If you’re considering becoming an Uber or Lyft driver, you’re likely curious about how much you can earn per week or month. As someone with over 3.5 years of experience driving for both Uber and Lyft in Seattle, WA, I can share some insights. On average, I consistently earn between $1,900 and $2,100 per week. However, your earnings will largely depend on the number of hours you put in and how well you know the busy areas during peak times. Below are some tips that can help you reach the goal of earning $2,000 or more per week:

1. Maximize Your Hours

To earn substantial income, you’ll need to invest a significant amount of time driving. During the weekdays, I recommend driving at least 10 hours a day, and even more—around 12 hours—on weekends. My approach is to earn between $250 and $300 per day on weekdays, which adds up to $1,000 to $1,200 by the end of the week. Weekends are generally busier, and I can earn up to $1,000 by driving on Friday and Saturday.

One important note: make sure to take at least one day off each week to rest and recharge. Driving can be stressful and tiring, so prioritizing rest is essential for safety.

2. Stay Clean and Healthy

If you’re aiming for high earnings, it’s important to avoid alcohol and drugs. I personally avoid even coffee and tea because they can interfere with my sleep cycle, making me feel less rested. Maintaining a clean and healthy lifestyle allows me to stay productive and earn more.

3. Optimize Your Sleep

For those who drive at night and sleep during the day like I do, it can be challenging to get quality rest. I found that using a sleep mask to block out sunlight made a huge difference. It helps me fall asleep faster and get deeper, more restful sleep. You can check out the sleep mask I use here: Amazon Sleep Mask.

4. Invest in Comfortable Seating

Sitting for long hours is one of the most challenging aspects of driving. To prevent discomfort and maintain blood flow, it’s crucial to invest in a good seat cushion. After trying several, I found one that reduces stress on my lower back and makes long shifts much more comfortable. Here’s the one I recommend: Amazon Seat Cushion.

5. Monitor Weekend Updates

Both Uber and Lyft send out weekend update emails with information about upcoming events. Keep an eye on these because concerts, games, and other events can bring large crowds, providing opportunities for surge pricing. I often set a destination near the event to increase my chances of getting high-paying rides. With this method, I’ve scored trips ranging from $40 to $100.

6. Take Advantage of Airport Trips

Airport trips can be a great way to boost your earnings, especially during early morning and afternoon hours. In Seattle, the best times are from 3:30 AM to 6:00 AM, and 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Depending on surge pricing, these trips can range from $20 to $60. Both Uber and Lyft offer the “Airport Rematch” feature, allowing drivers who drop off a passenger to get to the front of the line for a new pickup, potentially scoring back-to-back trips.

7. Choose the Right Car

Your car is an essential part of your rideshare business. I highly recommend a used Toyota Prius for its fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs (avoid the 2010 model due to transmission issues). I purchased my Prius with 85,000 miles for $9,000, and now, at over 230,000 miles, it still runs like new. I drive around 300 miles a day and save about $10 per day compared to other cars.

8. Install a Dash Cam

A dash cam is a must-have for safety and peace of mind. As rideshare drivers, we spend many hours on the road, increasing our chances of being involved in an accident. A dash cam helps gather evidence in the event of a crash, making it easier to deal with insurance claims. I regret not having one when I got into an accident and had to rely on witness testimonies. With a dash cam, you can quickly exchange information with the other driver and avoid waiting for the police. Here’s the dash cam I use: Amazon Dash Cam.

Summer Earnings Breakdown:

To give you an idea of what a good week looks like, here’s a snapshot of my earnings during a typical summer week:

• Weekdays: $1,000 to $1,200
• Weekends (Friday and Saturday): $1,000
• Total Weekly Earnings: $1,900 to $2,100

By following these tips and staying dedicated, you can reach or even exceed $2,000 in weekly earnings as an Uber or Lyft driver.