New York City’s delivery workers are earning significantly more under a city law designed to boost pay for app-based couriers.
A new report from the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) reveals that the minimum pay rate has helped put more than $2 billion in additional earnings into workers’ pockets since enforcement began in December 2023.
According to the report, average hourly earnings, including tips, climbed from $10.48 to $27.03. That’s an increase of more than 150% in less than three years.
The change comes as demand for food delivery continues to grow across the five boroughs, with weekly restaurant deliveries rising 29% and customer spending increasing 45%.
How much do NYC delivery workers earn now?
NYC introduced its minimum pay rate for app-based delivery workers in 2023, requiring delivery platforms to pay workers a minimum amount for their time on deliveries.
The rate has since increased alongside inflation, reaching $21.44 per hour in April 2025 and $22.13 per hour in April 2026.
The DCWP report found that average hourly earnings before tips rose from $5.05 in the third quarter of 2023 to $21.63 in the second quarter of 2026. Including tips, average hourly earnings reached $27.03.
While these figures reflect averages rather than a guaranteed hourly wage for every courier, the report points to a significant shift in earnings since the law took effect.
NYC delivery workers will get new protections in 2027
Pay isn’t the only issue the city is addressing. The report also highlighted concerns about workers’ flexibility to use multiple delivery apps and reports of couriers being unfairly removed from platforms.
Starting in January 2027, NYC will enforce new rules intended to protect delivery workers from being deactivated without just cause or a legitimate economic reason.
The protections add another layer to the city’s efforts to improve conditions for app-based workers, whose jobs have become an increasingly visible part of everyday life across New York City.
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