Memphis International (MEM) is the FedEx Express global super-hub — outbound flights leave nightly around 9 PM–1 AM, which means consistent late-evening business-travel demand to/from the airport. Beale Street is the main nightlife strip with year-round tourist traffic 6 PM–2 AM, especially Friday and Saturday. Grizzlies NBA games at FedEx Forum create reliable surge zones (41 home games November through April). The Memphis in May International Festival (Beale Street Music Festival plus the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest) draws 100K+ visitors annually. Graceland (10 minutes south of downtown on Elvis Presley Blvd) generates year-round tourist rides from MEM and downtown hotels. Tennessee has no state income tax — your headline hourly translates directly to take-home.
Drive Uber in Memphis — earn up to $800 on your first 30 days.
Complete 80 trips within 30 days of activating your driver account, and Uber pays out the current advertised bonus. Local data, local strategy below.
Earn up to $800 in Memphis.
80 trips · 30-day window · Uber's current offer.
$800
Guaranteed
80
Trips
30 days
Window
a4tsa3uDisclosure: The sign-up link above is a referral link. If you sign up through it, Uber pays URC a small referral credit. You pay nothing extra — the bonus and your fares are identical either way.
Offer terms: The $800 figure is Uber's current advertised offer in Memphis. Bonus amounts, trip counts, and timeframes are set by Uber and can change at any time — always confirm the exact terms shown in the Uber Driver app when you sign up. URC does not guarantee the bonus; Uber does, under its terms.
Earnings caveat: The $800 headline is a gross sign-up payout. Vehicle expenses (gas, depreciation, insurance) and self-employment tax typically take 35–45% off the top — net take-home from the bonus is closer to 55–65% of the headline number.
Memphis is one of Uber's 2014 markets, serving a population of about 630K. If you're considering driving here as a side hustle or full-time — congratulations on choosing yourself. The rest of this page is Memphis-specific: how much you'll actually make after expenses, where to position, when to be online, and how to hit 80 trips inside 30 days.
Gross weekly · Before expensesWhat Uber drivers actually take in here
Hourly range in Memphis: $15–23 gross. Multiply by your hours and you're close.
| Schedule | Hours / week | Est. weekly gross |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time (weekends) | 10–15 hrs | $180–$345 |
| Part-time (evenings + weekends) | 20–25 hrs | $300–$575 |
| Full-time | 35–45 hrs | $525–$1035 |
Pre-expense gross. We'll talk about the keep number next.
Net take-home · After everythingReal cost of driving in Memphis
Honest math beats fantasy math every time.
| Line item | Per hour | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gross earnings | $15–23 | Before any deductions |
| Gas + maintenance + depreciation | −$5–7 | IRS rate: 70¢/mile (2025) |
| Self-employment tax | −15.3% | SS + Medicare on net |
| State income tax | Varies | No state income tax |
| Estimated net hourly | $9–$14 | ~55-65% of gross after all costs |
Hidden expenses new drivers overlook
- Vehicle depreciation — the IRS standard mileage rate (70¢/mile) accounts for wear and tear. Full-time drivers put 30,000–50,000+ miles on their car per year.
- Commercial insurance gap — your personal auto policy may not cover you while driving for Uber. Add a rideshare endorsement ($15–30/month) to close the coverage gap.
- Phone data plan — always-on GPS + Driver app uses heavy data. Budget for an unlimited plan.
- Car washes + interior cleaning — keeping clean = keeping your 4.85+ rating. $20–40/month.
- Parking + airport fees — some airports charge for rideshare-queue waiting. Downtown parking between rides adds up.
Where to be · When to be thereBest areas to drive in Memphis
These are the Memphis pickup zones with the most consistent demand:
Peak hours
Morning rush (7–9 AM), evening commute (4–6:30 PM), Beale Street on weekends (8 PM–2 AM). Surge pricing is more likely during these windows, and it materially changes your per-trip earnings.
Airport rides (MEM)
Memphis is served by MEM airport. Airport runs are usually the highest-paying single rides in Memphis. Learn the designated pickup zones and the queue system at each terminal — it'll cut your wait time and let you stack consecutive airport trips.
From Memphis driversDriving tips for this market
Memphis in May (the entire month of May) is a three-part festival featuring the Beale Street Music Festival, World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, and 901 Fest — demand spikes every weekend. Graceland's Elvis Birthday Week (January) and Elvis Week (August) both draw thousands of fans who need rides from the airport to Whitehaven
Four-week plan · Hit the bonusYour first 30 days in Memphis
A focused first month is the difference between the full $800 and a near-miss.
