Shift Profitability Simulator
Model a real shift with dead time, dead miles, and all costs. See your true net hourly.
Why This Matters
- App earnings are not net earnings. What the app shows excludes vehicle costs, taxes, and unpaid time.
- Dead time is hidden. Most drivers underestimate idle time by 30-50%.
- Know your floor. The simulator helps you set a minimum trip acceptance threshold.
The True Cost of Gig Driving
Vehicle Depreciation Is Real: Every mile you drive reduces your car's value. For a $20,000 car driven 30,000 miles/year for gig work, depreciation alone can cost thousands per year.
Self-Employment Tax Stings: Unlike W-2 jobs where employers pay half your FICA taxes, you pay the full 15.3% yourself. Setting aside 25-30% of profit is prudent.
Maintenance Adds Up: Oil changes, tires, brakes, and unexpected repairs hit harder with high mileage. Budget $0.05-0.10/mile for maintenance, more for older vehicles.
Common Questions
What is "dead time" in rideshare and delivery?
Dead time is any time you are online but not actively earning: waiting for requests, driving to pickup without pay, sitting in parking lots, or repositioning between zones. Most drivers underestimate this: typical dead time is 20-40% of shift hours.
What are "dead miles" and why do they matter?
Dead miles are any miles driven without a passenger or delivery: driving to pickup, returning from dropoff, or repositioning. Every dead mile costs gas and depreciation with zero revenue.
How do I calculate my true cost per mile?
Add gas, depreciation, and maintenance. Total cost is usually $0.30-0.60/mile depending on vehicle value, MPG, and repair history. The IRS allows $0.725/mile for 2026 tax deductions.
Why is my net hourly so much lower than app earnings show?
Apps show gross earnings during active time. They do not show vehicle costs, self-employment tax, unpaid waiting time, or dead miles. A $25/hr app rate often becomes $12-18/hr net.
What's a good net hourly rate for gig driving?
After all costs and taxes: $15-20/hr is typical for optimized drivers in decent markets. $20-25/hr is excellent. Below $12/hr net, you may be losing money on vehicle depreciation long-term.
Should I do rideshare or delivery?
It depends on your vehicle and market. Rideshare often has higher gross but more dead time and passenger wear. Delivery can be steadier but has more dead miles and tip variance.
Methodology & Limits
How it works
This simulator models a driving & delivery scenario from your inputs, then surfaces the result as decision-oriented numbers.
Assumptions
Uses current tax rates, vehicle costs assumptions where relevant.
Use it as a screen
Treat the output as a planning estimate. Share the current scenario URL when you want to revisit or compare assumptions. Validate the numbers with real payouts, costs, deadlines, and local rules before committing money.
Next action
Keep Going
Use your result as the starting point for one of these next calculators.
Rideshare Earnings Calculator
Calculate true earnings for Uber and Lyft after all vehicle costs and taxes.
Open toolDelivery Earnings Calculator
DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, and more. Factor in tips, mileage, and time.
Open toolVehicle Cost Calculator
True cost of using your vehicle for gig work including depreciation and maintenance.
Open toolDriver Tax Estimator
Self-employment tax calculator with mileage deduction comparison.
Open tool