How to Make Money as an Instacart Shopper

Updated May 25, 2025.

Do you enjoy grocery shopping? Do mystery shopping or personal shopping opportunities intrigue you? Are you looking for another income stream that doesn't involve sitting at a computer?

If so, Instacart might be a great fit for you!

What Exactly Is Instacart?

Instacart offers a way to earn money grocery shopping for people who need this service provided to them.

Grocery orders come in on your smartphone, you go to the grocery store and shop for what is on the customer's list, and then you deliver the order to the customer on the same day using your own vehicle (or sometimes by bicycle or on foot, depending on your location).

Note there used to be a way to earn money with Instacart doing shopping only, no deliveries (called “in-store shopper” roles), but availability for these roles now varies by area — most opportunities today are for full-service shoppers who both shop and deliver.

Instacart is now available in most US and Canadian cities, with wide coverage across urban and suburban areas.

The company has been featured in major news outlets and continues to grow in popularity.

How Much Do Instacart Shoppers Earn?

According to Glassdoor, full-time Instacart shoppers have reported earning between $29K and $38K yearly. However, your actual pay will vary depending on your location, how many orders you complete, the delivery charge for each order, and whether you receive tips. Part-time or casual shoppers typically earn less.

Pay is weekly via direct deposit to your linked bank account.

Also, it's important to keep in mind that Instacart does not reimburse you for gas, parking, or wear and tear on your car — these costs come out of your own pocket.

While Instacart can be a great side gig, it’s wise not to depend on it solely for income because order volume and pay can fluctuate from day to day. Combining Instacart with other flexible gigs can help ensure steady work and earnings.

What is the Schedule at Instacart?

This is one of those work whenever you want jobs. You can accept work whenever it's available and take time off whenever you need to.

What Would Happen On a Typical Order?

When a customer places an order using their Instacart app, the order appears on your smartphone.

You can then accept the order, following all of the customer's instructions. You may even call the customer from the store if you have a question about an item.

If you are doing shopping and deliveries for Instacart, you would then deliver the order to the customer.

While customers may tip you for good service, shoppers are assigned orders by Instacart’s system — there’s no official way to get direct repeat requests from specific customers.

What Do You Need to Be a Shopper at Instacart?

To become an Instacart shopper, you must:

• be at least 18 years old
• be eligible to work in the US
• have a recent smartphone
• have access to a dependable vehicle (or bicycle/on-foot delivery, depending on your area)
• be able to lift 30 to 40 pounds

Are You Ready to Apply at Instacart?

If you think this opportunity sounds like a fit for you, go here to get started on the application process. Good luck!