Are you considering a food delivery job in Italy? Whether you’re a student looking for flexible work, someone seeking part-time income, or exploring gig economy opportunities, understanding what you can actually earn with platforms like Glovo and Just Eat is crucial. Let’s cut through the noise and talk real numbers, practical strategies, and what working as a delivery rider in Italy truly looks like in 2025.
The food delivery industry has exploded across Italian cities from Milan to Rome, Naples to Turin. With more people ordering meals online than ever before, delivery platforms are constantly recruiting riders. But here’s what everyone wants to know: how much can you really make delivering food in Italy?
This guide breaks down actual salary expectations, compares Glovo vs Just Eat earnings, reveals insider tips to maximize your income, and helps you decide if food delivery work is right for you.
Understanding Food Delivery Job Salaries in Italy
Let’s get straight to the numbers. Food delivery earnings in Italy vary significantly based on several factors: your city, working hours, platform choice, and how strategically you approach the job.
Average Hourly Earnings:
- Glovo riders: €6-€12 per hour (base rate plus bonuses)
- Just Eat riders: €8-€14 per hour (often higher base pay)
- Peak times: €15-€20 per hour possible with bonuses and tips
Monthly Income Potential:
- Part-time (15-20 hours/week): €400-€800 per month
- Full-time (35-40 hours/week): €1,200-€2,000 per month
- Peak season (summer/holidays): Up to €2,500+ for dedicated riders
These figures represent real earnings reported by riders across major Italian cities. Your actual income depends heavily on when and where you work.
Glovo Salary in Italy: What to Expect
Glovo operates as one of Italy’s most popular delivery platforms, known for its flexibility and quick onboarding process. Here’s how their payment structure works:
Payment Model: Glovo typically pays per delivery, not per hour. The rate varies by:
- Distance traveled: €2.50-€5.00 per delivery
- City size: Higher rates in Milan, Rome, and Florence
- Time of day: Surge pricing during lunch and dinner rushes
- Weather bonuses: Extra pay during rain or extreme conditions
Real Rider Experience: Marco, a 24-year-old Glovo rider in Milan, shares: “I started delivering during evenings after my university classes. First month, I made about €550 working 20 hours weekly. Once I learned the best zones and peak times, I increased that to €750-€800. The flexibility is unbeatable – I choose when to log on.”
Glovo Earnings Breakdown:
- Weekday lunch (11am-2pm): 3-4 deliveries/hour = €10-€15/hour
- Weekday dinner (7pm-10pm): 2-3 deliveries/hour = €8-€12/hour
- Weekend peak times: Can hit €15-€18/hour with bonuses
- Off-peak periods: €6-€8/hour (slower, fewer orders)
Just Eat Earnings Italy: A Different Approach
Just Eat (now part of Just Eat Takeaway.com) operates differently in Italy, offering more employment-like arrangements in many regions.
Payment Structure: Unlike Glovo’s pure gig model, Just Eat often provides:
- Hourly guarantees: Minimum €8-€9 per hour in many cities
- Employment contracts: Some cities offer subordinate employment (lavoro subordinato)
- Additional benefits: Accident insurance, equipment provision
- Consistent scheduling: More predictable shifts
Comparative Advantages: Just Eat typically offers slightly better base pay but less flexibility. You might have scheduled shifts rather than complete freedom to log on/off.
Earnings Example: Sofia, who delivers for Just Eat in Rome, explains: “I have a part-time contract for 24 hours weekly. My guaranteed minimum is €9/hour, but with deliveries and tips, I average €11-€12/hour. The stability helps me plan my budget better than pure gig work.”
Maximizing Your Food Delivery Income: Pro Strategies
Want to earn at the higher end of the salary range? Here are proven strategies Italian riders use:
1. Master Peak Hour Scheduling Work during high-demand periods:
- Lunch rush: 12:00-14:00
- Dinner rush: 19:00-22:00
- Weekends: Friday-Sunday evenings
- Special events: Holidays, sports matches, concerts
2. Choose Strategic Zones Position yourself in:
- Restaurant-dense neighborhoods
- Business districts during lunch
- Residential areas during dinner
- Near popular restaurant chains
3. Multi-App Strategy Many successful riders use both platforms:
- Run Glovo and Just Eat simultaneously
- Accept the best-paying orders
- Fill gaps between deliveries
- Increase total hourly orders
4. Optimize Transportation
- E-bikes: Faster than pedal bikes, cheaper than scooters
- Scooters: Best for cities with hills or spread-out zones
- Maintenance: Keep your vehicle reliable to avoid downtime
5. Professional Customer Service Better service = better tips:
- Communicate about delays
- Handle food carefully
- Be friendly and professional
- Use insulated bags properly
Glovo vs Just Eat: Which Platform Pays Better?
