How UPS drivers make a six-figure salary

UPS drivers are making what many consider a premium salary even before the pay increase kicks in. Some UPS drivers are making as much as $2,400 a week, surprising workers in other industries, but people familiar with the job say the pay is well-deserved.

Business Insider asked its 10.9 million LinkedIn followers if they were surprised to learn how much UPS drivers make, and of the 10,000 respondents, nearly half said “yes.”

Still, commenter Dawn Zimmerman, whose husband worked as a UPS driver for 30 years, said, “They don't waste a penny.”

BI spoke with Jenny Rosado, a 30-year UPS driver, and Anissa Zambruno, UPS talent acquisition manager and former UPS driving school instructor, about what to expect if you want to be a UPS driver or are just curious about the job.

Here's what you need to know:

1. You won’t earn top rates right away

UPS told BI that starting pay for new delivery drivers starts at $23 an hour, and they can expect to reach the maximum pay after four years of employment. Currently, the maximum pay is about $44 an hour, but is expected to reach $49 by 2028.

As part of their jobs, UPS drivers have access to “industry-leading pay and benefits, guaranteed pay increases, pensions, paid time off, career advancement opportunities and world-class training,” the company said in a statement.

By comparison, Amazon's delivery service partner drivers make about $19.48 an hour.

2. The holidays are the busiest time of the year.

With Christmas approaching, the peak season begins as people start ordering gifts for their loved ones.

While some may think this period of confusion will end on December 25, Rosado told BI it will continue into the new year for several weeks as people send last-minute gifts, return presents they didn't like, and take advantage of post-holiday sales at online retailers.

3. It's more likely to leave a UPS warehouse than your own truck.

Becoming a UPS driver is a process. For most, that process begins in a warehouse facility. For the first 2-3 years, you'll both drive and help other drivers load and unload trucks.

“A lot of people quit because they can't juggle both and they just want it fast,” Zambruno told BI.

4. You can't always choose the best route

Routes are assigned to drivers when they first start working, and as they gain experience they can bid on the best routes, which are reserved for company veterans.

Rosado told BI that it can take some people 10 to 15 years to find a route they like.

For example, your ideal route might include areas with fewer hills, or areas with houses rather than apartment buildings with lots of stairs.

5. Seniority matters at UPS

UPS says half of its delivery drivers have been with the company for more than 10 years.

Rosado joined the company in 1989, and some of her colleagues are older than her.

6. You have 30 days to prove your eligibility as a driver

To become a full-fledged UPS driver, you will need one month of safety training and supervised driving.

Rosado said that like other training courses, a supervisor will shadow the driver for three to four days, but once they get into the rhythm, they will be expected to drive short routes on their own.

7. I get lonely at home

Drivers are scheduled to work 8-10 hour shifts from early morning until the evening, and new drivers may be asked to cover for a colleague's shift at any time.

“This has to fit into your life schedule,” Zambruno says. “We ask applicants for a lot of flexibility.”

8. You must be able to lift heavier than your competition.

In its job listings, UPS requires applicants to be able to lift at least 70 pounds. Delivery drivers for Amazon and FedEx are only allowed to lift 50 pounds, according to job listings for both companies.

Correction: Dec. 18, 2023 — An earlier version of this story misspelled UPS driver Jenny Rosado's name.