Australia · Regulatory update · 1 July 2026
Uber Eats Minimum Wage $31.30 Australia 2026: What Delivery Riders Earn Now
On 1 July 2026 the Fair Work Commission's road transport determination took full effect, guaranteeing food delivery riders on regulated platforms at least $31.30 per hour during active delivery time, plus superannuation. This page breaks down what changed, which platforms are covered, and what a typical shift now pays.
The landmark ruling, in one paragraph
The Commission's Closing Loopholes reforms created a minimum standards framework for the road transport industry, including employee-like gig delivery. As of 1 July 2026, platforms such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Menulog can no longer rely on piece-rate trips that effectively paid below minimum wage. The $31.30/hr floor applies to active delivery time and is legally enforceable, marking the first time Australian delivery riders have had a regulated pay floor comparable to employees. See the official Fair Work guidance.
Before vs after: what changes for riders
| What | Before | After (from 1 Jul 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Average hourly pay (after expenses) | $12 - $18 | $31.30 floor |
| Pay guarantee | None (piece-rate, per trip) | Enforceable minimum |
| Superannuation | Rider-paid | Platform contributes |
| Who sets the rate | Platform algorithm | Fair Work determination |
| Coverage when idle | Often unpaid | Defined active-time rules |
Before figure is the typical Australian rider take-home range widely reported under the old per-trip piece-rate model; actual results varied by city, shift, and platform.
Which platforms are covered?
- Uber EatsCovered
Food delivery riders on the guaranteed $31.30/hr floor plus super.
- DoorDashCovered
Dasher Australia delivery riders entitled to the same regulated minimum.
- MenulogCovered
Australian food delivery riders covered by the road transport determination.
- AirtaskerNot covered
Task-based marketplace — different classification, not on the delivery floor.
- Amazon FlexNot covered
Parcel delivery under a separate freight/contract classification, not the same floor.
How much can you earn per shift?
Set your shift length, days per week, and vehicle expense tier to estimate take-home under the new $31.30/hr floor. For a full multi-platform comparison across US gig apps, use the main Gig Worth Calculator.
Shift earnings calculator (AUD)
Based on the $31.30/hr guaranteed rate during active delivery. Not financial advice.
Per week (net)
$526
Per month (net)
$2,279
Per year (net)
$27,352
Effective rate
$26.30/hr
Figures assume every active-delivery hour is paid at the $31.30/hr floor. Real take-home varies with wait time, tips, fuel efficiency, and how the platform structures per-trip pay.
Uber Eats minimum wage — FAQ
What is the minimum wage for Uber Eats in Australia?+
From 1 July 2026, the Fair Work Commission guarantees Uber Eats riders in Australia at least $31.30 per hour during active delivery time, plus superannuation. This replaces the previous piece-rate model where riders often earned $12-18/hr after expenses.
Does $31.30 apply to all gig workers?+
No. The $31.30/hr floor covers food delivery and some transport gig workers on regulated platforms such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Menulog. Other gig work like Airtasker (tasks) and Amazon Flex (parcel delivery under a different classification) are governed by separate rules and are not on the same regulated minimum.
How much do DoorDash drivers make in 2026?+
In Australia, DoorDash delivery riders are entitled to the same $31.30/hr guaranteed minimum as Uber Eats under the new Fair Work road transport determination. Actual earnings still vary with tips, peak-hour demand, and vehicle expenses, but the floor is now enforceable rather than optional.
Is the $31.30 per hour gross or after expenses?+
It is a gross guaranteed rate for active delivery time, set as a floor that platforms must not pay below. Riders still cover their own fuel, vehicle wear, insurance, and phone costs, so real take-home is lower. The estimate above applies typical vehicle expenses of $3-7/hr.
Do Uber Eats riders in Australia now get superannuation?+
Yes. Under the closing-loopholes reforms, covered delivery riders are entitled to superannuation on top of the guaranteed hourly rate, treating them more like employees for minimum-pay and super purposes while keeping schedule flexibility.
What counts as active delivery time?+
Active delivery time generally covers the period from accepting a trip through pickup to drop-off, including reasonable return and wait time between trips as defined by the determination. Pure idle time when no trip is accepted may be paid differently depending on the platform contract.
Calculate your real gig take-home
The main GigWorth calculator compares 18 platforms after gas, vehicle wear, insurance, and taxes — and tells you honestly whether a gig is worth it versus a benchmark wage.
Open the Gig Worth Calculator →Informational summary of the Fair Work road transport determination effective 1 July 2026. Rates and classifications may be updated by the Commission; confirm current entitlements on fairwork.gov.au before relying on these figures.