs that pay $50 to $250 when you refer a new driver who completes a certain number of deliveries. These offers pop up seasonally and vary by city, but they’re a fast way to earn passive income without driving.

You can share your referral link on social media, local Facebook groups, or among friends. Just make sure your referrals meet the required number of deliveries before the deadline.

Quick tip: Watch your email for new referral campaigns—they’re often limited-time and disappear quickly.

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11. Use Gridwise or Para to Optimize Your Driving Strategy

Apps like Gridwise and Para are made for gig workers and offer game-changing tools. Gridwise tracks earnings, mileage, and best zones by hour. Para helps you see hidden tip amounts, blocks low-paying orders, and estimates your real hourly rate across apps.

Together, they help you reduce dead miles and focus only on profitable deliveries. Many top earners swear by these tools to work fewer hours for more money.

Quick tip: Connect your Grubhub account to Gridwise to unlock zone-specific earnings data automatically.

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12. Accept Group or Office Lunch Deliveries

Grubhub partners with businesses that offer prepaid group lunch deliveries. These bulk orders pay more and are usually scheduled in advance—great for drivers who want predictable, high-paying gigs. You’ll typically deliver to one office with multiple meals, and tips are often pooled by the company. Look for these under “scheduled orders” or within block shifts in corporate-heavy zones like downtown or tech parks.

Quick tip: Set availability for mid-day weekdays to catch consistent office lunch orders.

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13. Offer Excellent Customer Service for Bigger Tips

One of the easiest ways to increase your earnings without extra hours is by improving your customer service. Polite messages, status updates (“on my way!”), and professional behavior can often lead to better ratings—and larger tips.

Customers remember great service, especially when their food arrives early and warm. It doesn’t take much effort, but the reward can be real.

Quick tip: Send a friendly thank-you message after delivery to build goodwill and boost tips over time.

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14. Combine Grubhub with Other Gig Work in Downtime

If Grubhub is slow, why not earn while you wait? Many drivers sign up for survey platforms, market research gigs, or short-form content creation to make money during delivery downtime.

Apps like TaskRabbit, Field Agent, or even content platforms like TikTok allow you to build a secondary income stream while still staying online for deliveries.

Quick tip: Use downtime to work on another gig that doesn’t require driving or interfere with orders.

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15. Track Your Metrics and Set Weekly Income Goals

Top Grubhub earners don’t just drive—they track. Set weekly goals (like $500/week) and monitor your hours, tips, and earnings-per-mile. Apps like Gridwise automate this, but even a spreadsheet works. Tracking helps you spot patterns: when to work, where to go, and what to avoid. Over time, you’ll cut losses and raise your hourly earnings with less guesswork.

Quick tip: Drivers who track mileage and hourly rates often earn 15–25% more than those who don’t.

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16. Stay Updated on Local Grubhub Promotions

Grubhub often tests new features, promotions, and pay boosts in select cities. By staying in the loop—through app notifications, Reddit communities, or Facebook driver groups—you can be among the first to capitalize.

New updates like boosted tips, gas stipends, or event-based bonuses sometimes disappear fast. Staying informed means staying profitable.

Quick tip: Join your city’s Grubhub Drivers Facebook group to get first-hand updates and local tips.

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17. Create Content About Your Grubhub Journey

If you’re passionate about your delivery hustle, consider sharing it on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube. Many drivers have turned content creation into a second income stream by sharing tips, daily vlogs, or app tutorials.

You can earn through brand deals, ad revenue, or affiliate links—especially if you grow a following among gig workers. This taps into the creator economy while promoting your own expertise.

Quick tip: Use short videos showing earnings, tips, and hacks—they get the most engagement.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Money on Grubhub

If you’re starting from zero, here’s your complete beginner roadmap to earning your first (and next) $1,000 with Grubhub. These steps will help you go from application to advanced monetization, all based on proven strategies from real drivers.

Step 1: Create a Grubhub Driver Account

Start by visiting driver.grubhub.com. You’ll need to submit your name, license, phone number, insurance, and agree to a background check. Once approved (usually 3–5 business days), you’ll get access to the Grubhub for Drivers app and can start scheduling blocks.

Step 2: Choose Your Delivery Vehicle and Market

You can deliver with a car, scooter, or even a bike in urban areas. Your market matters: earnings are higher in cities like NYC, LA, and Chicago. Research tip-friendly zones and restaurant-dense neighborhoods using apps like Gridwise.

Step 3: Schedule Peak Hour Blocks

Use the “Scheduled Blocks” system to reserve busy times, like lunch (11–2) or dinner (5–9). These guarantee hourly pay in some markets and give you early access to high-volume orders. Top drivers check for blocks every weekend when they refresh.

