Amazon Flex: What It Is and How It Works

Amazon Flex is a fairly straightforward way to work on your own delivering Amazon packages and/or groceries locally. The flexible hours, independent work and earning potential make it an interesting side hustle option.

What is Amazon Flex?

Amazon Flex is a gig-work courier service from Amazon. Drivers deliver for Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Prime Now and local stores.

How much does Amazon Flex pay?

According to Amazon, most Amazon Flex drivers earn between $18 and $25 per hour. But actual earnings depend on factors like demand where you live and how much time you have for side work. Posts on Reddit indicate varied earning potential, but while some have seen little success, others have found Amazon Flex to be a solid source of gig work income. You also have to factor in the expense of driving your own vehicle.

How to start with Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex operates in many cities and towns in the U.S. and hires new drivers based on availability and demand in specific areas. Check the recruiting cities page to find out where Amazon Flex is hiring. If your city isn’t available, you can join a mailing list to be alerted when opportunities arise.

If there are opportunities where you live, you’ll need to meet these requirements:

• Be age 21 or older.

• Have a valid driver’s license, Social Security number and checking or savings account. 

• Have access to a personally-insured midsize or larger vehicle. 

You’ll also need a smartphone so you can use the Amazon Flex app. To get started, you’ll onboard through the app and authorize a background check. According to Amazon, you can be onboarded in an hour and approved to make deliveries within a week.

How Amazon Flex works

Deliveries are organized into blocks that are typically two to six hours. Think of a block as a shift, and you’ll use the Amazon Flex app to find and schedule blocks that fit your availability. Blocks show the date, start time and estimated duration and earnings.

When it’s time to work, you’ll head to a delivery station or site — such as an Amazon fulfillment center or Whole Foods Market store — to pick up the packages/groceries for delivery.

When you arrive at the pickup location, you'll check in and your block time starts. The app will offer a suggested route for the deliveries. Then, you’ll make deliveries and be done when everything is out. You will need to make note of any undelivered packages in the app and follow further instructions.

» MORE: How to become a Lyft driver

How to get paid

Pay from Amazon Flex work depends on several factors. For example, you may earn closer to $25 per hour by using a larger vehicle that holds more packages. You can also try to claim blocks during times of higher customer demand when Amazon’s rate may increase. Additionally, some deliveries allow customers to give you tips.

You can choose a payday that works for you, and Amazon Flex pays via direct deposit.

Because working for Amazon Flex makes you an independent contractor, you'll be responsible for withholding money for your taxes. You’ll also be responsible for your expenses like gas, tolls, parking and wear and tear on your car, so factor that into your overall earnings.