Chinese Ride-Hailing Drivers Rank as Second-Highest Blue-Collar Earners

According to a recent survey conducted by the China Research Center on New Forms of Employment at the Capital University of Economics and Business, ride-hailing drivers rank as China’s second-highest paid blue-collar workers.

These drivers earn an average of CNY7,623 (approximately USD1,070) per month, placing them second among six prominent blue-collar occupations. The survey, which included responses from 5,400 drivers across 13 provincial regions, found that over 81 percent expressed high levels of satisfaction. This positive outlook is attributed to flexible hours, safety during trips, and instant earnings disbursement, all contributing to improved financial stability.

Earnings for drivers are influenced by various factors, including fare rates, the number of completed trips, bonuses, costs for fuel or electricity, and the efficiency in picking up passengers. Commission rates also play a crucial role; for instance, last year, a major platform charged a 14 percent commission on earnings.

The industry, supporting nearly 7.5 million drivers, serves as a vital source of flexible employment. It also provides a buffer against job losses caused by industrial reforms and regional economic shifts, according to the survey findings.

This sector offers resilience to macroeconomic changes, policy adjustments, and industry upgrades, thus acting as a stabilizer for employment and facilitating structural economic transformations, stated Zhang Chenggang, director of the research center.

The survey revealed that 77 percent of drivers entered the ride-hailing space after being unemployed, highlighting the platform’s role in providing accessible, flexible job opportunities for those displaced from traditional roles.

Men make up the vast majority of drivers, with women comprising less than 10 percent despite a slight rise in female participation. Additionally, over 60 percent of drivers possess a high school diploma.

More than half of the drivers serve as the primary or sole breadwinner for their families. Nearly 80 percent experience moderate financial pressure, which motivates them to seek jobs with instant payouts and flexible working hours, the survey indicated.

Their daily working hours vary, averaging around 6.4 hours, though many work closer to 10 hours per day.

The average age of drivers is nearly 40 years old. As China’s population continues to age, many cities—such as Chengdu, Hangzhou, Kunming, Qingdao, Shenzhen, and Weifang—have increased the retirement age limit for ride-hailing drivers to 65.

Despite the industry’s growth, it faces some challenges. Last year, the number of licensed drivers approached 7.5 million, marking a 159 percent increase since 2020. However, the monthly order volume only grew by 38 percent, leading to an oversupply of drivers and resulting in some fare reductions by platform operators.

Another concern voiced by industry experts revolves around the ‘algorithmic control’ of drivers, which could be mitigated through exploring diversified income streams.

The other top blue-collar jobs include delivery couriers, truck drivers, express delivery workers, manufacturing line operators, and construction laborers.