Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has publicly shared detailed income data of the company’s delivery partners, bringing hard numbers into the ongoing debate around gig-economy earnings in India. The disclosure aims to counter claims of underpayment by offering transparency on how much delivery partners actually earn on the platform.
Average Monthly Income Figures Explained
According to the data shared by Zomato, the average active delivery partner earns ₹23,000 per month. This figure is calculated after excluding occasional or inactive workers and focuses on partners who regularly complete deliveries on the platform.
Zomato also stated that over 60 percent of its active delivery partners earn more than ₹25,000 per month, while a significant section earns even higher depending on work hours and city demand.
Daily And Hourly Earnings Breakdown
On a daily basis, delivery partners earn an average of ₹750 to ₹1,000 per day. When calculated hourly, Zomato claims that delivery partners earn ₹120 to ₹140 per hour on average.
Partners working during peak hours, weekends, or festivals earn more due to surge pricing and performance-based incentives. In high-demand cities, hourly earnings can go well beyond the platform average.
Components Of Delivery Partner Income
Zomato clarified that delivery partner earnings are not limited to a fixed payout per order. Income consists of multiple components:
- Base delivery pay per order
- Distance-based payouts
- Peak-hour incentives
- Weekly and monthly performance bonuses
- Customer tips
The company highlighted that tips alone contribute several thousand rupees per month for many high-rated delivery partners.
Active Workforce Numbers
Zomato currently has over 3 lakh active delivery partners across India. The company clarified that income data reflects only active partners who complete deliveries consistently, and not those who log in sporadically or work only a few days a month.
Addressing Cost And Expense Concerns
Critics argue that gross income figures do not account for expenses such as fuel, vehicle maintenance, mobile data, and idle time. Zomato responded by stating that a majority of delivery partners use two-wheelers with relatively low operating costs, and that the platform regularly revises payouts to account for fuel price fluctuations.
The company also claims that delivery partners benefit from accident insurance, medical coverage, and fuel-related benefits offered through partnerships.
Why Zomato Shared The Data Now
The disclosure comes amid increasing scrutiny of gig-economy platforms by policymakers and labour groups. By sharing specific earnings data, Zomato aims to demonstrate that delivery work can provide sustainable income when done consistently, while retaining the flexibility that attracts many gig workers.
Bigger Picture For India’s Gig Economy
India’s gig economy is expected to employ millions over the next decade. Transparent income data like this is likely to play a key role in shaping future regulations, worker protections, and platform accountability.
