How to Make Money as an Instacart Shopper in 2025 (Without Losing Your Sanity)

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 Have you ever wandered through a grocery store and thought, “I could get paid to do this”? Well, with Instacart, you literally can.

In 2025, grocery delivery isn’t just a convenience — it’s a booming side hustle. Instacart gives everyday people the chance to earn money by shopping and delivering groceries. Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, or someone who already knows every aisle of Walmart by heart, you can turn those cart-pushing skills into extra cash.

But like any gig economy job, success depends on knowing how it actually works — not just signing up and hoping for the best. Here’s everything you need to know (with real-world tips from experienced shoppers).

🥦 What Is Instacart, Exactly?

Instacart is a grocery delivery platform that connects customers to personal shoppers. Think of it as Uber Eats for groceries — except instead of delivering burgers, you’re hunting down oat milk, fresh avocados, and that one specific brand of almond butter customers can’t live without.

Orders come through the Instacart Shopper app, which tells you what to buy, where to shop, and who to deliver to. Depending on your role, you can either:

🛍️ 1. Be a Full-Service Shopper

You’re the one-person army: shop, pay, and deliver.

• You’re an independent contractor (1099)

• You work anytime you want

• You keep 100% of your tips

• You’ll need a car and valid insurance

🧺 2. Be an In-Store Shopper

No deliveries, no gas bills, just pure grocery-store action.

• You’re a part-time employee (W-2)

• You work assigned shifts (up to 29 hours/week)

• Instacart handles your taxes and paychecks

So which is better? Let’s break it down.

⚖️ Instacart Roles: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Full-Service Shopper	In-Store Shopper
Employment type	Independent contractor	Part-time employee
Vehicle required	Yes	No
Work schedule	Flexible	Fixed shifts
Earnings	Per order (batch pay + tips)	Hourly pay
Taxes handled by	You	Instacart
Available everywhere?	Yes	Select areas only

Verdict:
If you like flexibility and higher earning potential, go full-service. If you prefer stability (and hate traffic), in-store might be your lane.

💵 How Much Do Instacart Shoppers Make?

Let’s get to the money talk — because that’s what you’re really here for.

According to Instacart and platforms like SideHusl.com, full-service shoppers typically earn $15–$25 per hour, depending on:

• Order size and weight

• Driving distance

• Time of day and location

• Tips and bonuses

Each “batch” (order + delivery) pays a minimum of $4, but many range from $10 to $25 or more. Instacart also rewards “heavy” or “long-distance” batches with extra pay.

💡 Pro Tip: Drive during Sundays, holidays, or big events like the Super Bowl — when demand spikes, so does pay.

Meanwhile, in-store shoppers earn a steady hourly wage (varies by city) and can’t collect tips — but they also don’t pay for gas or car upkeep.

🧑‍🍳 Real-World Example #1

Sophia from Miami works as a full-service shopper on weekends. She focuses on wealthy neighborhoods and busy times like Friday evenings. In 2024, she made about $400 a week part-time, mostly from generous tippers and “heavy order” bonuses.

🚗 What You’ll Need to Start Shopping

Before you grab your first grocery list, make sure you meet the basic requirements.

✅ General Requirements

• Be 18 or older (21+ in some states for alcohol delivery)

• Be able to lift 40+ pounds

• Own a smartphone (iPhone iOS 16+ or Android 6.0+)

• Pass a background check (usually done within one business day)

• Have a bank account for direct deposit

🚙 For Full-Service Shoppers

• A valid driver’s license

• Auto insurance that meets state requirements

• Access to a reliable vehicle

• Insulated bags or coolers (yes, frozen pizza must stay frozen)

🧑‍🌾 Real-World Example #2

Kevin from Portland started with a 2008 Honda Civic and a few $5 insulated bags from Target. After three months of consistent work, he upgraded his car maintenance budget and earned enough to cover rent — all while setting his own hours.

📲 How to Sign Up for Instacart (It’s Pretty Simple)

1. Download the Instacart Shopper App
   Available for free on the App Store and Google Play.

2. Create an Account
   Enter your name, contact info, and location.

3. Pass the Background Check
   Handled by Sterling — most results come within 24–48 hours.

4. Fill Out Tax Forms

   • Full-service shoppers: W-9 (independent contractor)

   • In-store shoppers: W-4 (employee)

5. Receive Your Instacart Payment Card
   Instacart mails a preloaded card you’ll use for customer orders. It usually arrives in 5–7 business days.

6. Start Shopping
   Once approved, open the app to find “batches” available in your area and start earning.

🛍️ How the Job Works (A Day in the Life)

• Pick a batch: Open the app, review available orders (store, size, pay).

• Accept: Tap “Accept” and start driving to the store.

• Shop: Pick up the listed items. If something’s out of stock, use the chat feature to offer a replacement.

• Pay: Use your Instacart payment card at checkout.

• Deliver: Drop off the order, smile, and confirm delivery in the app.

Rinse and repeat — and watch your balance grow.

💡 Pro Tip: The app ranks shoppers by customer ratings and efficiency, so always communicate well and deliver on time to unlock higher-paying batches.

🛵 Real-World Example #3

Lydia from Chicago discovered her niche delivering groceries to high-rise apartments downtown. She built a loyal customer base through great communication and punctuality. By the end of 2024, she was averaging $1,000+ a month, part-time.

💸 How and When You Get Paid

Instacart pays weekly via direct deposit to your linked bank account.

But if patience isn’t your thing, there’s Instant Cashout — you can withdraw earnings instantly for a $0.50 fee, as long as you have at least $5 in your balance.

Note:
Full-service shoppers are independent contractors, which means taxes aren’t withheld. You’ll need to handle estimated quarterly taxes yourself. Tools like QuickBooks Self-Employed or Stride can help track mileage and expenses.

🚙 Instacart vs. DoorDash: Which Pays Better?

Feature	Instacart	DoorDash
Type of work	Grocery shopping + delivery	Restaurant delivery
Base pay	$4–$10 per batch	$2–$10 per delivery
Tips	100% to driver	100% to driver
Vehicle needed	Yes	Yes (sometimes bikes allowed)
Peak earning times	Weekends, holidays, big events	Meal times (lunch/dinner)

Verdict:
If you like grocery stores and longer deliveries, choose Instacart.
If you prefer quick food drop-offs, DoorDash may fit better.
Some gig workers even do both — maximizing downtime between orders.

🧾 Final Thoughts: Is Instacart Worth It in 2025?

Yes — but only if you treat it like a business, not a hobby.

Instacart offers freedom, flexible hours, and decent pay if you plan smartly. You’ll learn which stores move fastest, which neighborhoods tip well, and when to hit “Go Online.” The first few weeks are a learning curve, but once you get into a rhythm, it can be surprisingly rewarding (and maybe even a little fun).

So, if you’re ready to turn grocery runs into extra income, grab your phone and start your first batch. Who knows — you might just find yourself earning money while helping someone else skip the grocery line.

💬 Your Turn:
Thinking about joining Instacart? Drop your questions or experiences in the comments below.
Or download the Instacart Shopper App today and start earning — one grocery bag at a time.