How Much Do Pizza Delivery Drivers Make per Year?

As a seasoned pizza delivery driver, I can provide some insights into the earnings potential in this profession. Over the course of a year and two months, I earned around $30,000, with daily earnings ranging from $60 to $75. There are instances where earnings can spike to as high as $175, but there are also days when earnings are as low as $11. Some people do report earning over $200 or even $300, though this hasn't been my personal experience. On average, I've made over $100 on around 20 to 30 nights.

Factors Influencing Earnings

The amount of earnings a pizza delivery driver can make primarily depends on the tipping practices and the location of the business. An average starting wage is around $12 per hour, factoring in tips. However, this varies depending on the region, and the specific location and cost of the food being delivered. For a standard 8-hour shift, a delivery driver can potentially earn around $96 before tips if the tipping rate is consistent at around $12 per hour. In some areas, the local minimum wage is lower, which can affect the base pay.

Examples from My Experience

When I worked for Domino’s in Washington State from 2004 to 2007, I earned about my base pay in tips. At the time, the minimum wage was around $8 per hour. This meant an additional $48 in tips for a 6-hour shift. However, at Pizza Hut, I only earned less than half of my earnings in tips, which could have been a result of various factors including the proximity of the location and franchise policy.

Additional Considerations

One of the major drawbacks of the job is the wear and tear it puts on your vehicle. You can easily rack up 30,000 miles in a year, as some other drivers do. For me, I only worked part-time, resulting in fewer miles at around 20,000. But the extra distance and wear and tear can be significant, especially if you have other responsibilities and expenses.

Popularity of Certain Pizza Chains

When it comes to specific pizza chains, Domino’s was known for its ‘three-for-five’ deal in my area. This deal offered three medium, one-topping pizzas for just $5 each, including tax and delivery. I delivered this order so much that I could remember the total price, which was $18.46. Most people in my town preferred Domino’s for this reason. Pizza Hut, on the other hand, had a slight edge with its stuffed crust option. However, the key to earning more as a pizza delivery driver is to be in a popular area with high demand.

Conclusion

While you won’t get rich as a pizza delivery driver, this job provides a steady income. It's important to do your research to understand the earning potential in the specific area where you plan to work. Additionally, building a reputation for fast and reliable service can help you earn more tips and potentially higher wages.