Minimum pay for app-based food and grocery delivery workers under the Fair Work Commission's on-demand delivery order, which started on 17 August 2026: the hourly rates by vehicle, what counts as engaged time, and a calculator to check whether you're owed a top-up.
Delivery riders and drivers must earn at least $31.30 to $32.00 per engaged hour until 31 December 2026, depending on the vehicle, and $31.80 to $32.50 in 2027.
Minimum pay rates by vehicle
| Vehicle | 17 August to 31 December 2026 | 1 January to 31 December 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| No vehicle or bicycle (pedal powered) | $31.30 | $31.80 |
| Electric bicycle or scooter | $31.30 | $31.80 |
| Combustion motorcycle or scooter | $31.50 | $32.00 |
| Car or other motor vehicle up to 1 tonne carrying capacity | $32.00 | $32.50 |
Per hour of engaged time, before vehicle costs and tax.
Check your earnings period
Example from the Fair Work Ombudsman: 9 engaged hours by car at $32.00 gives a floor of $288.00. Paid $270, the platform owes a $18.00 top-up.
How it works
- Engaged time runs from accepting a job in the app to completing the delivery. Time waiting for offers isn't included.
- The platform sets an earnings period of up to 21 days. Your floor is engaged hours × the minimum rate for your vehicle.
- If your pay is below the floor, the platform tops it up in the next earnings period or within 7 days after it.
- Workers stay independent contractors: you cover your own vehicle costs and tax.
Common questions
What is the minimum pay for food delivery riders in Australia?
From 17 August 2026, app-based food and grocery delivery workers must earn at least $31.30 per hour of engaged time on foot or by bicycle or e-bike, $31.50 on a petrol motorbike or scooter and $32.00 in a car. From 1 January 2027 the rates are $31.80, $32.00 and $32.50.
What counts as engaged time?
The time recorded in the app from when you accept a job until the delivery is completed. Waiting for jobs doesn't count, and neither does time after a cancellation, breaks, breakdowns, or long unexplained stops.
What happens if I'm paid less than the minimum?
Your engaged hours in each earnings period (set by the platform, up to 21 days) are multiplied by the minimum rate. If your pay is lower, the platform must pay the difference as a top-up in the next earnings period or within 7 days after it.
Does this apply to Uber Eats, DoorDash and Menulog?
The order applies to any app-based platform that engages contractors mainly to deliver food, drinks, alcohol or groceries, and to the workers on it. It doesn't name individual platforms, so check the gig worker information statement your platform must give you.
Who is covered?
Independent contractors working through an app who mainly deliver food, drinks, alcohol or groceries straight to customers. Employees (for example a supermarket's own drivers), vehicles over 1 tonne and parcel delivery aren't covered.
Do I still pay my own costs and tax?
Yes. The minimum is before your vehicle costs (fuel, repairs, registration) and before tax. As a contractor you pay your own tax; see the sole trader tax calculator.
When do the rates go up?
Every 1 January, by a percentage the Fair Work Commission sets based on the Annual Wage Review.
See also the sole trader tax calculator, casual loading and the national minimum wage.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, Rules in the on-demand delivery order and Minimum standards for on-demand delivery workers. Checked 2026-10-22. General information only.