Jobs Like Instacart That Actually Pay Well (Better Alternatives to Try)

Looking for jobs like Instacart that let you earn money on your own schedule? You’re not alone. Gig economy apps have made it easier than ever to get paid for shopping, delivering, or running simple errands using just your phone and a car. While Instacart is one of the most popular grocery delivery apps, it’s far from the only option.

Whether you want flexible side income, a weekend hustle, or a full time alternative to a traditional job, there are plenty of apps similar to Instacart that pay you to shop, deliver, or complete local tasks. Some offer higher payouts, better bonuses, or less competition depending on your area.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best jobs like Instacart, how they compare, how much you can realistically earn, and which apps are worth your time if you want fast, flexible cash.

Best Delivery App Jobs Like Instacart

If you wanted more ways to search for gig economy opportunities, here are some highly-rated delivery app jobs like Instacart:

Our Pick for 2026
4.5
5.0
  • Earn $100-$180 per day
  • Pay varies
Our Pick for 2026
4.5
  • Earn $100-$180 per day

1. DoorDash

doordash

Available in over 4,000 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, DoorDash is about connecting people with possibilities: bigger savings accounts, wider nets, stronger communities, and happier days. This gig economy app empowers local businesses and local drivers (called Dashers) with opportunities to earn, work, and live. As a Dasher, you can be your own boss and enjoy the flexibility of choosing when, where, and how much you earn. All you need is a mode of transportation and a smartphone to start making money. It’s that simple.

Download:

2. Uber Eats

uber eats delivery

You probably already know about this popular gig economy app. A lot of people compare DoorDash and Uber Eats because they’re so similar. But Uber Eats is available in hundreds of cities worldwide. Now you can make money by delivering food orders that people crave using the Uber Eats app—all while exploring your city. You must meet the minimum age to drive in your city, have an eligible mode of transportation, and submit required documents, including a valid driver’s license. Drivers in the US must also pass a background screening and have at least one year of licensed driving experience.

Download:

3. Amazon Flex

amazon flex

Once you’ve downloaded the app and set up your account, you can look for delivery opportunities that are convenient for you. Open the Amazon Flex app to search for available delivery blocks in your area. With every offer, you’ll see your expected earnings and how long your block is likely to take you to complete. You can also mark yourself as available in the app to qualify for instant offers. There are a lot of jobs like Amazon Flex to consider as well.

Download: Please note, the app is available for download from the Get Started page after you enter information about your delivery location

4. Postmates

postmates

Postmates is one of the most popular on-demand delivery apps in the US. Here, you can deliver anything from a cup of coffee from Starbucks to a new PS5. Postmates partners with stores all over the country to make deliveries to people’s homes. Download the free Postmates Fleet app for iOS or Android and come online whenever you want to make money.

Download:

5. Shipt

shipt

Shipt is a membership-based grocery marketplace, enabling delivery of fresh foods and household essentials. Experienced shoppers make an average of $22/hr and paychecks are delivered every week. You can also check out other jobs like Shipt to get paid to shop.

Download:

6. Favor

At Favor, you can deliver anything. Favor runners deliver anything to customers in need: tacos, groceries, dry cleaning, you name it! They are considered personal assistants, not delivery drivers. You can receive 100% of your tip and all scheduled hours have minimum guaranteed earnings, though most runners average between $10 to $18 per hour.

Download:

6. Bellhops

bellhops

One gig economy job for those who don’t mind helping people move is becoming a mover with Bellhop. Here you can enjoy a job where you can set your own hours and feel proud about what you did with them. Make up to $21 an hour, including tips and bonuses. Get paid weekly, and earn even more for referrals.

Download:

7. Grubhub

grubhub

With Grubhub, it’s easy to earn competitive pay, keep 100% of your tips and create your own flexible schedule delivering food. You can earn $12 per hour on average by selecting bocks to indicate when you want to work. It’s easy to get started and you just have to be over 19 years old, pass a background check, and have a state ID.

Download:

8. Caviar

caviar

Caviar is a part of DoorDash. When you sign up, you’ll join the fleet of independent couriers, called Dashers. Through DoorDash, you can receive either Caviar or DoorDash delivery opportunities. DoorDash offers businesses and Dashers opportunities to earn, work, and live. As a Dasher, you’re your own boss. You choose when, where, and how much you earn.

