Before becoming a UPS delivery driver, you must know how much current drivers make or earn. Aside from helping you know what to expect, this knowledge helps with salary negotiations.
How much a UPS delivery driver makes is not fixed. This is because different factors determine their earning. However, in the U.S., UPS delivery drivers earn an average of about $19 per hour.
Moving forward, this guide covers how much UPS delivery drivers make in the U.S., factors that affect their earnings, and the work hours required. You will also learn about the perks and downsides of being a delivery driver and how and when they get paid.
How Much Does a UPS Delivery Driver Make?
On average, a UPS delivery driver earns up to $19 per hour in the U.S. This value can increase to about $38 per hour or as low as $7 per hour, depending on your location and experience.
Aside from your earnings, the role features perks such as health insurance, pension or retirement plans, and paid time off.
Factors Affecting How Much a UPS Delivery Driver Earns
1. Location
In the U.S., UPS delivery drivers in the West Coast and Northeast tend to earn more than those in the Midwest or Southeast. This is why drivers located in New York, California, and Washington earn better than those in Alabama, Kentucky, and Michigan.
2. Experience
Experience also plays a crucial role in how much a UPS driver earns hourly and annually. Most new drivers begin with an hourly rate of around $18 to $19. With time, this should increase to about $21 per hour.
Drivers with a year or more experience can expect to start with an hourly earning of $20 to $25 per hour. This should increase to about $30 with time.
3. Service option
Aside from being a regular UPS delivery driver, there are other driving positions (with better monthly pay) you can consider. They include:
| Position | Average Hourly Earning | Average Monthly Earning |
| Owner Operator Delivery Driver | $119.84 | $249,257 |
| Home Delivery Driver | $46.03 | $95,748 |
| Regional Delivery Driver | $42.91 | $89,250 |
| Regional Class C Driver | $42.91 | $89,25 |
Perks & Downsides of Being a UPS Delivery Driver
Perks
Aside from earning a competitive salary, UPS guarantees you the following:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Performance bonuses
- Paid toll fees
- Employee discount
Downsides
This role:
- It can be physically demanding
- Feature an unpredictable work schedule
- Requires you to spend most time alone
- Has its risks – accidents, and theft.
How and When Do UPS Delivery Drivers Get Paid?
UPS pays its drivers and most employees every Thursday via direct deposit, depending on the method chosen by the driver or employee.
New drivers should note that their first payment or check will only arrive after the first week of employment. For example, if you were employed on Tuesday, you won’t be paid until the Thursday of the following week.
Becoming a UPS Delivery Driver
To be considered fit for this role, you must:
- Be 21 years old or above.
- Own a valid driver’s license. You do not need a commercial driver’s license.
- Undergo physical training and assessments.
- Exhibit excellent truck driving and customer service skills.
- Own a U.S. work permit.
- Be able to lift at least 70 pounds.
Aside from this, you will learn how to navigate the UPS routing system and other tools for successful daily deliveries. UPS will also train you on driving techniques such as proper shifting and backing up.
FAQs
How many hours do UPS drivers work?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations, delivery drivers should drive for a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours of rest. This is why packages are delivered between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
How much tax do UPS drivers pay?
The minimum tax you can expect to pay as a UPS driver is 12%. Most times, higher earnings attract heavy taxes.
How many packages does a UPS driver deliver a day?
UPS drivers average about 225 or more deliveries daily.
How much do Amazon delivery drivers make?
On average, most Amazon drivers earn between $18 to $25 per hour. Factors like location, tip, and turnaround also affect their overall earnings.
Conclusion
There is no fixed fee for how much UPS delivery drivers earn. This is because several factors determine their hourly and overall annual earnings.
Nevertheless, a UPS driver in the U.S. should earn up to $19/hour on average. This can increase to up to $30/hour if the driver services areas like New York and California or is very experienced.
On the other hand, drivers can earn less than the average in locations like Michigan and Illinois or are new to the role.
I hope you found this guide helpful. You should also see what time UPS delivers in your area.
Thanks for reading.
