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When it comes to side hustles, grocery and food delivery gigs continue to dominate the market. Apps like DoorDash and Instacart make it easy to earn money on a flexible schedule—often paying well above minimum wage.
Shipt is another major player in the grocery-delivery world, offering people the chance to earn extra income by shopping and delivering orders. But is Shipt actually worth the time? And how much do Shipt Shoppers really make?
This review breaks down real pay data, shopper experiences, and key pros and cons to help you decide if Shipt is the right side hustle for you.
What Is Shipt?
Shipt is a U.S.-based same-day delivery service operating in more than 5,000 cities. Customers can order products from retailers like Target, CVS, Walgreens, PetSmart, and dozens of partner stores.
While Shipt started strictly as a grocery-delivery company competing with Instacart, it expanded after Target acquired it in 2018. Today, customers can order groceries, household essentials, and a wide variety of daily-use items.
For users, Shipt offers a fast, convenient way to get groceries delivered to their doorstep.
For gig workers, Shipt provides a flexible opportunity to earn money by shopping and delivering orders.
Is Shipt Worth It?
Shipt is worth considering if you’re looking for a flexible side gig that pays around $16–$25 per hour on average. It’s especially appealing because:
.You choose your own hours
.You can accept only the orders you want
.Shipt guarantees a minimum hourly rate of $16 in many markets
Shipt also shows the estimated pay, item count, and delivery time before you accept an order—making it easier to choose profitable batches.
However, if your goal is to replace a full-time job, Shipt may not be ideal. Like most gig economy roles, earnings depend heavily on your area, available orders, and customer tips. Some days are busy, while others can be slow.
Many shoppers maximize their income by using multiple apps—like Uber Eats or DoorDash—alongside Shipt.
How Much Do Shipt Shoppers Earn?
Shipt reports that shoppers typically earn $25–$35 per hour, and there’s a minimum guarantee of $16 per hour, depending on your region.
Shipt shopper income comes from three main sources:
- Per-Order Pay
Shipt calculates order pay based on factors like:
.Number of items
.Driving distance
.Order difficulty
.Estimated shopping time
- Bonuses & Promotions
Some retailers offer bonuses for on-time deliveries or high-demand periods.
- Tips
You keep 100% of customer tips, which can significantly boost your earnings.
Independent reviews show similar pay ranges:
.Indeed: ~$22 per hour
.Glassdoor: $16–$25 per hour
Your actual earnings depend on your market, order volume, customer generosity, and your shopping efficiency.
Do note: As an independent contractor, you’re responsible for your own expenses—fuel, vehicle wear and tear, and phone costs.
How Shipt Works for Shoppers
Shipt has two sides: the customer side and the shopper side.
Becoming a Shipt Shopper is straightforward. Requirements include:
.Age 18+
.A reliable car (1997 or newer)
.A valid driver’s license and auto insurance
.Ability to lift up to 45 lbs
.A U.S. mailing address
Once approved, you’ll receive a Shipt card used to pay for customer orders in-store.
Shoppers claim available orders through the app, shop in-store using Shipt’s aisle-organized list, and deliver to the customer. After each order, you’ll see exactly how much you earned, including tips.
Shipt pays weekly via direct deposit for work done Monday–Sunday.
Pros and Cons of Being a Shipt Shopper
Pros
.Fully flexible schedule
.No previous experience required
.Guaranteed hourly minimum pay
.Weekly payouts
.Lower barrier to entry
.One of the better-paying gig apps
.Order details shown before acceptance
.Can multi-app to earn more
.Access to Shipt perks (tax help, discounts, vehicle services)
Cons
.Inconsistent order volume
.No employee benefits (you’re a contractor)
.Income varies across regions
.The app can occasionally glitch
.Ratings significantly affect the orders you receive
What Other Shipt Shoppers Are Saying
Feedback on Shipt is mixed but generally positive regarding flexibility and earning potential. Here are a few examples:
.“Great part-time job. Pay is decent, tips are usually good, but orders can be unpredictable. Best as a supplemental income source.”
.“Shipt used to pay better before Target acquired it. The pay structure is different now.”
.“Your rating determines whether you get good batches. If your average drops below 4.7 stars, you may face training or even deactivation.”
.“As a full-time student, I love Shipt. But you must maintain great customer service to stay competitive.”
Overall, shoppers appreciate the flexibility and pay—but emphasize that consistent ratings and order availability play a major role.
Best Alternatives to Shipt
Shipt can be a great earning opportunity, but having backups is smart—especially in slower markets. Popular alternatives include:
.DoorDash: #1 food delivery app in North America
.Instacart: Shipt’s main competitor for grocery delivery
.Cornershop: A growing grocery delivery platform
.Uber Eats: Very flexible; you can deliver via car, bike, or scooter
.Amazon Flex: Earn $18–$25/hr delivering Amazon packages
.Walmart Spark: Deliver groceries and household items
Using multiple apps is the best way to keep a steady flow of orders and maximize weekly income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shipt a good job?
Yes—if you want flexible, part-time income. Pay is typically above minimum wage, and requirements are easy to meet. Just know that order availability can vary.
Is Shipt worth it after taxes?
Yes, but you must manage your own taxes. Shipt sends a 1099 if you earn over $600 in a year. Keep track of mileage and expenses to reduce your tax burden.
Does Shipt pay well?
Shipt is competitive with other delivery apps. Many shoppers earn $16–$25 per hour, with high performers earning more thanks to tips.
Does Shipt pay for gas?
No. As an independent contractor, you cover your own fuel and vehicle maintenance. Using tools like Everlance or Upside can help reduce costs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a flexible side hustle, have access to a car, and don’t mind shopping for others, Shipt can definitely be worth your time. While it may not replace a full-time job, many shoppers earn a few hundred dollars per month—or more.
With weekly payouts, simple requirements, and competitive pay, Shipt remains one of the better-paying gig apps. Pairing it with DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Instacart can help you stay consistently busy and maximize your earning potential.
If you’re searching for a reliable way to bring in extra cash, Shipt is absolutely worth trying.