The Bay Area in California takes first place, with drivers earning on average $23.28 per hour in December 2019. On average, rideshare drivers in the US made about $17.21 per hour in 2019, or about $0.88 cents per mile, according to Gridwise.

In 2026, Uber drivers generally make the most money in New York and Washington (the state). New York, specifically New York City, remains the highest-paying market due to strict minimum pay regulations and high demand, though drivers also face the highest costs for insurance and vehicle licensing. Washington state recently implemented high statewide minimum pay standards for rideshare drivers, ensuring they earn a competitive hourly rate plus mileage. Other high-earning states include California, thanks to the protections of Proposition 22, and Massachusetts, which also has high base rates in the Boston area. According to 2026 driver data, cities like Seattle, NYC, and San Francisco consistently top the list for hourly earnings, often averaging over $30 to $35 per hour before expenses. However, drivers must weigh these high gross earnings against the high cost of living and gas in these regions. Conversely, southern states with lower cost-of-living often see lower driver pay, making the "net profit" a more complex calculation than just the gross hourly rate.