Last updated: May 2026 · IRS mileage rate: $0.70/mile (2026)
Find your real Amazon Flex pay after mileage deduction, vehicle costs, and self-employment tax — including monthly and annual projections.
Block Details
Vehicle & Expenses
Weekly Results
Gross Weekly: (block rate + tips per block) × blocks per week.
Implied Hourly: Gross weekly ÷ total hours worked per week (blocks × block duration).
Vehicle Expense: With the IRS standard mileage method, you deduct $0.70 per mile (2026 rate). With actual gas cost: (miles ÷ MPG) × gas price per gallon. The mileage method also covers depreciation and maintenance — you cannot double-deduct.
Net Weekly: Gross weekly − vehicle expense for the week.
Self-employment tax: 15.3% on 92.35% of annual net SE income (92.35% accounts for the employer-half deduction). This is split quarterly for estimated tax payments. You can also deduct half the SE tax on your 1040, which reduces income tax — the quarterly estimate shown here is the SE tax portion only.
After-Tax Hourly: (Annual net − annual SE tax) ÷ total annual hours worked.
⚠️ Estimates only. IRS mileage rates, tax rules, and Amazon Flex pay rates change. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation. Amazon Flex block rates vary by market and time of year.
Block Type Comparison
| Block Type | Typical Rate | Tips | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (2hr) | $36–$44 | Rare | Volume / scheduling flexibility |
| Standard (4hr) | $72–$90 | Rare | Balanced earnings & hours |
| Instant Offer | +$10–$20 premium | Rare | On-demand flexibility |
| Whole Foods | $90–$120 | Yes ($3–$8) | Highest earnings |
| Amazon Fresh | $90–$120 | Yes ($3–$8) | Highest earnings |
Amazon Flex is a gig delivery program where independent contractors pick up time-slot "blocks" through the Flex app and deliver packages using their own vehicles. Unlike some gig platforms where pay varies by delivery, Flex pays a guaranteed rate per block — so if Amazon says a 4-hour block pays $72, you get $72 whether you complete 15 stops or 40. The catch: you're paying for your own gas, wear on your car, and taxes.
The real question isn't what Amazon advertises ($18–$25/hr) — it's what you net after every expense. A driver doing five 4-hour blocks per week ($72 each) earns $360/week gross. At 35 miles per block, that's 175 miles × $0.70 = $122.50 in mileage deductions, leaving $237.50 before SE tax. After quarterly estimated taxes, the effective hourly drops to roughly $10–$13. The calculator above shows your exact numbers.
The IRS standard mileage deduction ($0.70/mile in 2026) is designed to cover gas, oil, tires, insurance, registration, and depreciation. It almost always beats actual gas cost as a deduction because it captures more than just fuel. However, you cannot deduct the standard mileage rate AND separately deduct car insurance or depreciation — it's one or the other method for the year.
Actual gas cost makes sense if you drive a very fuel-efficient car and your gas cost is low, but you'd need to also track and deduct depreciation separately. For most Flex drivers, the standard mileage method wins.
| Driver Profile | Blocks/Wk | Gross Weekly | Vehicle Cost | Net Weekly | True Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part-time (standard 4hr) | 3 | $228 | $73.50 | $154.50 | ~$12.88 |
| Balanced (standard 4hr) | 5 | $380 | $122.50 | $257.50 | ~$12.88 |
| Full-time (standard 4hr) | 10 | $760 | $245.00 | $515.00 | ~$12.88 |
| Whole Foods + tips | 5 | $535 | $122.50 | $412.50 | ~$20.63 |
| Mixed (4hr + WF) | 7 | $693 | $171.50 | $521.50 | ~$18.63 |
Assumes 35 mi/block, $0.70/mi mileage rate. Whole Foods: $100 rate + $7 tips. SE tax not subtracted above.
How do Amazon Flex blocks work?
Flex drivers pick up delivery blocks — time slots of 2 to 4+ hours — through the Flex app. Each block has a fixed guaranteed rate paid regardless of how many stops you complete. Blocks come from standard Amazon warehouses, Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh, or as Instant Offers that appear on-demand with a small premium.
What are Instant Offers on Amazon Flex?
Instant Offers are on-demand blocks that appear in your app when Amazon needs immediate coverage. They typically pay a $10–$20 premium above standard rates and don't require claiming a block in advance. Great for flexibility but require you to be available on short notice.
Do Amazon Flex drivers get tips?
Tips are available on Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh blocks because customers can add a tip through the Amazon shopping app. Standard warehouse blocks rarely generate tips. Whole Foods and Fresh drivers typically see $3–$8 per block in tips, which adds up meaningfully over a week.
Can I deduct mileage as an Amazon Flex driver?
Yes. Amazon Flex drivers are independent contractors and can deduct vehicle expenses using the IRS standard mileage rate (70 cents per mile in 2026) or actual expenses (gas, insurance, depreciation, maintenance). Most drivers use the standard mileage rate since it's simpler and usually more favorable. You cannot mix both methods in the same year for the same vehicle.
Do Amazon Flex drivers pay self-employment tax?
Yes. Flex drivers are 1099 contractors and owe both the employee and employer portions of Social Security and Medicare — 15.3% total on 92.35% of net SE income. You pay this quarterly via estimated taxes. The good news: you can deduct half the SE tax on your 1040, reducing your income tax bill. Amazon issues a 1099-NEC if you earn $600 or more annually.