Step 4: Download Gridwise and Keeper Tax

Install Gridwise to track your delivery times, tip averages, and busiest neighborhoods. Use Keeper Tax to automatically log mileage and expenses for tax deductions. This combo ensures higher net profit and less time guessing.

Step 5: Accept Stacked and High-Tip Orders

Don’t just accept the first order that pops up—learn to spot short-distance orders with high tips or multiple pickups. Stacking two or three deliveries saves time and maximizes earnings. Use Para to estimate real pay and avoid low-ball offers.

Step 6: Complete Grubhub Missions and Bonuses

Always check the Promotions tab in your driver app. Grubhub offers cash bonuses (“missions”) for completing a certain number of deliveries in a set time. Stack these with peak hours and blocks to boost your weekly income.

Step 7: Start Multi-Apping for Full-Time Income

Once you’re confident, expand to Uber Eats or DoorDash. Use multi-apping to reduce downtime and keep orders flowing during slow Grubhub periods. Be sure to track which app performs best in your area.

Step 8: Optimize for Taxes and Profits

Use a mileage tracker, log all expenses (tires, repairs, phone data), and deduct everything legally possible. Tax savings often equal $5,000–7,000/year—making a huge impact on your bottom line.

Step 9: Apply for Grubhub Catering or Scheduled Routes

In select cities, Grubhub offers pre-scheduled catering gigs with higher payouts and better tips. Once your rating improves, apply for these routes for consistent income. These jobs are especially great for drivers with clean cars and punctual habits.

Tips to Increase Your Grubhub Revenue

Earning consistently on Grubhub isn’t just about accepting more deliveries—it’s about being smart with your time, routes, and order selection. One of the most powerful revenue-boosting habits is learning your market inside and out. Track which neighborhoods pay the best tips, which restaurants are fast (or slow), and when order volume peaks.

Another huge factor: stop driving between orders unless it’s necessary. Sitting near clusters of high-volume restaurants (like Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, or sushi spots) keeps your acceptance rate and efficiency high. Also, try politely messaging customers—drivers who communicate well often get bigger tips.

Finally, track your performance over time using apps like Gridwise to measure orders per hour, tip size, and wait time. Drivers who analyze and adjust weekly can increase their hourly pay by 15–25%.

Best AI Tools for Making Money on Grubhub

AI tools are making it easier than ever to optimize your delivery routes, filter bad orders, and even predict which deliveries will result in better tips. The most popular tool among serious Grubhub drivers is Para, which uses AI to reveal hidden tip amounts, rate each order’s value, and flag high-risk deliveries.

Gridwise also uses AI to calculate your most profitable hours and zip codes, helping you avoid low-value zones or long-distance routes. Together, these apps save time and boost profit with data-backed decisions.

On the backend, apps like Keeper Tax use AI to scan your inbox, receipts, and GPS to automatically log deductible expenses—all with minimal effort on your part. This hands-off method helps you save thousands in taxes.

AI doesn’t just make delivery easier—it makes it smarter.

Best Affiliate Platforms for Grubhub Drivers

Once you’re driving consistently, why not make passive income too? Many Grubhub drivers become affiliates for tools, apps, or even food brands. If you recommend Gridwise, Everlance, or Para to other drivers, you can earn $10–$25 per referral.

Affiliate platforms like Impact, FlexOffers, and ShareASale host driver-relevant affiliate programs in finance, tax apps, insurance, and delivery tools. Start by signing up, generating a custom link, and sharing it in driver forums, Facebook groups, or even a personal blog.

You don’t need a huge audience—just some proof you’re a driver with experience and a helpful resource. Over time, affiliate earnings can stack up as passive income.

Best Marketing Tools for Monetizing Grubhub Content

If you’re building a brand around your delivery side hustle—whether via TikTok, YouTube, or a blog—you need smart marketing tools to grow. Canva helps drivers create engaging graphics or thumbnails. CapCut and InShot make it easy to edit short-form videos showing real driver results.

For email or content marketing, Mailchimp and Systeme.io let you build a newsletter where you can promote affiliate offers, driver tips, or referral links. Some drivers even create tip calculators or route guides using Google Sheets and monetize them with Gumroad.

If you’re documenting your gig journey, think of your delivery work as content. People want behind-the-scenes strategies that work in 2025.

Conclusion

Making money on Grubhub in 2025 is more achievable—and more strategic—than ever. With tools like Gridwise and Para, scheduling flexibility, and access to bonuses and blocks, smart drivers can easily earn $15–22/hour or $800–1,000/week with the right plan.

Whether you’re part-time or full-time, there are real opportunities to grow. From block scheduling to multi-apping, every delivery can move you closer to a consistent side hustle that works around your life.

So why wait? Get started today and turn your free time into real income with Grubhub.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)