Download:

    Best On-Demand Rideshare Apps

    If you wanted more ways to search for gig economy opportunities, here are some highly-rated on-demand rideshare apps:

    9. Lyft

    Lyft is a platform that connects drivers with individuals and organizations that need rides. They know this is a challenging time, and as the COVID-19 crisis continues the well-being of Lyft drivers is the company’s priority. You can visit Lyft’s site to learn what steps they are taking to support drivers, and how they are finding new opportunities for them to earn while helping their communities.

    Download:

    10. Uber

    uber

    You probably already know about this popular gig economy app. Uber is available in hundreds of cities worldwide. You must meet the minimum age to drive in your city, have an eligible mode of transportation, and submit required documents, including a valid driver’s license. Drivers in the US must also pass a background screening and have at least one year of licensed driving experience. If you want to drive with Uber but need a car, you can get a car from one of Uber’s vehicle partners or from a fleet partner in select markets. Please note that vehicle options may vary by city.

    Download:

    11. HopSkipDrive

    hopskipdrive

    Becoming a CareDriver is a great way set your own hours, support our future generations, and get paid. CareDrivers earn up to $32 per hour, plus bonuses.

    Download:

    12. Wingz

    wingz

    Wingz is a peer-to-peer marketplace that connects passengers with their personal driver. Rides are pre-scheduled, door-to-door and flat-rate. Passengers can rebook their favorite driver using the Wingz mobile app, website or toll-free number. Payments and tips are processed by credit card. Whether you want to drive full time or part time, Wingz lets you manage your schedule and accept the rides you want to provide.

    Download:

    Apps to Make Make With Your Car

    You can also find ways to make money with your car besides delivering food or becoming a rideshare driver:

    13. Dolly

    dolly

    Join Dolly and use your truck, trailer, van or just your hands to get paid working whenever you choose. You can make $30/hr or more if you have a pickup truck, cargo van, or box truck and can lift over 75 lbs. Or you simply make $15/hr or more if you own a car and can lift over 75 lbs to assist helpers.

    Download:

    14. Getaround

    getaround

    Turn your car into a second paycheck with no driving necessary. You’re paid monthly. Earn $1,000s per year actively sharing your parked car.

    Download:

    15. Turo

    turo

    List your car for free on Turo to make money in the gig economy. Share your truck, sports car, or anything in between. Listing takes about 10 minutes and is free — no sign-up charges, no monthly fees. Lay your own ground rules and customize when your car is available. Set your own daily price, or let Turo automatically adjust your price to maximize your earnings. When a guest books your car, you’ll confirm where and how to hand over the keys before the trip. Check your guest in with the Turo app, then sit back and relax until the trip is over.

    Download:

    Final Thoughts on Jobs Like Instacart

    Jobs like Instacart have opened the door to flexible income in a way traditional jobs simply cannot match. Whether you prefer grocery shopping, food delivery, ridesharing, or using your car in other creative ways, the gig economy offers plenty of options to earn money on your own terms. The key is finding the apps that fit your schedule, location, and income goals while being realistic about expenses like gas, vehicle wear, and taxes.

    For some people, jobs like Instacart work best as a side hustle to supplement a full time job. For others, combining multiple delivery and rideshare apps can create a steady source of income with total schedule control. There is no one size fits all approach, which is exactly why exploring different gig apps is so important.

    If you are willing to stay organized, track your earnings, and choose opportunities strategically, jobs like Instacart can be a flexible and practical way to earn money in today’s gig driven economy. Start with one or two apps, test what works best in your area, and build from there.

    Brian Meiggs
    Brian Meiggs
    Brian Meiggs is a personal finance expert, and the founder of BeerMoney, a personal blog helping you make extra beermoney online. He helps readers increase their earning potential and start earning extra income online. He regularly writes about side hustles, gig work, and the gig economy aimed to help anyone earn more, pay off debt, and even reach financial freedom. He has been quoted as a top personal finance blogger in major publications including Insider, Yahoo! Finance, NASDAQ, Discover, MSN Money and more.
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