How Much Can You Really Earn as a Food Delivery Rider in Singapore? And Where to Start?

Flexible hours, low barriers to entry, and the ability to work near home — it’s no surprise that food delivery remains a popular side hustle (or even full-time gig) in Singapore. But while the job sounds simple enough, it’s definitely not easy money.

So, how much can you actually earn delivering for GrabFood, foodpanda or Deliveroo — and is it still worth doing in 2025?

Average Food Delivery Rider Earnings in Singapore

Rider pay structures are no longer publicly disclosed, but based on source reviews, delivery riders in Singapore average around $15/hour.

That said, riders are paid per delivery, not hourly. In 2020, per-delivery rates ranged between $6.50 and $7.50, but many riders now report getting closer to $5 per drop today.

Straits Times (source)

Actual earnings depend heavily on factors like:

• Rider supply vs. delivery demand

• Time of day or peak hour bonuses

• Vehicle type (bike, e-bike, motorbike, car)

• Distance and wait times at eateries

For example, during Phase 2 Heightened Alert in 2021, demand soared — but with more riders onboarded, earnings per hour dropped due to longer wait times and job scarcity.

Today (source)

How to Sign Up as a Food Delivery Rider in Singapore

GrabFood

Here are the available transport modes you can use to sign up as a GrabFood rider:

• Walker

• Bicycle

• E-bike (Power-Assisted Bike)

• Motorbike

• Van

(Van & motorbike riders need commercial insurance)

Steps:

1. Apply via the GrabFood rider page.

2. Submit required documents and complete online training.

3. Purchase the GrabFood rider kit at the Grab office. You will receive an SMS and email notification inviting you to visit the Grab office at Sin Ming to purchase your kit and activate your account.

Pay Structure:

• Paid per delivery, based on distance and vehicle.

• Zone Boost Gems: Earn bonus pay in high-demand areas (e.g., 80 gems = $4 extra/day).

• Quest Incentives: Extra earnings for completing specific “missions.”

Payouts go to your GrabPay Wallet and can be cashed out to your bank account anytime (min. $50).

Deliveroo

Here are the transport options you can choose from to become a Deliveroo rider:

• Walker

• Bicycle

• Motorbike (commercial insurance required)

Steps:

1. Apply online via Deliveroo’s rider site.

2. Submit documents and complete training.

3. Purchase a rider kit (first-time: $50, then $100; or buy your own bag). Once everything is finalized, you'll need to purchase your Deliveroo rider kit to complete your activation.

Pay Structure:

• Transparent per-delivery rate shown in the app.

• Calculated based on distance, wait time, traffic, and terrain.

• Motorbike riders have petrol factored in.

Deliveroo fortnightly bank transfers (early cash-outs available at $1).

foodpanda

foodpanda riders fall into the following categories:

• Walker

• Bicycle

• E-bike

• Motorbike (commercial insurance required)

• Car (commercial insurance required)

Steps:

1. Apply via the Foodpanda rider site.

2. Complete onboarding (online or at a Rider Hub).

3. You must purchase your own Foodpanda rider kit before starting work. Below are the available options and prices for new riders.

Pay Structure:

• Rates vary based on distance, vehicle, area, and performance.

• Operates on a batch system — high-performance riders get shift priority and better pay.

foodpanda weekly payouts with one free cash out; extra withdrawals cost $0.50.

Which Food Delivery App Is Best?

It depends on your goals:

GrabFood or Deliveroo: Best for casual riders. Easy to get started, transparent pay structure, and no pressure from performance scores.

Foodpanda: Better suited for serious, full-time riders. Rewards consistency and effort through its batch system — plus, it’s the only app offering free bicycle rentals.

Is Being a Food Delivery Rider Worth It?

It can be — depending on your circumstances. Here’s what you get:

Pros:

• Decent hourly pay (about $15/hour) vs. other part-time jobs

• Low start-up costs

• Flexible hours and work locations

• No micro-managing bosses or face-to-face customer service stress

  
  

Cons:

• Physically demanding and weather-dependent

• No CPF or employee benefits

• Income isn’t guaranteed and can vary wildly

• Don’t have your own bicycle or eBike? You can choose to RENT ONE. Otherwise, you’ll be limited to walking, which likely won’t earn you much.

Bottom Line

If you’ve got a eBike and time to spare, it’s an easy way to make extra cash. Just manage your expectations — this gig won’t make you rich overnight, but it can definitely help cover bills or boost savings.