Walmart Spark Driver: A Lucrative Opportunity for Independent Contractors

Are you looking for a flexible and rewarding gig while making money? Look no further than Walmart Spark Delivery. Walmart Spark Delivery is a transportation and logistics company that connects customers with delivery drivers. As an independent contractor for Walmart, you have the chance to earn a generous income while enjoying the freedom to create your own schedule. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of becoming a Walmart Spark delivery driver, including the average salary, different types of deliveries, and how to apply for a job.

What is Walmart Spark?

Walmart Spark is an innovative platform that allows people to place delivery orders through the Spark app. Once the orders are placed, they are routed to Walmart delivery drivers for fulfillment. Drivers can deliver groceries to household items and offers a wide range of delivery options to meet everyone’s needs.

What are the Different Types of Spark Driver Deliveries?

As new drivers, you can expect to handle four types of deliveries: curbside orders, express deliveries, online orders, and shopping and delivery orders.

1. Curbside orders:

With curbside orders, customers pick up their delivery orders inside the parking lot. You’ll use the designated loading area to meet the customer and hand off their order. This type of delivery allows you to complete the delivery process within the store, eliminating the need to drive to their homes.

2. Express deliveries:

Express deliveries are designed to be fast and efficient. Customers can pick up their orders within their local Walmart store, with 95% of orders being delivered within the first hour of the order request. These deliveries can be completed in 15-25 minutes, ensuring a steady income and potential tips.

3. Online orders:

Online orders are the most common. Customers place their orders on the Walmart website, and you’ll need to go to the physical store for pickup and then process the delivery order to the designated address. This type of delivery offers convenience and allows you to streamline the delivery process.

4. Shopping and delivery orders:

Shopping and delivery orders can be the most time-consuming in the Walmart Spark ecosystem. You’ll act as a personal shopper, handpicking items from the Walmart store and delivering them to the customer’s doorstep. While this requires more effort, it can also lead to increased income and incentives.

What is the Average Spark Driver Salary by State and City?

The salary range for a Walmart Spark delivery driver job varies from state to state and city to city. On average, drivers can expect to earn between $33,658 and $44,925 per year in the United States. However, it’s important to note that salaries can vary significantly based on the specific location where drivers work.

Here are the top eight cities with the highest average salaries:

City	Average Salary
San Jose, CA	$50,397 per year
Santa Clara, CA	$50,397 per year
Fremont, CA	$50,269 per year
San Francisco, CA	$50,197 per year
Daly City, CA	$50,197 per year
Oakland, CA	$48,992 per year
Berkeley, CA	$48,992 per year
Hayward, CA	$48,895 per year

It’s important to keep in mind that various factors, such as experience, qualifications, and demand in specific areas, can influence salary levels.

How Much Money Do Walmart Spark Delivery Drivers Make?

The earnings potential can be categorized into two main points: earnings based on per delivery and earnings based on per hour.

Earnings based on per delivery:

On average, you can earn between $15 and $20 per delivery, depending on the type of delivery order. For example, curbside orders may include a base rate plus tips, while online orders may only include a base rate. Shopping and delivery orders have no per-hour earning guarantee or earning cap. By completing multiple deliveries per day, drivers can increase their overall income.

Earnings based on per hour:

It’s difficult to estimate the hourly earnings due to the variation in delivery types and time commitments. However, on average, drivers can expect to earn around $15.57 per hour. With an 8-hour shift, this translates to at least $32,883 per year. The weekly earnings can be at least $622.

Monthly wage for Spark Driver jobs:

One can expect to make approximately $2,500 per month. To maximize earnings, drivers should accept orders within a short time frame to keep deliveries flowing. Increasing the number of deliveries handled in each shift can significantly impact monthly earnings. Efficiency in movement from the Walmart store to delivery destinations is key to reducing delays and enhancing overall delivery effectiveness.

How do they get paid?

Walmart uses the Branch app to pay its Spark delivery drivers every Tuesday. This app allows for easy transfer, receipt, and storage of payments. Drivers can review their payment history on the app and transfer earnings to their bank accounts. Please note that tips may not show up immediately and can take up to 48 hours to appear. Once received, drivers can swiftly transfer their earnings using the same app.

Spark Driver App

1. Zone selection:

Drivers have a limited option for selecting zones, which can lead to idle time as they wait for orders. Despite the presence of multiple Walmart stores in a city, there is no flexibility to choose their preferred zones.

2. Multiple orders:

Taking multiple orders at a time can keep drivers engaged throughout the day and increase productivity. By planning routes that include multiple stops and orders, the delivery process can be simplified.

3. App features:

Some drivers have raised concerns about the features of the Spark Driver app. Connecting with customers or the backend team can be challenging, leading to the need for multiple calls to complete deliveries.

Despite these challenges, Walmart is considered one of the best companies to work for as a delivery driver. The reviews indicate a promising career for anyone interested in working for Walmart Spark.

