Walmart delivery drivers make between $15 and $22 per hour on average, though actual earnings depend heavily on location, shift timing, and how many deliveries you complete per hour
Walmart runs two separate delivery programs with different pay structures. Walmart Delivery (their in-house service) pays hourly wages to employees, while Walmart GoLocal (their third-party contractor model) pays per delivery. If you're considering this work, you need to know which program you're joining, because the money works completely differently.
Walmart Delivery employees in most states start at $15 to $16 per hour, with some markets paying up to $22 per hour. This is base pay only — it does not include mileage reimbursement, vehicle wear, or fuel. GoLocal contractors typically earn $2 to $10 per delivery depending on distance and complexity, plus tips. Neither program offers benefits like health insurance or paid time off unless you're classified as a full-time employee, which most delivery positions are not.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart Delivery jobs pay hourly wages ($15–$22 depending on location), while GoLocal contractor work pays per delivery ($2–$10 plus tips).
- Hourly employees are W-2 workers with scheduled shifts, but most positions are part-time and do not include health benefits.
- Contractors must cover their own vehicle expenses, insurance, and fuel — costs that can eat 30 to 50 percent of per-delivery earnings.
- Actual take-home pay varies by how many deliveries you complete per hour and whether you work peak times (typically 5 to 9 p.m. weekdays).
- Walmart Delivery positions are posted on Walmart's careers site; GoLocal work comes through third-party apps like DoorDash, Spark, or Roadie.
Walmart Delivery: Hourly employee pay and what it covers
Walmart Delivery hires W-2 employees directly. You work scheduled shifts, clock in and out, and receive a paycheck. The hourly rate varies by state and market — California, New York, and major metropolitan areas tend to pay higher than rural regions. Most positions are part-time (20 to 30 hours per week), though full-time roles exist in some locations.
The hourly wage is your only may provide income. You do not receive mileage reimbursement, per-delivery bonuses, or tips (customers cannot tip Walmart Delivery drivers). You are responsible for vehicle maintenance, fuel, and insurance. If you drive 40 miles per day at the federal mileage rate of 67 cents per mile (2024), that's roughly $27 per day in vehicle costs — about $135 per week if you work five days. On a $16 per hour wage for a 5-hour shift, that's $80 gross, minus $27 in vehicle costs, leaving $53 net for that day.
Walmart Delivery positions are posted on Walmart's careers website under "Delivery Driver" or "Delivery Associate." You explore directly to Walmart, not through a third-party app. The hiring process typically includes a background check, driving record review, and sometimes a brief phone or in-person interview.
GoLocal: Per-delivery contractor pay and vehicle costs
Walmart GoLocal is a contractor model where you accept individual deliveries through a third-party platform (often DoorDash, Spark, or Roadie, depending on your area). You are not a Walmart employee — you're an independent contractor working through a delivery network that Walmart contracts with. This means no hourly may provide, no scheduled shifts, and no benefits.
Per-delivery pay ranges from $2 to $10 depending on distance, complexity, and location. A 3-mile delivery might pay $3; a 15-mile delivery might pay $8. Tips are included in that range on some platforms and added separately on others — check the app before accepting. If you complete four deliveries per hour at an average of $5 per delivery, that's $20 per hour gross. But after fuel (roughly $2 to $3 per delivery for a typical car) and vehicle wear, your net is closer to $12 to $15 per hour.
The math gets worse on slow days or in low-density areas. If you complete only two deliveries per hour at $4 each, you're earning $8 per hour gross before expenses. Contractors also pay self-employment tax (15.3 percent on net income), which employees do not.
How location and time of day affect your earnings
Walmart Delivery pay is fixed by location and position, so your hourly rate does not change based on demand. However, shift availability does — peak delivery times (5 to 9 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends) have more scheduled shifts, so you can work more hours if you want them.
GoLocal contractor earnings fluctuate by time and place. Urban areas with high delivery density pay more per delivery because there are more orders. Rural areas pay less per delivery but may have longer distances, which can offset the lower rate. Evening and weekend shifts typically have more available orders, so you can complete more deliveries per hour. Early morning and midday shifts often have fewer orders, which means longer waits between deliveries and lower hourly earnings.
