How Much Do Just Eat Drivers Make?

Learn how much Just Eat drivers earn in the UK, what’s required to start, pros, cons, and how to boost your income as a food delivery rider or driver.

How Much Do Just Eat Drivers Make? Salary, Requirements & Career Guide

Just Eat delivery drivers and riders are part of the gig economy, bringing takeaways straight to customers’ doors. It’s a flexible role where you choose your hours and work independently. But how much do Just Eat drivers actually earn in the UK—and is it worth it?

This guide covers the job, requirements, income levels, pros and cons, and how to maximise earnings as a delivery driver.

Job Description: What Do Just Eat Drivers Do?

Just Eat drivers (also known as couriers or riders) pick up food from restaurants and deliver it to customers. They use an app to accept jobs, follow delivery instructions, and complete orders across their local area.

Responsibilities:

  • Accepting delivery orders via the Just Eat courier app

  • Picking up food from local restaurants or fast-food chains

  • Navigating to customer locations efficiently

  • Handling deliveries professionally and politely

  • Keeping food secure, hot, and undamaged

  • Managing their own availability and schedule

How Hard Is It to Become a Just Eat Driver?

Not hard at all. There are no formal qualifications, and most people can be approved within a few days to a couple of weeks.

You’ll need:

  • A smartphone

  • A bike, scooter, or car with valid insurance

  • A valid UK driving licence (for cars/scooters)

  • Proof of right to work in the UK

  • Clean DBS check (for some locations)

  • Age 18+

Just Eat provides branded delivery kit (thermal bags, jacket, etc.) if you’re accepted.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

  • Punctual and reliable – deliveries must be on time

  • Familiar with local roads or good at using navigation apps

  • Polite and professional, especially with customers

  • Self-motivated, as you manage your own schedule

  • Physically fit – especially for cyclists

  • Resilient to weather, traffic, and delays

Do You Need to Study or Qualify?

No formal study or exams are required. You don’t need GCSEs, A-levels or a degree. Just Eat gives basic app guidance and delivery protocol training.

Some insurance providers or vehicle setups may require:

  • Food delivery insurance (also called hire & reward insurance)

  • Courier insurance, which is mandatory for cars/scooters

  • DBS certificate, depending on local council or insurance terms

Levels and Specialisations

There are no structured promotions, but some drivers move into:

  • Fleet partnerships (managing a team of drivers)

  • Courier for multiple platforms (Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Stuart, etc.)

  • Becoming a contract driver for a local restaurant or dark kitchen

You can also boost earnings by driving during peak hours or busy weekends.

What Experience Do You Need?

None required—but having previous experience in:

  • Food delivery

  • Logistics

  • Driving jobs (e.g. Amazon Flex, parcel delivery)

  • Customer service

...can help you work faster, safer, and more efficiently.

Benefits of Being a Just Eat Driver

  • Flexible hours – work when you want

  • No office or manager – full independence

  • Low barrier to entry

  • Can work part-time or full-time

  • Easy to combine with other jobs or gigs

  • Work outdoors, meet people, stay active (especially for cyclists)

  • Daily or weekly payouts

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • Earnings vary, especially in quieter areas

  • No sick pay or holiday pay

  • Wear and tear on your bike/car

  • Fuel and maintenance costs come out of your pocket

  • No guaranteed hours

  • Bad weather, rude customers, and traffic delays

  • Self-employed status = you manage your own taxes

Just Eat Driver Salary in the UK

Drivers are paid per delivery, not hourly. The rate depends on distance, demand, and bonuses.

  • Part-time (10–20 hrs): £8 – £12/hr (£4,000 – £12,000 annually)

  • Full-time (35+ hrs): £12 – £16/hr (£21,000 – £33,000)

  • Busy Cities (FT): £15 – £20/hr (£30,000 – £40,000+)

Bonuses, incentives and busy hours (e.g. weekend evenings) can raise earnings.

Tax Example (Self-Employed):

Earning £28,000/year, a Just Eat driver might pay:

  • Income Tax: ~£2,786

  • National Insurance (Class 2 + 4): ~£2,049

  • Take-home pay: ~£23,200/year or £445/week

Drivers can deduct fuel, maintenance, insurance, phone use, and equipment as expenses—reducing tax owed.

What Affects Your Earnings?

  • Location – City centres pay more due to higher demand

  • Mode of transport – Bikes have fewer costs but lower capacity

  • Time of day – Peak hours (6–9 pm, weekends) pay more

  • Number of platforms – Using Just Eat + Uber Eats + Deliveroo increases orders

  • Customer tips – Not guaranteed, but they help

  • Weather and traffic – Bad conditions slow down delivery

What’s the Future for Just Eat Drivers?

The gig economy is growing, and food delivery remains strong post-pandemic. Future trends include:

  • Higher automation in city deliveries (e.g. lockers or robots)

  • More flexible incentives and bonus schemes

  • Better tech for route efficiency

  • Pressure for better employment protections (minimum wage, sick pay)

  • Increased competition with multi-app couriers

Best Companies to Work for in the Industry

Besides Just Eat, consider:

  • Deliveroo: Flexible, dynamic pay, good app

  • Uber Eats: Widespread, variable rates

  • Stuart: Parcel and food delivery

  • Beelivery / Gopuff: Groceries and convenience items

  • Amazon Flex: Higher rates, parcel delivery

  • Getir / Zapp: Fast grocery delivery in cities

Many drivers use multiple apps to maximise income.

Final Thought

Becoming a Just Eat driver is a flexible way to earn—ideal for side income or full-time hustle. You don’t need qualifications, but the more you learn the area, plan your shifts, and manage your costs, the more you can earn. While not a long-term career for everyone, it’s a great option for freedom, income, and independence.