With the rise of the gig economy, more people than ever are turning to flexible, app-based work to supplement their income or even make a living. Among the most popular gig platforms is Instacart, which allows shoppers to purchase groceries for customers and deliver them right to their doorsteps. However, a common question asked by current and prospective shoppers alike is: how much do Instacart shoppers actually make in 2025? The answer, as with many gig economy jobs, isn’t one-size-fits-all—but it’s more transparent and data-driven than ever before.
TLDR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)
In 2025, Instacart shoppers in the U.S. typically make between $18 to $25 per hour, depending on location, time of day, shopper experience, and type of orders. Factors like batch bonuses, tips, and promotions significantly affect earnings. Full-time, high-performing shoppers in busy metro areas can earn over $1,000 weekly. However, expenses like gas, maintenance, and taxes must be considered since shoppers are classified as independent contractors.
How Instacart Shopper Pay Works in 2025
To understand how much Instacart shoppers make, it’s crucial to understand how their pay is calculated:
- Base Pay: A flat rate provided by Instacart per batch (a group of one or more orders).
- Tip: Customers are encouraged to tip via the app, and 100% of the tips go directly to the shopper.
- Boosts & Promotions: These are additional bonuses offered during high-demand periods or in under-served zones.
Instacart has enhanced its pay transparency in 2025, now providing a detailed earnings breakdown with every batch offer. Shoppers can see not only the estimated payout but also time estimates and item counts, offering more strategic control of which batches they choose to accept.
Average Hourly Earnings Across the Country
Earnings vary significantly based on geographic location. In 2025, here’s a look at the average earnings data collected from shoppers in various U.S. cities:
| City | Avg. Hourly Earnings |
|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $24 – $30 |
| Chicago, IL | $20 – $26 |
| Atlanta, GA | $19 – $25 |
| Houston, TX | $18 – $23 |
| Orlando, FL | $17 – $21 |
It’s clear that busier cities with denser populations and larger order volumes offer greater income potential. However, they can also be more competitive and demanding environments in which to work.
Full-Service vs. In-Store Shoppers
In 2025, Instacart continues to offer two main shopper roles, each with different earning potential:
- Full-Service Shoppers: These are independent contractors who shop and deliver groceries. They control their own schedules and tend to earn more due to tips and bonuses.
- In-Store Shoppers: These are part-time employees who only shop but do not deliver. Usually paid a fixed hourly wage—typically around $15 to $17 per hour, depending on local minimum wage laws.
Most of the high-earning data refers to full-service shoppers, who make up the bulk of Instacart’s driver network.
Expenses That Affect Net Earnings
Because full-service shoppers are classified as independent contractors, it’s important to consider the following expenses which they are responsible for:
- Gas and vehicle maintenance
- Auto insurance
- Self-employment taxes
- Smartphone and data usage
These costs can eat into the profit margin. According to a 2025 survey of active full-service shoppers, average weekly costs ranged from $50 to $120, depending on how many batches they completed and how far they traveled.
Impact of Tipping and Customer Behavior
Tips remain a sizable part of a shopper’s income. In some cases, over 50% of a shopper’s earnings may come from customer tips. Instacart has improved its in-app tipping prompt by defaulting to a percentage-based tip model, which many report has increased average tip amounts.
The average tip in 2025 sits around 15% of the order value, with higher percentages more frequent for complicated or large batch orders. Shoppers who offer timely, accurate service and good communication often receive better ratings and tips, contributing to higher-order acceptance preference by the app.
Strategies to Maximize Earnings
Success as an Instacart Shopper doesn’t come just from accepting every order. Many experienced shoppers use specific strategies to boost their earnings:
- Work During Peak Hours: Evenings, weekends, and holidays tend to have higher demand and more bonuses.
- Master Specific Stores: Knowing the layout improves efficiency and enables more batches per day.
- Stack Small Orders: Combining smaller deliveries in nearby areas reduces driving time and fuel usage.
- Maintain a High Rating: Top-rated shoppers often receive priority on higher-paying batches.
Real Shopper Testimonials
“I usually work about 40 hours per week in Los Angeles, and I bring in close to $1,100 before expenses,” says Carla R., a shopper since 2022. “Planning my batches smartly and avoiding long-distance deliveries really helped increase my hourly rate.”
“I do Instacart on weekends only, maybe 8-10 hours total, and I make around $200 to $250. It’s fun money for me,” adds Marcus T. from Philadelphia. “I pick the orders that are super local and packed with tips.”
The Future of Gig Earnings and Market Dynamics
As of 2025, the gig economy landscape is evolving rapidly. New variants of “gig unionization” discussions and legislative efforts around worker classification are ongoing. However, Instacart remains committed to flexible earning opportunities while refining how shoppers are rewarded.
Integration with AI-powered logistics has allowed smarter batch assignments, better route planning, and stronger earning consistency. Additionally, optional shopper health and retirement benefit programs are now available through third-party partners, providing more professional stability in gig roles.
Conclusion: Is Shopping for Instacart Worth It in 2025?
Instacart continues to be a viable income stream for many independent workers. Whether as a full-time job or a supplemental side hustle, many shoppers are able to earn between $18 to $25+ per hour, and some even more with the right strategy and location.
That said, like any gig job, success hinges on effort, planning, and an understanding of both the platform and local market trends. Factoring in expenses and taxes is critical to truly understand what one brings home.
If you’re looking for flexible hours, daily payouts, and customer interaction, Instacart remains one of the better gig choices available in 2025.