Weather also matters for contractors. Bad weather increases demand and sometimes triggers surge pricing (higher per-delivery pay), but it also increases your vehicle risk and fuel consumption. Employees work scheduled shifts regardless of weather.
Comparing Walmart Delivery to other gig and delivery work
Walmart Delivery hourly rates ($15–$22) are competitive with Amazon Flex ($18–$25 per hour, but highly variable by location and shift) and better than most food delivery apps (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart typically net $12–$18 per hour after expenses). However, Walmart Delivery does not offer tips, which food delivery drivers rely on to reach higher take-home pay.
GoLocal contractor work ($2–$10 per delivery) is similar to Spark Driver (Walmart's own app-based contractor service, which pays $2–$15 per delivery) and Roadie (similar per-delivery model). It pays less per delivery than DoorDash food delivery in most markets, but deliveries are often shorter distances. The key difference is that Walmart Delivery is a job with a paycheck, while GoLocal is gig work with no may provide income or benefits.
If you need consistent income and benefits, Walmart Delivery is more stable. If you want flexibility and the ability to work whenever you want, GoLocal or Spark Driver offer that — but with lower and less predictable earnings.
Vehicle costs and tax implications for contractors
GoLocal contractors must account for fuel, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation. The IRS standard mileage rate for 2024 is 67 cents per mile, which covers all vehicle costs. If you drive 100 miles per day on deliveries, that's $67 per day in deductible expenses. Over a year, that's roughly $16,000 in mileage deductions (assuming 240 working days).
You also owe self-employment tax on your net income. If you earn $20,000 per year as a contractor, you owe roughly $3,000 in self-employment tax (15.3 percent). Walmart Delivery employees do not pay this — it's split between employee and employer.
Contractors should set aside 25 to 30 percent of gross earnings for taxes and vehicle costs. If you earn $1,000 in a month, plan to keep $700 to $750 after expenses and taxes.
How to find and explore for Walmart delivery work
For Walmart Delivery (hourly employee positions), visit Walmart's careers website (walmart.com/careers), search for "Delivery Driver" or "Delivery Associate," and filter by your state and city. Most postings specify the hourly rate, shift times, and hours per week. You explore directly through Walmart's system.
For GoLocal contractor work, check the app that services your area. In some regions, it's DoorDash; in others, it's Spark Driver (Walmart's own app) or Roadie. Search "Walmart delivery" in your app store or ask Walmart customer service which platform handles deliveries in your zip code. Contractor sign-up is usually faster than employee hiring — sometimes same-day approval if your background check clears.
Both programs require a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that meets their standards (usually less than 10 years old, no major damage). Contractors also need a bank account for direct deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Walmart Delivery drivers get tips?
No. Walmart Delivery employees do not receive tips from customers. Your income is the hourly wage only. GoLocal contractors may receive tips depending on the platform — check the app's policy before accepting work.
Can I work both Walmart Delivery and GoLocal at the same time?
You cannot be a Walmart Delivery employee and a GoLocal contractor simultaneously for Walmart, as that would be a conflict of interest. However, you can work GoLocal (contractor) and do other gig work like DoorDash or Instacart on the side, as long as your schedule allows.
What happens if I get in an accident while delivering?
Walmart Delivery employees are covered under Walmart's commercial insurance while on a scheduled shift. GoLocal contractors are responsible for their own insurance; your personal auto policy may not cover commercial delivery work, so you need commercial or rideshare coverage. Check your policy before accepting work.
How often do I get paid?
Walmart Delivery employees receive paychecks on a weekly or biweekly schedule, depending on your location. GoLocal contractors receive payment weekly via direct deposit, usually 3 to 5 business days after the week ends.
Is Walmart Delivery hiring in my area?
Walmart Delivery operates in most metropolitan areas but not everywhere. Check Walmart's careers site for your zip code. If no positions appear, GoLocal may still be available in your area through a third-party platform, or you can contact Walmart customer service to ask which delivery service covers your region.