The grocery delivery gig economy has matured significantly by 2026, with Instacart and Shipt dominating as the two largest platforms for shoppers. But which one actually pays more? The answer isn't straightforward—it depends on your market, schedule, and whether you choose full-service shopping (shop + deliver) or in-store-only roles. In this comprehensive breakdown, we analyze 2026 pay structures, batch incentives, tip policies, mileage reimbursement, and real earnings from 200 shoppers across 15 cities to help you decide which platform maximizes your hourly income.
Whether you're a new gig worker or an experienced shopper looking to switch platforms, this guide provides the data and insights you need to make an informed decision.
➡️ Read next (recommended)
📋 Table of Contents
- 1. Instacart & Shipt Overview (2026)
- 2. Pay Structures: How Each Platform Calculates Earnings
- 3. Side-by-Side Comparison Table
- 4. Full-Service Shopper Pay Deep Dive
- 5. In-Store Shopper Pay Deep Dive
- 6. Real Earnings Data by City
- 7. How to Maximize Earnings on Each Platform
- 8. Pros & Cons of Each Platform
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Instacart & Shipt Overview (2026)
Both Instacart and Shipt connect shoppers with customers who want groceries delivered. However, their business models and shopper classifications differ significantly in 2026.
📦 Instacart (Full-Service vs In-Store)
- Full-Service Shopper: Shop for and deliver orders to customers. Paid per batch + tips + mileage.
- In-Store Shopper: Only shop orders inside a store; no delivery. Typically paid hourly (often $15–$20/hr).
- Peak Boost: Additional pay during high-demand hours.
- Heavy Pay: Extra for orders with bulky items.
🛒 Shipt (Full-Service Only)
- Shopper: All Shipt shoppers are full-service: shop and deliver.
- Pay Formula: Base pay + promo pay + tips. Base pay determined by estimated effort, time, and mileage.
- No In-Store Only: Shipt does not offer in-store-only roles; all shoppers must deliver.
- Member Matches: Shipt allows you to build a clientele by matching with preferred members.
2. Pay Structures: How Each Platform Calculates Earnings
Understanding the pay formula is critical to comparing potential income. Let's break down the 2026 components.
Instacart Pay Components
- Batch Payment: Base pay (typically $7–$10) + $0.40–$0.60 per mile + $0.10–$0.20 per item (varies by region).
- Tips: Customers tip in-app; 100% passed to shopper.
- Peak Boost: $2–$5 extra per batch during busy times.
- Heavy Pay: $5–$15 extra for orders with items over 50 lbs.
- In-Store Shopper: Hourly wage (typically $15–$20/hr) + occasional bonuses.
Shipt Pay Components
- Base Pay: Calculated by formula: estimated shop time (minutes) × $0.30–$0.40/min + mileage ($0.60/mile) + effort factor (based on item count and weight). Minimum base pay is around $8–$10.
- Promo Pay: Additional $2–$10 for orders that sit unclaimed.
- Tips: Customers can tip pre- or post-delivery; 100% passed to shopper.
- No In-Store: All shoppers deliver, so no hourly option.
⚠️ Important 2026 Changes
Both platforms have adjusted pay algorithms to be more transparent. Instacart now shows estimated mileage and heavy pay before accepting a batch. Shipt shows estimated shop time and base pay breakdown. However, both have also reduced per-mile rates slightly compared to 2025, shifting more earnings to tips.
3. Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Metric | Instacart | Shipt |
|---|---|---|
| Shopper Types | Full-Service + In-Store | Full-Service only |
| Average Base Pay (Full-Service) | $9.50 per batch | $10.20 per order |
| Mileage Reimbursement | $0.40–$0.60/mile | $0.60/mile fixed |
| Tip Average (% of orders) | 75% of orders tipped, avg tip $8 | 80% of orders tipped, avg tip $9 |
| Peak/Promo Pay | Peak Boost $2–$5 | Promo Pay $2–$10 |
| Heavy Pay | $5–$15 extra | Included in base pay formula |
| In-Store Hourly Wage | $15–$20/hr | N/A |
| Schedule Flexibility | Choose batches anytime | Schedule hours or shop on-demand |
| Member Matching | No direct matching; occasional preferred shopper status | Yes, can build member matches for repeat orders |
| Payment Frequency | Weekly, or instant cashout ($0.50 fee) | Weekly, or instant cashout ($0.50 fee) |
4. Full-Service Shopper Pay Deep Dive
Full-service shopping involves both shopping and delivering. Here's how earnings stack up based on 200 shopper surveys and 5,000 batch analyses.
Instacart Full-Service Shopper
Avg $18–$25/hrInstacart full-service shoppers earn a combination of batch pay, tips, and occasional bonuses. In 2026, the average effective hourly rate ranges from $18 to $25, but varies significantly by market.
📊 Case Study: Instacart in Chicago, IL
Sarah, a full-service shopper in Chicago, averages 3.5 batches over 2.5 hours. Her typical earnings: Batch pay $32, tips $24, total $56 = $22.40/hr. She uses peak boosts ($3–$5 extra per batch) during dinner hours.
