Becoming an Uber Eats delivery rider on a WHV
One of the few jobs you can get started on within days, no CV or interview needed. Here's how to sign up, what you can earn, and what's changed since August 2026.
Updated 18 September 2026.
Uber Eats isn't the only option — DoorDash is a serious competitor with its own way of doing things. Compare Uber Eats and DoorDash
Signing up as a delivery rider
- 1Check that your 417 or 462 visa gives you the right to work as an independent contractor.
- 2Get an ABN for free on abr.gov.au, in 15 to 20 minutes.
- 3Download the Uber Driver app and sign up as a delivery rider.
- 4Choose your vehicle — bike, scooter or car, each with its own conditions.
- 5Pass identity verification, then go online to start receiving deliveries.
How a delivery works
Once you're online, a delivery request comes through showing the restaurant, estimated route and payout before you accept. Customers rate every delivery — a low rating limits access to certain jobs. Lunch (12pm-2pm) and dinner (6pm-9pm) account for most of the demand.
How payments work
A delivery typically earns between AUD 7 and 12, up to AUD 15-20 on longer trips. Tips (AUD 2 to 5 on average) are rare in Australia but paid out in full. Earnings can be withdrawn via Cash Out several times a day, or automatically every week.
New pay floor (since August 2026)
Since 17 August 2026, the Fair Work Commission has imposed a guaranteed hourly minimum for the first time — compare this to the national minimum wage of AUD 26.44/h.
| Vehicle | Minimum per hour of engaged time |
|---|---|
| Bicycle, e-bike, e-scooter | AUD 31.30/h |
| Combustion two-wheeler | AUD 31.50/h |
| Car up to one tonne | AUD 32.00/h |
Fair Work Commission, Interim On-Demand Delivery Minimum Standards Order, in effect 17 August to 31 December 2026.
How much can you earn by city?
Since August 2026, the legal floor protects a minimum everywhere. The ranges below reflect what most active riders see above that floor.
| City | Estimated hourly rate | Weekly earnings (20-25h) | Things to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | AUD 32 - 38/h | AUD 640 - 850 | The most lucrative, and also the most competitive. An e-bike is often faster than a car at peak times. |
| Melbourne | AUD 31 - 35/h | AUD 620 - 800 | A sprawling city with plenty of busy suburbs. Expect changeable weather if you're on a bike. |
| Brisbane | AUD 31 - 32/h | AUD 620 - 720 | Less competition than Sydney or Melbourne. Warm climate year-round. |
| Perth | AUD 31 - 32/h | AUD 620 - 650 | A more isolated city, lower density outside the centre. The legal floor now protects the hourly rate everywhere. |
Indicative estimates, not guaranteed beyond the legal floor. Real earnings depend on active hours, time slots, weather and mode of transport.
The Uber Eats referral program
Signing up via a referral link unlocks a welcome bonus after a certain number of deliveries. 88mates is preparing a link for the community — in the meantime, ask an active rider for their link rather than signing up directly from the app.
Practical tips
An e-bike needs no licence and is easy to park in the city centre.
Focus on the 12pm-2pm and 6pm-9pm slots for a better real hourly rate.
Budget for health and vehicle insurance — accident cover isn't automatic as a contractor.
Track your income and expenses every week for your tax return.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an ABN to deliver for Uber Eats?
Yes, it's mandatory. Uber Eats delivery riders are treated as independent contractors, not employees. You need to get an Australian Business Number (ABN) before you can sign up — it's free and takes a few minutes online at abr.gov.au.
Can I deliver on my WHV (417/462)?
Yes. The Working Holiday Visa gives you the right to work in Australia, including as an independent contractor with an ABN. There's no specific restriction on delivery work, unlike some other visas.
Does delivery count towards my 88 days of regional work?
This depends solely on the geographic area where you do your deliveries, not the type of job. If you deliver in an area eligible for the 88 days (regional area), the days may count — check the official list of eligible areas and keep evidence of your earnings and location.
Bike, scooter or car: what's the best choice?
A bike (an e-bike ideally) is often the most profitable option in the city: no licence required, no fuel costs, easy to park and often faster than a car in the city centre at peak times. A scooter lets you cover more distance and more areas, but involves a licence, insurance and fuel. A car is useful for low-density areas or outside the centre, but less profitable in the city centre because of traffic and parking.
How and when do I get paid?
By default, Uber makes an automatic transfer every week to your Australian bank account. You can also use Cash Out to withdraw your earnings several times a day for a small fee, directly to your card.
Do I have to pay tax on my delivery income?
Yes. As a contractor, no tax is withheld at source — it's up to you to declare your income on your annual tax return. Keep a record of your earnings and business expenses (fuel, maintenance, phone plan), which may be deductible.
What's the difference between Uber Eats and DoorDash?
Both work on a similar principle (app, on-demand jobs, payment per delivery). Many riders run both apps at once to maximise the jobs available across time slots and areas. Each platform has its own sign-up conditions, but an ABN is required for both. Menulog, the third long-standing player, shut down its Australian operations in late November 2025.
The amounts and earnings ranges shown on this page are indicative estimates, not guaranteed by Uber Eats. Real earnings vary based on many individual factors.
Track your delivery income, days and other jobs in one place with the 88mates app.