Use this calculator to see what a route really pays once every mile, every minute, and every cost is counted. It runs entirely in your browser.
—Estimated left before taxes
—Per hour (all time counted)
—Per mile driven
| Offered pay (revenue) | — |
| Vehicle cost (miles × cost per mile) | — |
| Tolls, parking, and other costs | — |
| Estimated left before taxes | — |
| Gross pay per hour, before costs | — |
How the calculation works
- Vehicle cost = total miles × your cost per mile.
- Net before taxes = route pay − vehicle cost − tolls − parking − other costs.
- Per hour = net ÷ total hours, and per mile = net ÷ total miles.
Assumptions to keep in mind
- Count all the miles, including the drive to the first pickup and the drive back. These are usually unpaid.
- Count all the time, including waiting at pickup and delivery, parking, and check-in.
- Choose your cost per mile. Use your out-of-pocket cost (fuel, maintenance, tires) to estimate your margin. Use a full cost that also includes depreciation, insurance, and registration to estimate profit after all vehicle expenses. As a benchmark, the IRS business standard mileage rate for 2026 is 72.5 cents per mile; it is a tax deduction rate, not a measure of your own costs.
- Taxes are not included. Independent contractors pay income tax and self-employment tax on their net earnings.
- Results are estimates for comparison, not a promise of income.
See a full worked example in Is a $90 Medical Courier Route Worth It?