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Who Earns More Money? Food Delivery Drivers vs. Amazon Fulfillment Center Workers

Damon Sumner
ByDamon SumnerJul 20, 2023

Everyone’s looking to make a buck, right? Probably now more than ever. I’ll be honest–the last few years have been tough for finding steady work that also has flexible hours. My life has consistently been plagued by dead-end jobs that are so rigid with their scheduling that I missed out on too many events and family activities. I am done with that.

That’s why I looked into two opportunities that I kept hearing my friends talk about: becoming an Amazon Fulfillment Center worker or a food delivery driver.

And if you’re reading this and in the same boat I was in and considering these two as well as options, I got you covered. Hopefully, my brutally honest insight will help you make the best decision for you and your family.

If You’re Looking For a Flexible Schedule That You Control… Food Delivery Driver 🚗💰

To put it frankly, I am tired of corporate 9-5 nonsense. Moving forward, I only want to explore opportunities that work within the schedule I already have instead of tweaking my schedule to meet work’s needs.

As a food delivery driver, I can be the judge, jury, and executioner of my schedule. The hours I work are the hours I choose. Full stop. And this was the case from the very beginning of my food delivery journey: there weren’t any annoying interviews to schedule or a drawn-out hiring process to wade through. Sign up took minutes, and I was earning money right away.

Getting paid is really flexible, too. I can choose to earn my money daily, weekly, or even instantly. No more waiting around for a paycheck to arrive or direct deposit to kick in.

Amazon Fulfillment Center employees are still beholden to set schedules they do not set, so earning potential doesn’t seem to exceed your written time expectation.

Sign Up to Become a Food Delivery Driver

If You Like Working with a Consistent Team…  Amazon Fulfillment Center

There is something about working with good people. You come in, get a cup of coffee, small talk with a few colleagues, have lunch together, and laugh as a crew as you’re clocking out for the day. It’s the camaraderie many of us crave, and the Amazon Fullmentment Center definitely wins here.

While I don’t see the same people day-to-day as a food delivery driver, I have built a bit of a small talk rapport with the businesses whose food I carry regularly. I’m a naturally introverted person, though, so this plus the smiles I get from customers is more than enough for me. 🍔🍕🥗

If You Like Earning Money on Top of Your Base Pay… Food Delivery Driver

When’s the last time you’ve received a tip? Not a “you should do this because I did it and it works” tip, but a $50 is placed in your hand and then the door is shut in your face–tip? Yeah, it’s really nice, no nonsense money in your pocket. Literally.

As a driver, I get to keep 100% of my tips. This works out to be almost double my pay, because nearly everyone tips. And the tipping is good. It’s an underrated part of the job, for sure. 💸

If you’re looking to really maximize your supplemental income potential, then you have to consider the food delivery wins.

If You’re on the Lookout for Less Boring Work… Food Delivery Driver

As a food delivery driver, your boy is going places. I mean, I’ve lived in my current city for nearly six years, but I’m still somehow exploring parts unknown.

I deliver to college campuses, mansions, boathouses, campgrounds, and even a golf course once. It adds a real sense of adventure to my “work”. So, if you’re looking for a little of that, too–food delivery has you covered.

So yeah, this isn’t technically a direct check in the box for earning potential, but going to new places helps keep things interesting, so I end up pulling more hours by default.

And the Ultimate Winner is… Food Delivery Driver

While there is definitely value in working for Amazon, the earning potential and benefits of being a food delivery driver definitely tip the scales. Between earning base pay + 100% of tips, the freedom to make my own schedule, and work that includes a little adventure, food delivery drivers can definitely make more money.

If you’re considering a career switch or even a side hustle, take my thoughts for what they're worth. Being a food delivery driver really suits me and my personality, and I’ve got no plans to quit while I’m ahead.