For many gig workers the question is simple: which platform pays better? Shipt promotes in many regions a guaranteed wage of sixteen dollars per hour, giving drivers more stable pay. Instacart, however, uses a variable pay model based on distance, order complexity and time spent. According to FinanceBuzz, Instacart shoppers average around sixteen dollars per hour in the United States, while Shipt drivers reach an average of eighteen dollars in some markets. Other studies show that while Instacart can bring very high earnings, the variation is wide. Some days drivers make much more, other days earnings drop. Reports published by FinanceBuzz, The Rideshare Guy and Gridwise in 2025 confirm this difference between consistency and flexibility.

Predictability or flexibility: what do drivers prefer.

To many drivers the security of a guaranteed hourly minimum is very attractive. Knowing that even in slow hours you will not go under a base amount gives peace of mind to plan daily expenses. Experienced drivers, on the other hand, value the flexibility of Instacart. During demand surges they can pick higher paying orders, increasing their total earnings during busy times. In practice, the choice depends on each driver’s profile and location. In markets with unstable demand, Shipt may offer a more stable base. In big cities with strong peaks, Instacart may bring higher overall revenue.  

How ShopperX in NexoGo helps on Instacart to filter good orders.

This is where smart automation becomes a game changer. ShopperX, available through the NexoGo platform, analyzes historical data, location and demand patterns to suggest only orders with a good cost benefit balance.Instead of accepting every offer, which wastes time and fuel, the automated driver can filter the most profitable rides, those where the estimated reward compensates for distance and complexity. That reduces losses caused by Instacart’s variable model.  With this automation, drivers consistently capture more profitable orders, compensating for the absence of a guaranteed pay like in Shipt. For those working across multiple apps, it also creates a workflow based on strategy and logic, not luck.

Final reflection and call to action.

Shipt offers predictability with guaranteed hourly pay, appealing to drivers who prefer stability. Instacart delivers flexible gains with higher potential but more risk. The truth is that there is no perfect model, only the one that fits your style and goals. For drivers who seek security and efficiency, platforms like NexoGo with ShopperX provide a smart solution to improve Instacart earnings and reduce uncertainty. Choosing automation wisely is what separates those who struggle in the gig world from those who achieve real freedom.   

Sources
FinanceBuzz, September 2025
The Rideshare Guy, October 2025
Gridwise, October 2025
Millennial Money Man, October 2025