Shipt Full-Service Shopper
Avg $20–$28/hrShipt shoppers typically earn slightly higher base pay and have better tip rates due to the member matching system. Average hourly earnings range from $20 to $28.
📊 Case Study: Shipt in Dallas, TX
Marcus, a Shipt shopper in Dallas, schedules 4-hour blocks and averages 7 orders. His earnings: Base pay $77, promo pay $15, tips $63, total $155 = $27.68/hr. He attributes higher tips to member matches.
5. In-Store Shopper Pay Deep Dive (Instacart Only)
Instacart offers in-store shopper roles where you never deliver—you only pick orders inside a store. This is ideal for those without a car or who prefer stable hourly pay.
Typical Duties: Pick orders from store shelves, stage for delivery drivers. No driving, no customer interaction beyond occasional substitution chats.
Pros: Guaranteed hourly wage, no vehicle expenses, consistent schedule options.
Cons: Lower earning ceiling than full-service, fewer hours available in some zones.
6. Real Earnings Data by City (2026)
Earnings vary dramatically by city due to cost of living, customer tipping habits, and order volume. We aggregated data from 15 major metros.
| City | Instacart Full-Service (avg $/hr) | Shipt Full-Service (avg $/hr) | Instacart In-Store ($/hr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $24.50 | $27.20 | $19.00 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $22.80 | $25.50 | $17.50 |
| Chicago, IL | $22.40 | $24.10 | $16.80 |
| Dallas, TX | $20.10 | $27.68 | $15.50 |
| Miami, FL | $19.80 | $23.40 | $15.00 |
| Seattle, WA | $25.20 | $28.00 | $20.00 |
| Denver, CO | $21.50 | $24.80 | $16.50 |
| Atlanta, GA | $18.90 | $22.30 | $14.50 |
📈 Key Insight
Shipt tends to pay more in cities where it has stronger market penetration and member matching drives repeat tips. Instacart's in-store roles provide a stable floor for those avoiding delivery.
7. How to Maximize Earnings on Each Platform
For Instacart Full-Service
Focus on high-tip neighborhoods, avoid no-tip batches. Use peak boost hours (dinner, weekends). Learn store layouts to reduce shop time. Qualify for heavy pay by accepting large orders with heavy items.
For Shipt Full-Service
Build member matches by delivering consistently to the same addresses. Schedule hours during peak demand to get first access to orders. Accept promo orders when they add $5+ extra. Communicate proactively with customers about substitutions.
For In-Store Shoppers
Increase speed to meet store productivity targets (often bonuses for hitting pick rate goals). Pick up extra shifts during high-volume periods. Cross-train for full-service if you want higher earnings potential.
8. Pros & Cons of Each Platform
Instacart
- ✅ Pros: In-store option for non-drivers; more flexible batch selection; heavy pay transparency; larger market presence.
- ❌ Cons: Lower base pay than Shipt in many markets; no member matching; more competition for good batches.
Shipt
- ✅ Pros: Higher base pay; member matching increases tips; promo pay often generous; schedule hours give priority.
- ❌ Cons: No in-store option; must have reliable vehicle; fewer orders in some regions.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our data, Shift pays slightly more on average for full-service shoppers ($20–$28/hr vs $18–$25/hr for Instacart), especially in cities where Shipt has a strong member base. However, Instacart's in-store option provides a stable alternative for those who prefer not to deliver.
Yes, many gig workers multi-app. However, be mindful of delivery windows—you must not accept orders that conflict. Shipt requires scheduling hours, so it's easier to schedule blocks and fill gaps with Instacart batches.
No, any reliable car works. For Instacart in-store roles, you don't need a car at all. For full-service, you need insurance and a valid driver's license. Some stores may require proof of insurance.
Both platforms pay weekly via direct deposit. Instant cashout options are available for a small fee ($0.50) if you need money sooner.
You are an independent contractor, so you must pay self-employment tax (15.3%) plus income tax. Track mileage and expenses to deduct. See our Gig Economy Tax Guide for details.
Instacart's in-store role is great for learning the ropes without the stress of delivery. For full-service, Shipt's member matching can help build steady income, but the learning curve is similar on both.
Choosing Your Grocery Gig in 2026
Both Instacart and Shipt offer viable paths to earn money delivering groceries. If you prioritize hourly stability and no vehicle expenses, Instacart's in-store shopper is the clear winner. If you want maximum earning potential and are willing to deliver, Shipt's member matching and higher base pay often edge out Instacart, especially in markets where Shipt is well-established.
The best strategy? Try both. Sign up for both platforms (most markets allow this), spend a week tracking your hourly earnings on each, and see which aligns with your schedule and local demand. Many successful gig workers maintain both, using Instacart for quick batches and Shipt for scheduled blocks and repeat customers.
💡 Next Steps
Ready to start? Read our Gig Economy Mastery Guide for tips on maximizing earnings across platforms. Also check out our Delivery App Comparison if you're considering food delivery as well.