If you’ve been thinking about becoming an Instacart shopper in Chicago, one of the biggest questions you probably have is, How much do Instacart shoppers make in Chicago? The appeal of flexible hours and the ability to work on your own schedule makes this gig a popular choice. But, as with any job in the gig economy, your earnings can vary. Factors like the time of day, location, and even the weather all play a role in what you take home at the end of the day.

In this guide, we’ll break down the specifics so you can understand what to expect and how to boost your earnings as an Instacart shopper in Chicago.

If you're interested in seeing the specific data for InstaCart shopper earnings in Chicago, click here to view the full breakdown!

Why Earnings Vary for InstaCart Shoppers in Chicago

Earnings as an Instacart shopper in Chicago aren’t set in stone; they depend on a range of factors. Chicago is a busy, sprawling city, and that means there are lots of opportunities, but also challenges. Things like rush hour traffic, the availability of grocery stores, and even the weather can affect how many orders you get and what you earn per delivery.

By understanding these factors, you can better plan your schedule and take advantage of peak times to maximize your income. Here’s how you can make the most of your time shopping for Instacart in the Windy City.

For specific data on how much InstaCart Shoppers are making in Chicago, including rolling average hourly pay, base pay per hour and tips per hour–check out our in-depth pay insights analysis here.

Factors That Impact Earnings for InstaCart Shoppers in Chicago

While your specific earnings will depend on your schedule and effort, there are some common factors that influence how much you can make as an Instacart shopper in Chicago:

• Time of Day: Timing is everything when it comes to grocery delivery. In Chicago, the best times to shop are weekday evenings (after 5 p.m.) and on weekends. During these times, most people are at home, and they’re more likely to place grocery orders. If you can plan your shifts around these peak periods, you’ll have a better chance of getting more batches and higher tips.
• Location: Where you shop in Chicago can make a big difference in your earnings. Neighborhoods like River North, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview, which have a high density of grocery stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Mariano’s, tend to see more order requests. Staying close to these hot spots means you’ll get more batch offers and spend less time driving between deliveries.On the flip side, some of Chicago’s suburban areas, like Oak Park or Evanston, can also be great spots to shop since there’s often less competition from other shoppers and a steady flow of orders.
• Bad weather increases demand: Anyone familiar with Chicago winters knows how brutal they can be. On cold, snowy, or rainy days, people are far less likely to leave their homes to grocery shop, which means more delivery requests. These conditions can be great opportunities for Instacart shoppers to earn more since demand tends to spike. When the weather’s rough, consider gearing up and taking on as many orders as possible—peak bonuses are often higher, and customers are more generous with tips when they appreciate the extra effort.

For a complete breakdown of these factors and how they impact actual driver earnings in Chicago on a rolling average basis, click here to view the data.

Maximizing Earnings: Tips for InstaCart Shoppers in Chicago

To really make the most of your time as an Instacart shopper in Chicago, you need to be strategic. Here are a few tried-and-true tips for boosting your earnings:

• Weekends & evenings: The best times to shop are when people are home and placing orders—typically weekday evenings and weekends. Weekend mornings and afternoons are prime times for grocery orders as people prepare for the week ahead or host social events. By focusing your efforts during these high-demand periods, you’re more likely to get more batches and higher payouts.You can also use Solo’s Smart Schedule feature to determine which hours to drive based on the highest earning platforms for your city!
• Remember to Be Kind and Courteous: Sometimes, small gestures can make a big difference in your earnings. Being courteous, sending updates if there’s an issue, and ensuring groceries are delivered in good condition can lead to better tips. In a city like Chicago, where competition among delivery drivers is fierce, going the extra mile (literally and figuratively) can set you apart and boost your overall income.

Final Thoughts: Is Driving for InstaCart in Chicago Worth It?

Instacart offers a great way to earn money in Chicago, whether you’re looking for a side hustle or something more full-time. By being smart about when and where you shop, and by paying attention to seasonal demand and weather, you can make the most of your time on the road. Remember, every extra step you take to maximize efficiency and provide excellent service can pay off in higher earnings.

It’s also important to note that your actual earnings will depend on a variety of factors, and it’s important to understand both the potential earnings and the possible expenses involved. 

If you're looking for more precise data and figures on what InstaCart Shoppers in Chicago are earning, be sure to check out our comprehensive earnings insights for InstaCart Shoppers in Chicago. This report provides up-to-date information based on local data, so you can make an informed decision about whether driving for InstaCart is the right fit for you.

Looking to learn more about how much InstaCart drivers can make in other cities? Check out our general Pay Insights page!