Uber Driver Referral Code Los Angeles — Earn Up to $1,300 Sign-Up Bonus
Sign up to drive with Uber in Los Angeles, CA and earn up to $1,300 in guaranteed earnings. Complete 175 trips within 30 days to qualify.
Last tested: February 17, 2026 · Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles Uber Driver Sign-Up Bonus
$1,300
Guaranteed Earnings
175
Required Trips
30 days
To Complete Trips
Referral link opens Uber's official driver sign-up page. Bonus is automatically applied.
Uber Driver Earnings in Los Angeles, CA
Uber drivers in Los Angeles typically earn $20–35 per hour before expenses. Actual earnings depend on the time of day you drive, which areas you cover, and how many hours per week you are active. The Los Angeles market has had an Uber presence since 2012, serving a metropolitan population of approximately 3.9 million.
| Driving Schedule | Est. Weekly Hours | Est. Weekly Gross |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time (weekends) | 10–15 hrs | $240–$525 |
| Part-time (evenings + weekends) | 20–25 hrs | $400–$875 |
| Full-time | 35–45 hrs | $700–$1575 |
Estimates based on reported Los Angeles driver earnings. Actual results vary. Figures are gross earnings before vehicle expenses, fuel, and taxes.
Real Cost of Driving for Uber in Los Angeles
Understanding your true take-home pay is critical before committing to driving. Here is a realistic breakdown of what Los Angeles Uber drivers actually earn after all expenses and taxes:
| Line Item | Per Hour | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gross earnings | $20–35 | Before any deductions |
| Gas + maintenance + depreciation | −$8–11 | IRS rate: 67¢/mile (2024) |
| Self-employment tax | −15.3% | Social Security + Medicare on net |
| State income tax | State income tax: 1–13.3% (marginal rates, highest in the US) | CA state tax |
| Estimated net hourly | $12–$22 | ~55-65% of gross after all costs |
Hidden Expenses New Drivers Overlook
- Vehicle depreciation — The IRS standard mileage rate (67¢/mile) accounts for wear and tear. Full-time drivers put 30,000-50,000+ miles per year on their car.
- Commercial insurance gap — Your personal auto insurance may not cover you while driving for Uber. Consider a rideshare endorsement ($15-30/month) to close the coverage gap.
- Phone data plan — Always-on GPS and the Uber driver app use significant data. Budget for an unlimited plan if you don't already have one.
- Car washes and interior cleaning — Keeping your car clean is essential for maintaining a high rating. Budget $20-40/month.
- Parking and airport fees — Some airports charge for waiting in the rideshare queue. Downtown parking between rides can add up.
Best Areas to Drive for Uber in Los Angeles
Knowing where to position yourself is key to maximizing your earnings as an Uber driver in Los Angeles. The following areas consistently have the highest ride demand:
- LAX Airport
- Hollywood & West Hollywood
- Downtown LA (DTLA)
- Santa Monica & Venice Beach
- Beverly Hills
Peak Hours in Los Angeles
Morning commute (6:30–9:30 AM), evening rush (4–7 PM), weekend nights near Hollywood (9 PM–2 AM). During these peak times, surge pricing is more likely, which can significantly increase your per-trip earnings.
Airport Rides
Los Angeles is served by LAX and BUR airports. Airport pickup and drop-off rides are among the highest-paying trips in the Los Angeles market. Uber has designated pickup zones at each terminal — familiarize yourself with these locations to minimize wait times and maximize ride efficiency.
Driving Tips for Los Angeles
LA traffic is notoriously heavy — use Waze alongside the Uber driver app for real-time route optimization. LAX airport pickups use the LAX-it lot system. Early mornings and late nights avoid the worst congestion and still offer steady demand from airport runs and nightlife areas.
