Earnings of Uber Drivers in Mexico City: Insights and Realities

As one of the most popular cities in Mexico for tourism and urban living, Mexico City presents a unique environment for Uber drivers. This article explores the earnings potential, factors influencing income, and real-life experiences of Uber drivers in the city. If you're considering becoming an Uber driver in Mexico City, read on to understand what you can expect.

Hourly Earnings and Earnings Breakdown

Uber drivers in Mexico City typically earn between MXN 80 to MXN 150 per hour after expenses, depending on various factors such as demand, the time of day, and location. This hourly rate includes:

Base Fare: Drivers earn a base fare plus a variable amount based on distance and time. Bonuses and Incentives: Uber occasionally offers bonuses for completing a certain number of rides or driving during peak hours. Expenses: Drivers must cover fuel, maintenance, and other costs, which can significantly impact net earnings.

Based on average working hours, an Uber driver can expect to earn between MXN 32,000 to MXN 60,000 per month before expenses. In optimal conditions with high demand, some drivers might even earn up to MXN 80,000 or more in a single month. However, such earnings are exceptional and not representative of the average.

Real-Life Experiences and Advice

My uncle's experience as a taxi driver in Mexico City provides a cautionary tale. He worked as a taxi driver for the majority of his adult life, highlighting the risks involved in driving strangers in your own car in Mexico City. The thought of potential kidnappings and violence can be daunting, making alternative career options more appealing.

While earning around MXN 3,000 to MXN 4,000 per week in "green" numbers (money paid to the driver by Uber after taking their cut), my uncle's monthly earnings were approximately MXN 12,000 to MXN 16,000 before expenses. My uncle worked as a "socio" (partner or driver) and did not own the car. Car owners received a larger share of the earnings, and the car owner also covered fuel expenses, which were approximately MXN 700 to MXN 1,400 per week, depending on the week's demand.

Based on my uncle's experience, my advice for anyone considering entering the Uber business in Mexico City is:

Become a Socio: Own the car to eliminate any middleman and take full responsibility for your earnings. Own a Fully Paid-Off Car: Uber ridership can fluctuate, so tying your income to car payments would be unwise. Choose a Car with Low Maintenance Costs: Your odometer will increase significantly every day due to the high usage, which can lead to unexpected maintenance expenses. Select an Automatic Transmission: Avoid the challenges of driving manual transmission cars on Mexico City’s steep streets.

Conclusion

While there is potential for strong earnings as an Uber driver in Mexico City, the actual income can vary widely based on individual circumstances and market conditions. Understanding the factors that influence earnings and taking proactive steps can help you maximize your potential earnings and minimize risks.