If you were to ask what the highest paying US delivery gig for 2025 is, Spark Driver would sit at the top of the list. Based on Gridwise data and earnings reports from 2025, Spark Driver currently ranks as one of the highest-paying delivery gigs in the U.S. Our research into real earnings reports that included over 14,000 Spark drivers (in 2025) showed a median hourly rate of $21.74. That beats all of the competition. They can afford it too as they are backed by and the delivery arm of Walmart, operating in over 3,600 cities across all 50 states. As s driver for this gig, you will be delivering groceries and retail orders directly from Walmart stores to customer doors. We think very highly of this gig, read on to learn why.
Quick Facts
| Platform Name | Spark Driver (Walmart) |
| Earning Potential | Top earners $25 to $30/hr |
| Typical Duration | 30 min – 2 hrs per order |
| Payment Frequency | Daily (tips paid 24hr later) |
| Required Equipment | 2009 or newer vehicle, license, insurance |
What’s Inside
- Is Spark Driver real and safe?
- How hard is it to sign up?
- Can I do this whenever I want?
- How much money can you really make?
- When and how do you get paid?
- What stuff do you need to start?
- Is the work easy or hard?
- The Pros and Cons of Spark Driver
- Final Verdict: Is Spark Driver worth your time?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spark Driver real and safe?
Spark Driver is Walmart’s own delivery contractor program, backed by the world’s largest retailer. Therefore, it’s very real and this is as credible as any gig platform gets. There’s not much more to say here because as soon as you say Walmart any question about gig credibility comes to an end.
How hard is it to sign up?
They are somewhat strict in who they let drive for them, which makes sign up fairly involved but not too difficult. You’ll need to be at least 18 and have a 2009 or newer four-door vehicle. Combine this with additional requirements of a valid driver’s license, a Social Security card, and proof of current auto insurance. They also will complete a full background check which covers criminal history and motor vehicle records. This is not optional.
After you sign up, most driver approvals come within a few days. If you are in a super saturated market you may get added to a driver waitlist. If your zip code is waitlisted, you can add yourself and get notified when a spot opens.
💡 Insider Tip:
Position yourself near a high-volume Walmart Supercenter rather than a smaller Neighborhood Market. Supercenters generate far more consistent order flow.
Can I do this whenever I want?
There are no minimum hours or set schedule to be a Spark Driver. When you have time, you will open the app, browse available delivery opportunities around you and accept what makes sense. Prior to accepting you see the full payout, the distance, and the order type before you accept anything. It’s fully transparent a huge plus as a driver for the app.
Order availability does vary by location and time of day. There are peak windows that you should be aware of, where morning and evenings have the most in-demand needs. Believe it or not, weekend delivery opportunities are also quite strong.
How much money can you really make?
The service Gridwise, which tracks earnings and other stats for gig economy drivers reports a median per hour earning of over $21 per hour. Many part-time drivers report $300 to $600 per week working around 15 to 20 hours. The big impact of your rate is the type of order you are fulfilling. In other words, the more work you do the higher the earning opportunity is (and probability of tips).
Curbside pickups are pre-packed by Walmart staff and ready to go, which pay around $7 – $11 per delivery. The shop-and-deliver orders, which require you to walk the store and pick out products then deliver pay $11 – $20 per order. Additionally, you can potentially earn another 25% via tips on top. If you are able to pull off multiple delivery orders in one trip will boost your effective hourly rates.
When and how do you get paid?
Payment happens daily via direct deposit to your bank. Tips are slightly delayed and arrive around 24 hours after delivery is completed because customers can adjust them within that window. There is no minimum earning balance to cash out and there is also no fee for getting your money deposited.
On top of this, Spark Drivers also offers an internal rewards program where drivers can earn perks like a free Walmart+ membership.
What stuff do you need to start?
Beyond your smartphone for the app, at minimum you need a 2009 or newer four-door vehicle with active auto insurance. Of course you need a driver’s license as well, which has to be REAL ID-compliant. You will also need your Social Security card before you start as they will always run a background check on new drivers.
Is the work easy or hard?
This is impacted by the type of order you are fulfilling. Generally speaking, curbside orders are fairly easy as Walmart staff load your car and you drive off. Shop-and-deliver orders on the other hand require you walking the store and picking out specific items. This includes making substitution decisions when items are out of stock, which requires more attention but pays more. Large orders with heavy items or apartment deliveries up a ton of stairs add physical effort.
The good news is you can set preferences in the app to filter out order types you want to avoid. If you run into issues there are a lot of support contact options including by phone, email, and in-app.
The Pros and Cons of Spark Driver
| The Pros | The Cons |
|---|---|
| Highest median pay: Beats every other delivery app. | Vehicle requirement: 2009 or newer four-door only. |
| Walmart backing: Most credible gig delivery platform in the US. | Market saturation: Some cities have too many drivers. |
| See pay upfront: Full payout shown before you accept. | Gas not reimbursed: All fuel costs are on you. |
Final Verdict: Is Spark Driver worth your time?
If you enjoy this style of gig (driving and deliveries), it remains a highly recommended option for those looking to maximize their delivery earnings. This is especially relevant if you live near an active Walmart (or even better, Walmart Supercenter). The transparent pay model, daily payouts and Walmart backing make it a genuinely solid side income option.
The Bottom Line: Those who already have experience with DoorDash, Uber or other driving gigs will be very likely to enjoy what being a Walmart Spark Driver has in store. Not only does it pay more on average but things like driver support are reported to be much better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Curbside orders are pre-packed by Walmart employees. You pull up to the store, the order is loaded into your car, and you drive to the customer. Fast and simple. Shop-and-deliver orders require you to walk the store, pick items from a list and check out before delivering.
Active Spark drivers can earn a free Walmart+ membership through the platform’s rewards tier program. Walmart+ normally costs $12.95 per month.
Spark prioritizes drivers based on proximity to the store, on-time arrival rate, customer ratings, and acceptance rate. You do not need a perfect acceptance rate but staying above 40 to 60% keeps you in good standing with the system.
Yes, and many experienced drivers do exactly this. Keep the Spark app as your primary focus because the pay is higher. When Spark orders are slow or between deliveries, toggle on other delivery apps to fill the gaps.
Spark pays you as an independent contractor and withholds nothing. You receive a 1099-NEC if earnings exceed $600 in a year. Mileage on all business-related driving may be deductible at the IRS rate.
