There’s a reason people taking part in the gig economy are called independent contractors — they’re free to work when they want and earn money on their own terms. Some gig workers make so much money with
side hustles like content creation that they turn them into full-time jobs. Others use their time to bring in a little extra money for living expenses or to
pay down student loans.
Instacart is one of the most popular options for anyone who wants
flexible, on-demand work, and you don’t need many skills to get started. But how much do Instacart shoppers make?
We’ll walk you through the details to help you decide if working for Instacart is worth it for you.
What is Instacart?
Instacart is an on-demand grocery delivery service that connects people with personal shoppers who handpick and deliver orders straight to the customer’s door. It could be a small, last-minute purchase like kitty litter or batteries, or it might be a full week’s worth of groceries for a family of five.
So how does Instacart work? It’s pretty simple: Customers place orders through the Instacart app, choosing from major grocery chains, local markets, and even big-box retailers. Instacart shoppers then receive the order details, head to the store, and select each item. Once the shopper checks out, they either deliver the items to the customer or leave them at the store’s designated pickup area for curbside pickup.
How much can you make on Instacart?
Instacart pay isn’t one-size-fits-all — it depends on things like order size, location, and how many requests are coming in through the Instacart app. Shoppers earn through base pay, tips, and batch bonuses, and those can add up fast.
The base pay per batch (which might include multiple orders) typically falls between $7 and $10, but your earnings increase for bigger or more complicated orders. Since 100% of tips go to the Instacart shopper, great service often equals extra cash. Plus, Instacart sometimes offers bonuses for working peak hours or completing multiple batches.
There are also several ways to work for Instacart, depending on how much flexibility you want:
Full-service shopper. These shoppers handle everything from picking items to delivering them. Since Instacart shoppers are independent contractors, they set their own hours and get paid per batch, plus tips.
In-store shopper. This is more of a traditional W-2 job. In-store shoppers aren’t independent contractors — they’re Instacart employees who work scheduled shifts. They get paid an hourly wage to shop for the orders but don’t have to worry about delivery.
Delivery-only driver. Some areas have a delivery-only option, where an Instacart driver picks up pre-packed orders from the store and drops them off. Being an Instacart driver is a good option if you’d rather focus on delivering.
Flexibility is a big part of why so many people turn to Instacart. Whether you treat it as a
side hustle or a full-time job, it’s possible to become an Instacart shopper on a schedule that works for you.
You'll need to meet a few basic requirements before you can start earning money. Here’s what it takes to become an Instacart shopper:
Be at least 18 years old. The minimum age to shop for Instacart in every state is 18. Some states allow alcohol delivery, but you’ll have to be 21+ to accept those orders.
Have a smartphone. You’ll need an iPhone (iOS 14 or later) or an Android (5.0 or later) to run the
Instacart Shopper app.
Pass a background check. Instacart will screen your background to check your criminal history and driving records (if you’re a full-service shopper or Instacart driver).
Be able to lift at least 30 pounds. Shoppers sometimes get orders for bulk items like cases of water or even heavy non-grocery items like TVs.
Have a bank account for direct deposit. Instacart pays weekly, but full-service shoppers and Instacart drivers can also cash out earnings instantly.
Have a reliable car and valid driver’s license. This requirement only applies to shoppers who deliver orders. In bigger cities, you might also have the option to deliver by bike. For bike delivery, there’s no driver’s license or vehicle insurance required.
How to become an Instacart shopper
Ready to learn how to work for Instacart? Follow these steps.
1. Create an account and download the Instacart Shopper app
Head to the Instacart website or download the Instacart Shopper app (available on iOS and Android). You’ll need to provide basic info like your name, phone number, and location.
2. Complete the application and background check
Instacart will ask for details like your driver’s license (if you’re doing deliveries) and banking info for direct deposit. All Instacart shoppers have to clear the background check before getting started, and if you’re a delivery driver, Instacart will make sure your driving record doesn’t have any major offenses like DUIs or excessive speeding.
3. Attend an in-person orientation (for in-store shoppers only)
If you’re signing up as an in-store Instacart shopper, you may need to attend a paid orientation session at your local store to go over job expectations and training. Full-service Instacart shoppers and delivery drivers can skip this step.
4. Fill out the paperwork
Whether you’re an independent contractor or an Instacart employee (aka in-store shopper), you’ll need to sign agreements and tax forms — either a W-9 or W-2 — before you can start working.
5. Register your Instacart payment card
Instacart shoppers get a prepaid debit card to use when paying for customer orders. You’ll need to activate it in the Instagram Shopper app before you can accept your first batch.
Once you’re approved and set up, you can log into the Instagram Shopper app, accept orders, and start earning money. Full-service Instacart shoppers and delivery drivers have total control over their schedules. If you choose that route, you can work, take breaks, and vacation whenever you want.
How do Instacart shoppers get paid?
Instacart pays shoppers through direct deposit. But how often you get your earnings will depend on the type of shopper you are and which payout option you choose. Here’s what those options look like.
What you need to know about taxes
There’s one important thing anyone who’s considering joining the gig economy needs to keep in mind: taxes. If you’re an independent contractor, you won’t have an employer to withhold taxes from your earnings — which means it’s up to you.
The good news? You can deduct business expenses to lower your taxable income. These are some of the most common tax write-offs for Instacart shoppers.
Keeping good records of your earnings and expenses should make tax season much easier (and could help you keep more of your hard-earned money). Self-employment taxes can get complicated, so consult a tax professional to make sure you’re maximizing deductions without trying to write off too much.
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