Seasonal Tip
Awards season (January–March with the Grammys, Oscars, and related events) creates premium demand for rides to venues in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Summer beach traffic and Coachella weekend (April, riders going to/from Palm Springs) also spike earnings
Your First 30 Days Driving in Los Angeles
A strategic approach to your first month can make the difference between earning your full $1,300 bonus and missing out. Here is a week-by-week plan:
Week 1: Get Activated Fast
Download Waze alongside the Uber app from day one — it's essential for LA traffic. Start with early morning airport runs from LAX (5–8 AM) when traffic is lighter and tips are higher. Learn the LAX-it pickup lot system before your first airport ride to avoid confusion and wasted time
Week 2: Learn Your Market
Drive different areas of Los Angeles to learn where demand is highest. Test the popular areas: LAX Airport, Hollywood & West Hollywood, Downtown LA (DTLA). Try different time slots — peak hours (morning commute (6:30–9:30 am)) versus off-peak. Take notes on which areas and times earn you the most per hour.
Week 3: Optimize for the Bonus
Focus on hitting your 175-trip target. Short trips count the same as long trips toward your bonus goal, so prioritize quantity during busy periods. Stay in high-demand areas where you can complete back-to-back trips without dead miles. Consider combining rides and Uber Eats deliveries during slower hours.
Week 4: Develop Your Long-Term Strategy
By now you know Los Angeles's best areas and peak hours. Set up a mileage tracking app (Stride, Everlance, or MileIQ) for tax deductions. Maintain a 4.85+ rating by keeping your car clean and being professional. Consider which combination of rides and deliveries maximizes your hourly earnings in the Los Angeles market.
Uber Driver Requirements in Los Angeles, CA
Personal Requirements
- At least 21 years old
- Valid CA driver's license
- At least 1 year of licensed driving experience (3 years if under 25)
- Social Security number for background check
- Pass Uber's background and driving record check
Vehicle Requirements
- Vehicle must be 15 years old or newer (varies by market)
- 4-door vehicle in good condition
- Valid vehicle registration in CA
- CA vehicle insurance meeting state minimums
- Pass Uber's vehicle inspection
Uber Driver Referral FAQ — Los Angeles
How much is the Uber driver referral bonus in Los Angeles?
The current Uber driver referral bonus in Los Angeles, CA is up to $1,300 in guaranteed earnings. You need to complete 175 trips within 30 days of activation to qualify for the full bonus amount.
How much do Uber drivers actually earn in Los Angeles after expenses?
Uber drivers in Los Angeles typically earn $20–35 per hour gross. After accounting for gas, maintenance, and vehicle depreciation (estimated at $8–11/hour in Los Angeles), plus self-employment tax (15.3%) and state income tax: 1–13.3% (marginal rates, highest in the us), net take-home pay is typically 55-65% of gross earnings. Peak hours (morning commute (6:30–9:30 am)) offer the highest earning potential.
What are the requirements to drive for Uber in Los Angeles?
To drive for Uber in Los Angeles, you must be at least 21 years old (or 25 for some vehicle types), have a valid CA driver's license, have at least 1 year of driving experience, pass a background check, and have a vehicle that meets Uber's requirements for the Los Angeles market.
What are the best areas to drive for Uber in Los Angeles?
The most popular Uber pickup areas in Los Angeles include LAX Airport, Hollywood & West Hollywood, Downtown LA (DTLA), Santa Monica & Venice Beach, Beverly Hills. Airport rides from LAX/BUR are typically the highest-paying trips. Awards season (January–March with the Grammys, Oscars, and related events) creates premium demand for rides to venues in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Summer beach traffic and Coachella weekend (April, riders going to/from Palm Springs) also spike earnings
When are the busiest times to drive Uber in Los Angeles?
The peak demand hours for Uber in Los Angeles are: Morning commute (6:30–9:30 AM), evening rush (4–7 PM), weekend nights near Hollywood (9 PM–2 AM). During these times, surge pricing is more likely, which increases your earnings per trip. Seasonal tip: Awards season (January–March with the Grammys, Oscars, and related events) creates premium demand for rides to venues in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Summer beach traffic and Coachella weekend (April, riders going to/from Palm Springs) also spike earnings
Nearby Markets
Considering other cities near Los Angeles? Compare sign-up bonuses and earnings in nearby markets:
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