Ride-hailing drivers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Ride-hailing drivers pick up passengers who seek service through a smartphone app. The fare rate can fluctuate depending on demand; however, passengers are notified if the current fare rate is higher than usual. Passengers pay for rides through a credit card linked to the app. Drivers use their own private vehicles and set their own hours.
- Education Required
- There are usually no formal education requirements, although many taxi drivers, ride-hailing drivers, and chauffeurs have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Training Required
- Most taxi and limousine companies provide their new drivers with a short period of on-the-job training. This training usually takes from 1 day to 2 weeks, depending on the company and the location. Some cities require training by law.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 5% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Advancement
- Some taxi drivers start their own cab service by purchasing a taxi rather than leasing one through a dispatch company. For chauffeurs, advancement usually takes the form of driving more important clients and different types of cars.
- Licenses/Certifications
- All taxi drivers, ride-hailing drivers, and chauffeurs must have a regular automobile drivers license. States and local municipalities set other requirements; many require taxi drivers and chauffeurs to get a taxi or limousine license. This normally requires passing a background check, drug test and a written exam about regulations and local geography.
- Median pay: How much do Taxi Drivers, Ride-Hailing Drivers, and Chauffeurs make?
- $24,300 Annual Salary
- $11.68 per hour
Careers for Taxi Drivers, Ride-Hailing Drivers, and Chauffeurs
- Cab drivers
- Chauffeurs
- Courtesy car drivers
- Courtesy van drivers
- Funeral car drivers
- Hearse drivers
- Limo drivers
- Limousine drivers
- Livery drivers
- Paratransit drivers
- Rideshare drivers
- Shuttle bus drivers
- Taxi drivers