Working as an Amazon delivery driver is one of the most accessible ways to start earning fast in your area.
This job offers competitive pay, flexible schedules, and opportunities for long-term growth within Amazon’s logistics network.
In this guide, you’ll learn the current pay rates, hiring requirements, and everything you need to know before applying.
What Does an Amazon Delivery Driver Do?
Amazon delivery drivers play a key role in keeping packages moving from warehouses to customers’ doors.
You’re responsible for handling deliveries efficiently, safely, and on time each day.
- Deliver Packages: Pick up parcels from Amazon delivery stations and drop them off at customers within your assigned route.
- Plan Routes: Follow pre-set GPS routes provided by Amazon’s system to ensure quick and accurate deliveries.
- Handle Packages Carefully: Load, unload, and scan packages to keep track of every item in your delivery batch.
- Meet Daily Targets: Complete a set number of stops or deliveries each day, depending on the route.
- Follow Safety Rules: Drive responsibly and follow all traffic and delivery safety guidelines.
- Provide Customer Service: Be polite and professional when interacting with customers at their doors.
- Use Amazon Tools: Operate the delivery app to confirm deliveries, get route updates, and report issues in real time.
Pay Rate for Amazon Delivery Drivers
Knowing how much Amazon drivers earn helps you plan your expectations before applying.
Pay varies by region, experience, and whether you work as an employee or an independent contractor.
- Hourly Pay: Most Amazon delivery drivers earn $18–$25 per hour, depending on their route and workload.
- Average Rate: The general average is around $20.18 per hour, according to recent job reports.
- Annual Salary: Full-time drivers usually make between $34,000 and $50,000 per year.
- DSP Drivers: Drivers employed by Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) can earn about $44,000–$54,000 annually.
- Independent Contractors: Amazon Flex drivers are paid per delivery block but must cover their fuel and vehicle costs.
- Location Impact: Drivers in large cities often earn more than those in rural areas due to delivery volume.
- Bonuses: Some regions offer performance bonuses or seasonal incentives during peak periods.
- Expenses: If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to budget for insurance, maintenance, and taxes.
Hiring Requirements
Before you apply to be a delivery driver, you should know the main hiring requirements. These help you decide if you’re eligible and what you need to prepare.
- Minimum age: You must be at least 21 years old in many regions.
- Valid driver’s license: A current, valid driver’s license is required.
- Clean driving record: Good driving history is often checked.
- Eligible vehicle (for contractors): If you’re self-employed or doing gig work, you may need a mid-size sedan or larger vehicle with insurance.
- Proof of eligibility to work: You must be legally authorized to work in your country (citizen or work permit).
- Fitness for physical demands: Ability to lift packages and handle a full day of deliveries.
- Smartphone & tech ability: You’ll often use apps or devices during deliveries, so you need basic tech skills.
- Background check: Many roles require passing a criminal background and/or employment history check.
How to Apply
The application process is straightforward if you have everything ready. Follow these steps to apply for a delivery driver job with Amazon or its partners.
- Search for open roles: Visit the official Amazon jobs site or local DSP (Delivery Service Partner) listings to find delivery driver jobs near you.
- Fill out the online application: Complete the required form, upload your resume, and answer eligibility questions.
- Pass the screening process: You may undergo a driving record check, background check, and vehicle inspection (if required for contractors).
- Attend orientation or training: After acceptance, attend onboarding to learn route procedures, safety rules and use of delivery tools.
- Start your route: Once training is complete and you’re cleared, you begin your deliveries and get paid.
Work Schedule and Hours
You need to know what kind of hours and schedule you’re signing up for before applying.
This section outlines typical work shifts and flexibility options.
- Start times: Many delivery shifts start early in the morning, between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., or around 7 a.m.
- Shift length: Full-time shifts often last 8-10 hours or more, depending on route size and workload.
- Part-time/flex options: Some roles allow you to work as few as 4 hours per week, especially with flexible-schedule programs.
- Weekend & holiday shifts: Extra hours and weekend shifts may be available, especially during busy seasons.
- Variation by partner company: Start and end times depend on the specific delivery service partner you work with.
Safety and Work Conditions
Your safety and the conditions you’ll work in are essential to check before you apply.
This section highlights what you should expect and what to watch out for.
- Safety Training: Drivers go through safety training, including delivery-vehicle and route procedures.
- Vehicle Safety Tech: Company vans may include advanced safety features like collision warnings, side-object detection, and speed limiters.
- Route & Load Challenges: You’ll face variable traffic, weather, and delivery loads that impact safety and pace.
- Fatigue Risk: Long hours or tight schedules increase the risk of fatigue and accidents.
- Hazard Recognition: You may encounter unsafe conditions (narrow streets, heavy packages, adverse weather) and must respond appropriately.
- Reporting Mechanisms: There are systems in place to allow drivers to report safety concerns or hazards in the work environment.
- Work Conditions Variation: Conditions vary by region, contractor company, and vehicle type; always check local specifics.
Benefits and Challenges
Before applying, it’s essential to understand what makes this job rewarding and what can be demanding.
These lists highlight the key advantages and challenges of working as an Amazon delivery driver.
Benefits
- Stable Pay and Job Demand: Amazon’s delivery network continues to expand, ensuring consistent work and steady income.
- Flexible Hours and Independence: You can choose shifts that fit your schedule and work independently throughout the day.
- Opportunities for Growth: With experience, drivers can move into lead, dispatch, or operations roles.
- Active Work Routine: The job keeps you physically active by combining driving and movement rather than having you sit all day.
- Bonuses and Overtime: Some regions offer extra pay during holidays, peak seasons, or for strong performance.
Challenges
- Physical and Time Pressure: You’ll lift, walk, and drive for long hours under strict delivery targets.
- Weather and Traffic: Drivers must manage routes in heavy traffic, rain, or heat, which can slow down deliveries.
- Vehicle Wear and Costs: If you use your own vehicle, you’ll cover fuel, maintenance, and insurance expenses.
- Limited Breaks: Busy routes can reduce rest time, especially on high-volume delivery days.
- High Responsibility: You must keep packages safe, meet delivery times, and maintain customer satisfaction under pressure.
Tips for Getting Hired Fast
To get hired quickly as a delivery driver, preparation matters. These quick tips help you stand out and move through hiring faster.
- Keep your driving record clean: Fewer violations make you a safer candidate.
- Tailor your resume: Highlight driving skills, reliability, and flexible availability.
- Be ready for interviews: Discuss your schedule, service skills, and delivery goals.
- Show flexibility: Willingness to work mornings, weekends, or peak times helps.
- Check your vehicle and tools: Ensure your car or devices meet company standards.
- Apply early: Early applicants often move faster when demand is high.
Final Takeaway
Working as an Amazon delivery driver offers a reliable income, flexible hours, and room to grow in logistics.
By understanding the pay rates, requirements, and career paths, you can apply with confidence and start earning fast.
Take the next step today—visit the official Amazon Jobs site and start your application to become a delivery driver near you.
