Instacart provides an opportunity for independent contractors to earn money by shopping and delivering groceries. The earnings of Instacart Shoppers vary widely based on location, order volume, and delivery demand. Below, we break down the estimated earnings of Instacart Shoppers in each U.S. state, based on available data.
National Average Earnings
- The average hourly earnings for Instacart Shoppers range between $15 to $30 per hour, depending on order size, tips, and location.
- Full-service shoppers (who shop and deliver) typically earn more than in-store shoppers (who only shop).
- Earnings are influenced by batch availability, customer tips, and promotions offered by Instacart.
Factors Affecting Instacart Shopper Earnings
Several key factors determine how much an Instacart Shopper can earn:
- Location: Larger cities and metro areas typically have higher demand and larger grocery orders.
- Order Size: Bigger orders and multiple-batch deliveries offer higher payouts.
- Peak Hours: Shopping during high-demand hours (evenings, weekends, and holidays) can lead to better earnings.
- Customer Tips: Since shoppers can keep 100% of their tips, great service can significantly boost earnings.
- Instacart Promotions: Instacart often provides bonuses and peak pay incentives to encourage shopping in busy areas.
State-by-State Breakdown of Instacart Shopper Earnings
Alabama
- Average Hourly Pay: $17.50
- Best earnings in Birmingham and Montgomery.
Alaska
- Average Hourly Pay: $22.50
- Higher earnings due to limited grocery options and long delivery distances.
Arizona
- Average Hourly Pay: $19.00
- Phoenix is the top-earning city for Instacart.
Arkansas
- Average Hourly Pay: $16.80
- Highest demand in Little Rock.
California
- Average Hourly Pay: $25.00
- Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego offer some of the best Instacart earnings in the U.S.
Colorado
- Average Hourly Pay: $21.00
- Denver and Boulder have strong Instacart demand.
Connecticut
- Average Hourly Pay: $20.50
- High-paying batches available in Hartford and Stamford.
Delaware
- Average Hourly Pay: $18.50
- Best earnings near Wilmington.
Florida
- Average Hourly Pay: $20.20
- Miami, Orlando, and Tampa have consistent orders.
Georgia
- Average Hourly Pay: $19.50
- Atlanta is a major Instacart hub with strong earnings.
Hawaii
- Average Hourly Pay: $24.50
- High order values and delivery distances increase earnings.
Idaho
- Average Hourly Pay: $17.00
- Best opportunities in Boise.
Illinois
- Average Hourly Pay: $21.50
- Chicago shoppers earn well above the national average.
Indiana
- Average Hourly Pay: $18.20
- Best demand in Indianapolis.
Iowa
- Average Hourly Pay: $17.50
- Most orders in Des Moines.
Kansas
- Average Hourly Pay: $17.30
- Best demand in Kansas City and Wichita.
Kentucky
- Average Hourly Pay: $17.00
- Louisville and Lexington offer steady orders.
Louisiana
- Average Hourly Pay: $18.80
- New Orleans is the best location for Instacart.
Maine
- Average Hourly Pay: $18.00
- Higher pay in Portland due to limited grocery options.
Maryland
- Average Hourly Pay: $21.00
- Baltimore and DC suburbs have high grocery demand.
Massachusetts
- Average Hourly Pay: $23.00
- Boston is a high-paying Instacart market.
Michigan
- Average Hourly Pay: $19.00
- Best demand in Detroit and Grand Rapids.
Minnesota
- Average Hourly Pay: $19.80
- Minneapolis offers excellent earnings.
Mississippi
- Average Hourly Pay: $16.50
- Fewer orders outside of Jackson.
Missouri
- Average Hourly Pay: $18.20
- Best demand in Kansas City and St. Louis.
Montana
- Average Hourly Pay: $17.00
- Limited demand outside of Billings.
Nebraska
- Average Hourly Pay: $17.50
- Omaha offers the highest Instacart earnings.
Nevada
- Average Hourly Pay: $21.00
- Las Vegas is a high-demand market.
New Hampshire
- Average Hourly Pay: $18.50
- Most orders in Manchester.
New Jersey
- Average Hourly Pay: $22.00
- Best earnings in Newark and Jersey City.
New Mexico
- Average Hourly Pay: $17.80
- Most orders in Albuquerque.
New York
- Average Hourly Pay: $24.00
- NYC shoppers can earn over $30/hour.
North Carolina
- Average Hourly Pay: $19.00
- Best locations: Charlotte and Raleigh.
North Dakota
- Average Hourly Pay: $17.00
- Fargo is the main Instacart hub.
Ohio
- Average Hourly Pay: $18.90
- Cleveland and Columbus have strong demand.
Oklahoma
- Average Hourly Pay: $18.00
- Best orders in Oklahoma City.
Oregon
- Average Hourly Pay: $21.20
- Portland has high demand for Instacart.
Pennsylvania
- Average Hourly Pay: $20.50
- Best earnings in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Rhode Island
- Average Hourly Pay: $19.00
- Providence has strong grocery demand.
South Carolina
- Average Hourly Pay: $18.50
- Best markets: Charleston and Columbia.
South Dakota
- Average Hourly Pay: $17.20
- Sioux Falls is the best Instacart market.
Tennessee
- Average Hourly Pay: $19.00
- Best demand in Nashville and Memphis.
Texas
- Average Hourly Pay: $20.50
- Houston, Dallas, and Austin are top-paying cities.
Utah
- Average Hourly Pay: $19.00
- Best earnings in Salt Lake City.
Vermont
- Average Hourly Pay: $18.20
- Limited demand outside of Burlington.
Virginia
- Average Hourly Pay: $20.00
- Best opportunities in Northern Virginia.
Washington
- Average Hourly Pay: $22.50
- Seattle is a high-paying Instacart city.
West Virginia
- Average Hourly Pay: $16.50
- Few orders outside Charleston.
Wisconsin
- Average Hourly Pay: $19.00
- Best demand in Milwaukee.
Wyoming
- Average Hourly Pay: $17.00
- Limited orders outside Cheyenne.
Final Thoughts
Instacart earnings depend on location, batch availability, and tips. Urban shoppers make more, while rural areas have fewer orders. Optimizing peak hours and customer service can help maximize earnings.