The honest answer? It depends on your situation and priorities.
Choose Glovo If:
- You value maximum flexibility
- You want to work irregular hours
- You’re comfortable with variable income
- You prefer quick registration
- You can work peak hours consistently
Choose Just Eat If:
- You want more income stability
- You prefer scheduled shifts
- You value minimum hourly guarantees
- You want potential employment benefits
- You’re in a city where they offer contracts
The Best Strategy: Many experienced riders work for both platforms, using Just Eat for stable base income and Glovo to fill additional hours or capitalize on surge pricing.
Costs and Considerations: The Real Math
Before getting excited about potential earnings, factor in expenses:
Typical Monthly Costs:
- Vehicle maintenance: €50-€100
- Fuel/electricity: €40-€80 (scooters/e-bikes)
- Phone data plan: €15-€25
- Insurance: €20-€50 (if self-insured)
- Equipment: €10-€20 (thermal bags, phone mounts)
Tax Considerations: As a self-employed rider (partita IVA), you’re responsible for:
- Income tax based on earnings
- INPS contributions (social security)
- Accounting/commercialista fees
Many part-time riders earn below thresholds requiring immediate registration, but understand legal requirements for your situation.
The Reality of Food Delivery Work in Italy
Let’s talk honestly about what this job entails beyond salary numbers.
Advantages:
- Genuine flexibility to work when you want
- No boss breathing down your neck
- Stay active and explore your city
- Quick payment cycles (weekly or bi-weekly)
- Low barriers to entry
Challenges:
- Weather exposure (rain, heat, cold)
- Physical demands and fatigue
- Variable income uncertainty
- Minimal employment protections
- Equipment wear and accidents
Who Thrives: Students, part-timers seeking supplementary income, and self-motivated individuals who appreciate autonomy tend to do well. This job works best as flexible income rather than sole support, though full-time earnings are possible with dedication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much can I earn per month with Glovo in Italy? A: Part-time Glovo riders (15-20 hours weekly) typically earn €400-€800 monthly, while full-time riders (35-40 hours weekly) can make €1,200-€2,000. Earnings vary by city, working hours, and strategy. Peak times and bonuses significantly impact income.
Q: Is Just Eat or Glovo better for delivery work in Italy? A: Just Eat typically offers more stable income with hourly guarantees and potential employment contracts, while Glovo provides maximum flexibility with per-delivery pay. Just Eat suits those wanting consistency; Glovo works better for variable schedules. Many riders use both platforms.
Q: Do I need special permits to work as a food delivery rider in Italy? A: Requirements vary by city. Generally, you need: a valid driver’s license (for scooters), registration as self-employed (partita IVA) for regular work, and sometimes city-specific delivery permits. Both platforms guide you through requirements during registration.
Q: Can I work for Glovo and Just Eat at the same time? A: Yes! Many riders multi-app, running both platforms simultaneously to maximize deliveries and earnings. This strategy helps fill gaps between orders and allows you to choose the best-paying deliveries available.
Q: What are the best cities in Italy for food delivery earnings? A: Milan, Rome, Florence, Turin, and Bologna offer the highest order volumes and earnings potential. Larger cities have more restaurants, customers, and consistent demand. However, smaller cities may have less competition among riders.
Final Thoughts: Is Food Delivery Right for You?
Here’s the truth that salary figures alone won’t tell you: food delivery work in Italy can be genuinely rewarding or frustratingly inconsistent – sometimes both in the same week.
If you’re strategic about when you work, which zones you target, and how you manage costs, you can build respectable income. Students, part-time workers, and those needing flexible schedules often find this work fits perfectly into their lives. The freedom to decide “I’ll work tonight” or “I’m taking the day off” has real value.
But let’s also acknowledge the challenges. You’ll ride in rain. You’ll feel exhausted some nights. Some customers won’t tip. Your income will fluctuate. And yes, you’ll question whether it’s worth it during a particularly tough shift.
Yet thousands of riders across Italy keep logging in because, when done right, this work offers something increasingly rare: genuine autonomy over your time and earning potential. You’re not building a career here – you’re creating flexibility, supplementing income, or bridging gaps while pursuing other goals.
Whatever you decide, go in with open eyes. Understand the real numbers, plan for expenses, and give yourself time to learn the rhythm of your city’s delivery ecosystem. Talk to other riders, experiment with different strategies, and remember that your experience will be uniquely yours.
The opportunity is real. The earnings are achievable. The flexibility is valuable. Whether food delivery becomes your income source depends on what you need right now and how you approach the work. Sometimes, the best decisions aren’t about maximum profit – they’re about what fits your life while you’re building toward what’s next.
And honestly? That freedom is worth more than any hourly rate could capture.
