What is a delivery driver and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
introduction image

A delivery driver transports goods and packages from one location to another. This may involve driving vans, trucks, or motorcycles, depending on the size of the delivery and the employer. Delivery drivers are also responsible for loading and unloading packages, ensuring that they are delivered correctly, and obtaining other proof of delivery. Successful delivery drivers must communicate effectively with customers and possess organizational skills for efficient deliveries.

ScoreDelivery DriverUS Average
Salary
3.0

Avg. Salary $38,785

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.8

Growth Rate 11%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.78%

Asian 3.50%

Black or African American 12.14%

Hispanic or Latino 19.01%

Unknown 4.60%

White 59.96%

Gender

female 16.71%

male 83.29%

Age - 49
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 49
Stress Level
5.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.7

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
4.9

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Delivery Driver?

Pros

  • Flexible work schedule

  • Opportunity to earn tips

  • Potential for overtime pay

  • Access to employee discounts and benefits

  • Can be a good temporary or part-time job

Cons

  • Risk of car accidents or injuries from loading and unloading packages

  • Exposure to extreme weather conditions

  • Low hourly wage compared to other jobs requiring similar skills

  • Limited job security, as companies may switch to automated delivery methods in the future

  • Potential for theft or damage to packages during transit

Delivery Driver career paths

Key steps to become a delivery driver

  1. Explore delivery driver education requirements

    Most common delivery driver degrees

    High School Diploma

    45.2 %

    Bachelor's

    20.5 %

    Associate

    18.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific delivery driver skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Math12.00%
    Basic Math11.49%
    CDL9.76%
    Customer Satisfaction6.33%
    Customer Service5.06%
  3. Complete relevant delivery driver training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New delivery drivers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a delivery driver based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real delivery driver resumes.
  4. Research delivery driver duties and responsibilities

    • Foster strong customer bonds with all clients on route by providing the best possible customer service.
    • Perform daily pre and post trip inspections on the delivery vehicle in accordance to safety and compliance standards.
    • Provide AAA roadside assistance to customers, including jump starts, lock-outs, tire changes, gasoline service.
    • Deliver groceries to clients while executing exceptional customer service.
  5. Prepare your delivery driver resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your delivery driver resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a delivery driver resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Delivery Driver Resume templates

    Build a professional Delivery Driver resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Delivery Driver resume.
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  6. Apply for delivery driver jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a delivery driver job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Delivery Driver Job

Zippi

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Average delivery driver salary

The average Delivery Driver salary in the United States is $38,785 per year or $19 per hour. Delivery driver salaries range between $26,000 and $56,000 per year.

Average Delivery Driver Salary
$38,785 Yearly
$18.65 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do delivery drivers rate their job?

3/5

Based On 2 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Delivery Driver reviews

profile
3.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2023
Pros

Flexible hours, you can kind of control your income, even travel to high demand areas (while traveling) to make bigger money. It’s just nice to be able to go almost anywhere and have an opportunity to make money.

Cons

The pay, benefits, and low tips.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022
Pros

Seeing different areas and being left alone. Meeting new people along the way.

Cons

Rough roads people that are texting while I'm driving down the road. At least 5 out of 10 drivers are texting.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2022
Cons

Cinema

Pros

Experience 8 year GCC county almost work driving responsibility passenger drop location and food delivery timing driving delivery I am work hope


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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