- 01
Week 1: Get activated fast
Start on Beale Street on your first weekend night — it's a concentrated 3-block entertainment zone where rides are short but constant. During weekdays, position yourself near the Memphis International Airport in the morning for FedEx business traveler pickups. Learn the route from MEM airport to downtown (15 minutes via I-55) and to Graceland (10 minutes south on Elvis Presley Blvd) since these are your two most common airport destinations
- 02
Week 2: Learn the Memphis market
Drive different parts of Memphis to learn where demand is highest. Test the popular areas: Memphis International Airport (MEM), Beale Street & Downtown, Overton Square & Cooper-Young. Try different time slots — peak hours (morning rush (7–9 am)) versus off-peak. Note which areas + times earn you the most per hour.
- 03
Week 3: Optimise for the bonus
Focus on hitting 80 trips. Short trips count the same as long trips toward your bonus, so prioritise quantity during busy windows. Stay in high-demand zones to stack back-to-back trips without dead miles. Switch on Uber Eats during slow hours to fill gaps.
- 04
Week 4: Build the long-term strategy
By now you know Memphis's best areas and peak hours. Set up a mileage tracking app (Stride, Everlance, or MileIQ) for tax deductions. Maintain a 4.85+ rating — clean car, polite, water + charger in the back. Decide which rides/Eats mix maximises your hourly earnings in Memphis.
Personal · VehicleUber driver requirements in Memphis
Personal
You
- At least 21 years old
- Valid TN 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 + driving record check
Vehicle
Your car
- 15 years old or newer (varies by market)
- 4-door vehicle in good condition
- Valid registration in TN
- TN insurance meeting state minimums
- Pass Uber's vehicle inspection (if required in Memphis)
Frequently asked
Everything readers ask before using a code.
What is the Uber Driver referral code for Memphis?
The Uber Driver referral code is a4tsa3u — the same code works in Memphis, TN and across all U.S. markets. You can either click our referral link above (which applies the code automatically) or enter a4tsa3u during the Uber Driver app sign-up to qualify for up to $800 in guaranteed earnings.
How much is the Uber driver referral bonus in Memphis?
The current Uber driver referral bonus in Memphis, TN is up to $800 in guaranteed earnings. You need to complete 80 trips within 30 days of activation to qualify for the full bonus amount.
How much do Uber drivers actually earn in Memphis after expenses?
Uber drivers in Memphis typically earn $15–23 per hour gross. After accounting for gas, maintenance, and vehicle depreciation (estimated at $5–7/hour in Memphis), plus self-employment tax (15.3%), net take-home pay is typically 55-65% of gross earnings. Peak hours (morning rush (7–9 am)) offer the highest earning potential.
What are the requirements to drive for Uber in Memphis?
To drive for Uber in Memphis, you must be at least 21 years old (or 25 for some vehicle types), have a valid TN 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 Memphis market.
What are the best areas to drive for Uber in Memphis?
The most popular Uber pickup areas in Memphis include Memphis International Airport (MEM), Beale Street & Downtown, Overton Square & Cooper-Young, FedEx Forum on Grizzlies game nights, Graceland tourist area. Airport rides from MEM are typically the highest-paying trips. Memphis in May (the entire month of May) is a three-part festival featuring the Beale Street Music Festival, World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, and 901 Fest — demand spikes every weekend. Graceland's Elvis Birthday Week (January) and Elvis Week (August) both draw thousands of fans who need rides from the airport to Whitehaven
When are the busiest times to drive Uber in Memphis?
The peak demand hours for Uber in Memphis are: Morning rush (7–9 AM), evening commute (4–6:30 PM), Beale Street on weekends (8 PM–2 AM). During these times, surge pricing is more likely, which increases your earnings per trip. Seasonal tip: Memphis in May (the entire month of May) is a three-part festival featuring the Beale Street Music Festival, World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, and 901 Fest — demand spikes every weekend. Graceland's Elvis Birthday Week (January) and Elvis Week (August) both draw thousands of fans who need rides from the airport to Whitehaven
Considering other cities near Memphis?
Claim up to $800 before your first trip in Memphis.
Sign up through our verified referral link. Uber pays you the bonus, we get a small credit, you pay the same either way.
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