How Much Do Uber/Lyft Drivers Make in Canada? (Solved!)

Many people are drawn to the popular ridesharing programs like Uber and Lyft because they like the idea of earning some extra money. Depending on how much time you are willing to devote, you may make more or less money with these popular apps. Is it worth your time to drive for Uber or Lyft in Canada?

How much do Uber/Lyft drivers make in Canada?

Uber and Lyft drivers have the potential to make a great full-time income. When you work twenty hours per week or less, your hourly wages tend to be smaller than if you were to work sixty hours each week. The time of day that you drive makes the biggest difference in your income.

Hours per Week Average Annual Salary
20 hours $10,400 – $26,000
40 hours $33,280 – $72,800
60 hours $62,400 – $90,500

How Stable is the Income for Uber/Lyft Drivers in Canada?

Unfortunately, many drivers are disappointed with the lack of stability in income that they experience while driving for Uber and Lyft. This is an issue that faces drivers in both the United States and Canada.

Too many factors are involved in coming to a simple conclusion on how stable the income is from this profession.

For example, a driver who works only twenty hours a week might make more if they choose to only work during surge hours. On the other hand, they might work those same twenty hours only when it is convenient for them and the hours may not be as lucrative.

The more hours that you work, the company estimates that your income will be a bit more reliable. When you start to work forty to sixty hours each week, you approach the national average of $29.37 per hour.

Some people who time their rides and locations just right will earn more than this. A select few drivers report earning closer to $35 or $40 per hour when working full-time during peak ride times.

Do Lyft or Uber Drivers Earn More in Canada?

Based on the average statistics for Canada and the United States, it does appear that Lyft and Uber drivers make more money in Canada.

There is a wide range of reported income for drivers in the United States. Some experts report that the average among all cities can be anywhere from $8 to $11 per hour after expenses are accounted for. For those who work longer hours, you might see a significant boost in income, with rates average around $25 per hour.

Canada reports a higher hourly rate for their drivers on average. Many drivers can clear $20 per hour from working eight-to ten-hour days. However, the industry average is a little higher at $29.37.

If you are consistently working more hours, you are likely to see these higher rates because you will probably be working during surge hours.

How Much do you Earn Per Mile in the Canada Area?

The rate you are paid per mile is based on the type of vehicle that you select. Uber recently reduced the per kilometer rate to make taking longer trips more affordable for passengers and to make these longer trips more frequent for drivers.

For a standard Uber car, you can expect to pay $1.80 per kilometer. Uber Select costs $2.80 per kilometer, Uber SUV costs $2.23 per kilometer, and Uber Black costs $2.70 per kilometer.

As you can see, luxury vehicles are going to have a higher cost per kilometer than the standard vehicles that you might typically take.

Lyft also has a variable schedule based on the type of vehicle that you request. These are the rates based on their Toronto pricing:

Type of Vehicle Price per Kilometer
Lyft $0.75
Lyft Plus $1.55
Premier $1.80
Lift Line $0.75
LUX $2.70
LUX SUV $2.80

Is the Rideshare Space in Canada (too) Crowded?

When Uber and Lyft first unveiled new ridesharing programs, it seemed like drivers were always in demand. Now, many people find that these side gigs are a great way to make a few extra dollars on the side of their full-time or part-time jobs.

Many people would argue that rideshare space is a bit crowded, making it more difficult to earn a great living.

In addition to drivers who ferry passengers around for Uber and Lyft, other programs in Canada offer the same service. One of the newcomers, InstaRyde, also threatens to take some of the market shares away from these top platforms. Toronto is also home to the company Facedrive, which offers the same service.

While you can still earn a decent living working for Uber and Lyft, you should be aware that the rideshare space is beginning to become crowded.

What are the Best-Paid Times to Drive in Canada?

If you are looking to make a few quick dollars, it pays to know the best times to get behind the wheel. By strategically driving during prime hours, you can make more money and maximize your work time. Fortunately, many people have already pinpointed the most popular hours where drivers tend to make the most money.

You might want to hop on one of these ridesharing platforms directly after your workday ends.

Most major cities have prime hours that range from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.

This makes sense as many people are just getting off work for the day and will need transportation home.

If you happen to be someone who stays up all night, you might just be in luck. As bars and parties are wrapping up for the evening, crowds often need to find a safe way home. Ridesharing platforms are the way to go for cheap transportation home. Drivers who make themselves available in the late night to early morning hours are almost always in demand, particularly on weekends.

While you can make money working the evening hours, plan to be out a little later to earn the most. Experienced drivers recommend driving from approximately 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM to maximize your earnings.

What are the Best Pickup Spots in Canada?

While Uber and Lyft have spread throughout most of the United States, it should be noted that not all cities in Canada are participating in these ridesharing programs. Popular areas like Quebec City, Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg are all included, but you should check to see if your local area is covered.

That being said, there are many popular pickup spots in Canada.

A lot of drivers like the scene around Toronto because it is vibrant with nightlife and lots of activities. It is also home to a great deal of tourism where many people require ridesharing apps or taxi services to get from one destination to another.

Some of the top places to drive in Toronto include:

  • Liberty Village
  • Yorkville
  • Financial District
  • Queen St. West

However, the downtown areas of almost any city should give you a fair shot at finding plenty of riders who need your assistance.

You may want to plan your driving hours around the times of morning or evening commutes.

Depending on where you live and work, do a little research to see what sort of events are nearby. For example, Calgary is home to many hockey games and concerts. You may want to stick close to these areas as the events draw to a close. Additionally, driving in the downtown areas on weekends is sure to give you a great chance to find passengers.

Are There any Canada-specific Rules to be Aware Of?

Uber and Lyft have a very general set of rules that they expect drivers to adhere to if they want to drive. They must have a vehicle that meets all of the requirements, and they must have a valid driver’s license.

However, it should be noted that the requirements for the vehicle may change depending on what city you will be driving in.

For example, Lyft drivers in Ontario must have a car that is at least the year 2012 or newer, has four doors, and five to eight seats. It must also have snow or all-weather tires between December 1 and April 30.

All Lyft drivers in Ontario must also have a valid license, Class G, or higher.

Uber has similar requirements that vary from city to city.

You must be legally allowed to drive in your city, as well as provide proof of work eligibility.

Final Thoughts

It is more than possible to earn a solid and steady income by driving for Uber or Lyft in Canada. However, you must be willing to work during prime hours, such as commute times or the night shift. Sticking to popular locations is another key tip to keep in mind if you want to make a great full-time income through driving.

If you have ever thought about driving for Uber or Lyft, consider whether you could devote enough time to driving to make it worthwhile.

Many people make a solid income in their spare time. Maybe you could do the same!

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