Gig Worker Net Hourly Calculator
Stop confusing Gross Revenue with Take-Home Pay. Find out exactly what your time and car are worth.
The Golden Breakdown
If you gross $25/hr on the app, your true net hourly take-home is typically closer to $13 to $16/hr.
Quarterly Tax Estimator
Check how much of your weekly profit needs to be set aside for taxes.
Cost Per Mile Tool
Test whether your vehicle is strong enough for gig work at your mileage level.
Multi-App Strategy
Learn how drivers turn weak idle time into stronger hourly pay.
Explore the Decision Toolkit
Use the tools first, then open city pages only after you know what question you are trying to answer.
Uber Calculator
Run your own after-expenses estimate with your real miles and hours.
Uber After Expenses
Read the plain-English earnings breakdown before you trust gross payout numbers.
Quarterly Tax Estimator
Estimate the self-employment tax hit before it surprises you.
Cost Per Mile
Check whether your car is quietly wiping out your hourly wage.
Uber Coverage Guide
Check where Uber actually operates before you compare markets.
Top 5 FAQs: Gig Work Economics
1. Why is "Net Hourly" lower than local minimum wage?
Gig drivers are independent contractors, meaning the app company (Uber, DoorDash, Lyft) is not required to guarantee local minimum wage. After funding your own gas, car maintenance, and self-employment taxes, your actual net margin can drop significantly depending on city traffic.
2. How is Net Profit calculated mathematically?
Modeled take-home = gross earnings minus miles driven × the current $0.76 IRS mileage proxy, then an estimated SE-tax calculation on 92.35% of the remaining profit. Divide by total online/work hours, not only active app hours.
3. Does taking $3 orders ever make mathematical sense?
Rarely. In a $3 order, you spend time picking up and dropping off. Even if it takes only 15 minutes and 2 miles round trip, the depreciation and gas (2 miles x 76¢ per mile ($0.76), effective July 1, 2026 ) wipes out half the earnings before factoring in taxes or your time.
4. Can I write off my car payment instead of mileage?
Taxpayers generally choose between the standard mileage method and eligible actual vehicle expenses for a vehicle and tax year. The better method depends on your eligibility and records; compare both with a qualified tax professional.
5. Do I count time spent waiting for orders/rides?
Yes! The apps only show "Active Hours" (when you have a passenger/food), which inflates your hourly wage. If you left home at 5 PM and returned at 10 PM, your divisor is 5 hours, regardless of whether you spent 2 hours parked in a lot waiting for a ping.