10 Best Jobs Like Instacart for Flexible Work and Good Pay

Are you looking for flexible work that pays well? Jobs like Instacart can be a fantastic way to earn additional income through grocery, package, or food delivery services, and there are numerous alternatives that provide similar or even better benefits.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore ten popular alternatives to Instacart, comparing key factors like hourly pay, requirements, and more. Whether you’re interested in delivering food, packages, groceries, or even alcohol, these delivery jobs offer opportunities for flexible hours, great pay, and the ability to be your own boss.

What is Instacart?

Before we dive into jobs like Instacart, let’s quickly recap what Instacart is. Instacart is a grocery delivery app that lets customers order from local stores and get their items delivered by an Instacart shopper.

As an Instacart shopper, you can choose to be a full-service or in-store shopper:

• Full-service shoppers are independent contractors who shop and deliver orders
• In-store shoppers are part-time employees who only shop orders within one store

Instacart shoppers can earn $12-$20/hour on average. The exact pay depends on the order size, driving distance, and any tips. Not a bad gig!

1. DoorDash

DoorDash is one of the most well-known food delivery services in the U.S., offering the opportunity to deliver food from restaurants to customers.

Key Features of DoorDash:

• Average Pay: Dashers can make about $20 per hour, with higher earnings possible during peak hours.
• Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old with access to a car, scooter, or bike.
• Tips: Drivers keep 100% of their tips, and DoorDash offers challenges and bonuses to boost earnings.

Pros:

• High earning potential, especially during promotions or high demand.
• Wide availability in over 4,000 cities.

Cons:

• Competition for orders can be tough in some areas, especially during off-peak hours.

2. Shipt

Shipt, owned by Target, provides grocery delivery services across more than 5,000 cities. Similar to Instacart, Shipt shoppers pick up groceries and deliver them to customers.

How Shipt Compares:

• Average Pay: Between $16-$22 per hour.
• Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old and have a vehicle from 1997 or newer.
• Pros and Cons: Flexible schedule and the option to shop at multiple stores, but popular time slots fill up quickly.

Shipt is highly similar to Instacart, making it a great additional option if you enjoy grocery shopping and want to maximize your earnings by signing up for multiple platforms.

3. Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex allows gig workers to deliver packages from Amazon, Prime Now, and even Whole Foods.

What Makes Amazon Flex Unique:

• Average Pay: Drivers make between $18-$25 per hour.
• Requirements: Must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license, and have a mid-size or larger vehicle.
• Working Style: Work in pre-scheduled delivery blocks (typically 3-6 hours).

Amazon Flex is best for individuals who have a larger vehicle and are comfortable working in shifts. This job is a great way to make money delivering a variety of items, not just groceries or food.

4. Postmates

Postmates, now part of Uber Eats, offers on-demand delivery for a wide range of products—food, alcohol, office supplies, and more.

Postmates Benefits:

• Average Pay: Up to $25 per hour during peak times.
• Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old, and can deliver using a car, scooter, bike, or on foot.
• Pros: You keep 100% of tips, and there’s a flexible daily payout option.

Why Postmates? If you want variety in what you deliver, Postmates offers the chance to earn from multiple product types—not just food. This diversity can be beneficial for keeping deliveries interesting and maximizing your income.

5. Grubhub

Grubhub is another well-established platform for delivering food to customers. It’s available in more than 4,000 cities across the United States.

Grubhub Quick Facts:

• Average Pay: Around $13 per hour.
• Requirements: Must be at least 19 years old with a car and valid driver’s license, plus have at least two years of driving experience.
• Flexible Schedule: You can set your working hours, but Grubhub operates in time blocks.

While Grubhub may have slightly lower average pay compared to other services, it’s still a viable option, especially in high-demand areas.

6. Gopuff

Gopuff delivers items from their own micro-fulfillment centers, providing snacks, alcohol, and household essentials.

Why Gopuff Stands Out:

• Average Pay: $18 per hour.
• Delivery Structure: Instead of picking up items from various stores, drivers collect orders from Gopuff locations, saving time and boosting efficiency.
• Requirements: Must be 21 years or older and have a valid driver’s license.

Pros:

• Consistent pick-up locations reduce driving time, leading to more deliveries and potentially higher earnings.

7. Favor Delivery

Favor is a Texas-based service that offers local deliveries, including groceries, food, and more. If you live in Texas, this could be a fantastic gig opportunity.

Key Points:

• Average Pay: $10-$18 per hour, with guaranteed minimum earnings in some cities.
• Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old, and delivery can be done via car, bike, or scooter.
• Payment Schedule: Favor offers daily pay if you need quick access to your earnings.

Favor might be limited geographically, but it offers flexibility and a straightforward payment structure for those within Texas.

8. Caviar

Caviar, owned by DoorDash, partners with upscale restaurants, making it an excellent option for those seeking higher-value deliveries.

What to Expect:

• Average Pay: Between $20-$32 per hour.
• Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old with a valid background check.
• Payment Flexibility: Cash out instantly using a Cash App debit card.

Why Caviar? If you’re in a major city and want to deliver high-end meals, Caviar can provide a more premium experience compared to standard food delivery apps.

9. Saucey

Saucey is an on-demand alcohol delivery service operating in select major cities. The growing popularity of alcohol delivery makes this a great niche option.

Key Details:

• Average Pay: Between $18-$26 per hour.
• Requirements: Must be at least 21 years old with a 2007 or newer vehicle, valid driver’s license, and insurance.
• Pros: Earn through base pay plus tips, and set your own schedule.

Saucey is ideal for those who want to focus on alcohol deliveries and live in a city where this service is offered.

10. Uber Eats

Uber Eats is one of the largest and most established food delivery services worldwide. With over 6,000 cities covered, it offers a vast range of opportunities.

Uber Eats Overview:

• Average Pay: Around $15 per hour.
• Flexibility: Drivers can also deliver groceries or packages in addition to food orders.
• Requirements: Must be at least 19 years old with a valid driver’s license and at least one year of driving experience.

Why Uber Eats? Wide availability, multiple types of delivery opportunities, and competitive incentives make Uber Eats a consistent top choice for gig workers.

Pay Comparison

How to Maximize Earnings

No matter which gig job you choose, there are ways to maximize your hourly earnings. Here are some top tips:

• Work During Peak Hours: Target lunch, dinner, weekends, and holidays for maximum demand.
• Be Selective About Orders: Choose deliveries with high pay relative to time and distance.
• Use Multiple Apps: Sign up for several apps to keep busy and avoid downtime.
• Deliver in High-Demand Areas: Busy neighborhoods, business districts, and college towns often have more orders.
• Optimize Your Route: Familiarize yourself with the city layout and shortcuts to minimize delivery time.
• Give Great Service: Excellent communication and friendly service can increase the chance of higher tips.
• Track Your Expenses: Tracking expenses such as gas, tolls, and maintenance can help you with tax deductions at year-end.

Conclusion

Choosing the best job like Instacart comes down to your location, vehicle, schedule, and personal preferences. There are many excellent alternatives available—from grocery delivery services like Shipt to specialized services like Saucey.

Signing up for multiple platforms can also help ensure you always have delivery opportunities available and that you’re making the most money possible.

These gigs provide an opportunity for flexibility, excellent pay, and control over your work schedule. Whether you’re aiming for a solid part-time gig, or looking for full-time work in the gig economy, each platform offers unique benefits. Dive in, explore a few options, and find the right fit for you. Happy delivering!

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