Food delivery jobs in Europe have become a popular and viable way to earn income while enjoying the freedom of flexible work.
Platforms like Uber Eats, Glovo, Bolt Food, and Wolt offer opportunities to earn on your own terms.
This article explores how food delivery work can be both financially rewarding and adaptable to your lifestyle, supported by recent data and research.
The Rise of Flexible Food Delivery Work
The European food delivery market has grown rapidly, with revenues reaching €20 billion in 2020, supported by over 375,000 active couriers weekly.
This surge is driven by the increasing demand for convenience and the flexibility that gig economy jobs offer.
A pan-European study by Copenhagen Economics found that 72% of couriers use delivery work as a supplementary income source.
This flexibility allows individuals to tailor their work schedules to fit personal commitments, making it an attractive option for many.
Earning Potential: What Can You Make?
Earnings in food delivery jobs in Europe vary based on location, hours worked, and platform.
Deliveroo riders' average earnings of £12.97 per hour in 2024, a decrease from £16.15 in 2019, yet still above the national living wage.
An Uber Eats rider mentioned earning over £500 per week working 40 hours, while a Deliveroo rider claimed to have made £1,400 in a week.
These figures highlight the potential for substantial income, especially when working during peak hours and in high-demand areas.
Why Flexibility Matters
A study of 16,000 couriers revealed that 69% preferred the ability to choose their working hours over a fixed schedule, even if it meant earning 15% less.
Similarly, a survey of Wolt couriers in Finland found that 56% preferred self-employment, valuing the autonomy it provides.
This preference underscores the importance of flexibility in the gig economy, allowing individuals to balance work with other life commitments.
Navigating Employment Status and Legal Considerations
The classification of food delivery couriers as self-employed has sparked debates across Europe.
While this status offers flexibility, it often excludes couriers from benefits like sick pay and unemployment insurance.
For example, Spain's "Riders Law" mandates that food delivery riders be classified as employees, leading companies to transition 15,000 drivers to employee status.
At the EU level, the European Commission estimates that 5.5 million platform workers have been misclassified as self-employed.
Tips for Maximizing Earnings
To make the most of Food delivery jobs in Europe, consider the following strategies:
- Work During Peak Hours: Lunch and dinner times often have higher demand, leading to more delivery opportunities.
- Choose High-Demand Areas: Operating in areas with a dense concentration of restaurants can increase the number of available orders.
- Multi-App Usage: Signing up for multiple delivery platforms can provide more job opportunities and reduce downtime.
- Optimize Routes: Using route optimization tools can help complete deliveries more efficiently, saving time and increasing the number of deliveries per hour. The Sun
- Maintain High Ratings: Providing excellent service can lead to better ratings, which may result in more delivery opportunities and potential bonuses.
Top Companies and Countries for Food Delivery Jobs in Europe
The food delivery sector in Europe is dominated by a handful of major platforms, each with distinct business models, regional strengths, and working conditions.
Main Companies
- Active in: United Kingdom, France, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and more.
- What sets it apart: Global brand with a massive customer base. Easy onboarding via app. Weekly payments and flexible work schedules. Surge pricing during peak hours.
- Downside: Can be highly competitive in saturated cities.
- Active in: UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium.
- What sets it apart: Known for structured delivery zones and high-density orders. Offers incentives and bonuses based on performance and order volume. Popular among students and part-timers.
- Downside: The pay-per-delivery model can vary significantly depending on the city.
- Active in: Spain (HQ), Italy, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Georgia, and several Eastern European countries.
- What sets it apart: Offers more than food—couriers deliver groceries, packages, and even pharmaceuticals. One of the largest platforms in Southern and Eastern Europe. Strong presence in medium-sized cities where competition is lower.
- Downside: Earnings fluctuate heavily based on task types.
- Active in: Finland (HQ), Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Estonia, and Central-Eastern Europe.
- What sets it apart: Known for excellent app usability and customer support. Offers scheduled shifts for those who prefer a predictable schedule. Competitive pay in Scandinavian countries.
- Downside: Limited presence in Western Europe.
- Active in: Estonia (HQ), Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Croatia, Romania.
- What sets it apart: Strong in the Baltic region and parts of Eastern Europe. Integration with Bolt’s ride-sharing services creates additional earning opportunities. Fast-growing, often entering underserved cities.
- Downside: Lower market saturation can mean fewer orders in some cities.
Best Countries
United Kingdom
- Why it’s good: High urban demand, especially in London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Pay often exceeds minimum wage when working peak hours. Access to multiple platforms (Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Just Eat).
- Challenges: Saturated market and recent scrutiny over self-employment classification.
Germany
- Why it’s good: Reliable delivery infrastructure. High-volume cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. Riders often receive base pay plus mileage bonuses.
- Challenges: Legal uncertainty around freelance work; some cities pushing for employment contracts.
Spain
- Why it’s good: Home to Glovo—strong support and demand. Rider Law offers legal protection through employment contracts. Barcelona and Madrid offer consistent orders.
- Challenges: Lack of flexibility post-Rider Law for some workers.
Finland
- Why it’s good: Wolt’s home base means an optimized courier experience. High per-order earnings relative to the cost of living. Couriers value the freedom and transparent systems.
- Challenges: Cost of living can be high; winter delivery can be difficult.
Portugal
- Why it’s good: Emerging market with rapid Glovo and Bolt Food expansion. Lower living costs make even moderate earnings stretch further. High tourist foot traffic in cities like Lisbon and Porto.
- Challenges: Language and navigation in older cities can pose challenges.
Romania & Poland
- Why they’re good: Growing markets with fewer couriers mean less competition. Bolt and Glovo are investing heavily in regional logistics. Good for residents and international students.
- Challenges: Lower per-order earnings, but the cost of living is also lower.
| Company | Best Countries | Unique Feature | Flexibility | Earnings Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uber Eats | UK, France, Netherlands | Surge pricing, large market | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Deliveroo | UK, Ireland, Belgium | Bonuses, structured zones | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Glovo | Spain, Poland, Romania | Multi-purpose delivery | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Wolt | Finland, Estonia | Couriers love app and transparency | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Bolt Food | Baltics, Portugal | Bolt ride & food app combo | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Conclusion
Food delivery jobs in Europe offer a flexible and potentially lucrative opportunity for those seeking adaptable work arrangements.
While earnings can vary, strategic approaches to working hours and locations can enhance income potential.
As the gig economy continues to evolve, it's essential for couriers to stay informed about legal changes and to advocate for fair working conditions.
