▲ 1 r/lyftdrivers
Math ain’t math’ing - a breakdown on your real profit
For everyone bragging how much you earned on these gig apps, here is a breakdown on how much you really earn
Lyft Ride Breakdown
Ride info
Pay: $34.16
Miles (total): ~54
Time: ~55–70 min
Advertised rate: $37/hr
Costs
Gas (25 MPG @ $3.99): ~$8.62
Maintenance & tires: ~$5.40
Depreciation: ~$13.50
Total expenses: ~$27.50
Profit
Before tax: ~$6.66
After tax (~20%): ~$5.30
Scenarios
Best case (no return miles): ~$5–10/hr
Typical: ~$5/hr
If you drive back empty: -$10 to -$20
Reality checks
Pay per mile: ~$0.63
What most drivers aim for: $1.50–$2.00+/mile
IRS estimate (~$0.67/mi): ~$36 cost → loss
If you have a car payment
Adds ~ $7 cost
Profit drops to around $0 or negative
End result
Break-even at best, loss if no ride back
u/MainPen2168 — 23 hours ago