Pros and Cons

Like any job, there are pros and cons. Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

• Flexibility: Working as a Walmart Spark delivery driver offers the flexibility to choose your own work hours and accept or reject orders according to your preferences.
• Lucrative income: Walmart Spark drivers have the opportunity to earn more than the national average for gig workers. With per-delivery earnings and potential tips, drivers can make a substantial income.
• Easy entry: Walmart Spark is open to drivers who are at least 18 years old, making it an accessible option for young adults. Additionally, drivers get to keep their entire tip amount and can claim incentives, making it a lucrative job.

Cons:

• Demand fluctuations: Depending on the demand in your area, you may not receive many job offers initially. It’s important to keep a high acceptance rate and be open to all types of deliveries.
• Challenging deliveries: There may be times where there is no choice but to accept lower-paying deliveries or carry heavier and more difficult-to-transport items, such as appliances or furniture.
• App refinement: Some drivers feel that the Spark Driver app is less refined compared to other delivery service apps, which can lead to frustration and inefficiency.

Spark Driver App – What is it & How to Use

The Spark Driver app is a powerful tool that offers driver support to Walmart Spark drivers to efficiently manage their delivery requests. With the app, drivers can access important delivery details, reducing the need for customer calls. Here’s how to use the app:

• Open the Spark Driver app and click on a delivery request to access all the relevant information. This includes the store location, pickup time, delivery time, minimum pay, and order type.
• Based on this information, drivers can choose to accept or decline delivery requests. If accepted, drivers must drive to the designated Walmart store, pick up the order, and follow any specific pickup instructions.
• Pickup processes may vary, but generally, drivers can drive up to the store’s parking lot and load up their vehicle. In some cases, drivers may need to enter the store or even perform the shopping themselves. Once the order is ready, drivers can deliver it according to the provided instructions.

If you find it challenging to use the app, consider watching tutorial videos on the official Spark Driver YouTube channel for additional guidance.

How to Apply for a Walmart Spark Driver Job

Applying for a Walmart Spark driver job is a straightforward process. While no fancy educational credentials or extensive experience are required, there are a few basic requirements to meet:

• Pass a criminal background check.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Own an Android or iPhone smartphone.
• Have the ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and auto insurance.
• Own your own car.

To apply, visit the Spark Driver careers page and select your region or state. Once on the application page, you’ll be able to see how far you may need to drive to complete delivery jobs. Provide your contact information, age, and full name. It’s essential to apply only if you are 18 years or older to meet the driving requirements. If you are of legal drinking age, you may have the opportunity to deliver orders containing alcohol.

After submitting your application, Walmart will verify your details and conduct a background check. It’s important to provide accurate information to avoid rejections or future complications. Once approved, you’ll gain access to the Spark Driver app, where you can check incentives, base pay, and create your own schedule.

Perform Multi-stop Deliveries 3x Faster Using RoadWarrior Flex

To streamline your Walmart Spark delivery operations and cut down on delivery times, consider using RoadWarrior Flex. RoadWarrior Flex is a valuable tool that offers advanced route planning and optimization features. With RoadWarrior Flex, you can efficiently handle multi-stop deliveries, minimize time and effort, and provide an exceptional customer experience.

By integrating RoadWarrior Flex with your Walmart Spark deliveries, you can navigate optimized routes, saving time and fuel costs. RoadWarrior Flex is a reliable tool that can help you maximize efficiency and enhance your delivery performance.

FAQs

Q: What essential skills are required for a Walmart Spark delivery driver?

A: Walmart Spark delivery drivers should have experience in vehicle driving operations, the physical strength to handle and deliver packages, and the ability to handle dynamic issues during the delivery process.

Q: How does the Walmart Spark driver app work?

A: The Spark driver app makes everything you need for the job accessible. Once approved, you can accept orders, you’ll start the delivery process, follow the provided instructions, and fulfill delivery orders. The app allows you to log your progress, view delivery schedules and payout details.

Q: How much can you make on Walmart Spark?

A: Walmart Spark offers great opportunities for delivery drivers to earn per-trip incentives, generate extra income through tips, and make more money compared to other delivery apps. The average hourly earnings are around $40-45, depending on the type of delivery completed.

Q: How often is a Walmart Spark driver paid?

A: Payments are sent out every Tuesday to their bank accounts. Drivers must make an account with Branch as the app is used for payment processing, allowing drivers to easily send, receive, and store payments.

Q: How do Walmart Spark drivers get paid?

A: Payments are sent via the Branch app. The app enables drivers to transfer, receive, and store payments electronically. Drivers can also monitor their weekly earnings using the app’s features.

Conclusion

Becoming a Walmart Spark delivery driver offers a flexible and rewarding opportunity for independent contractors. With the potential to earn a lucrative income and the freedom to create your own schedule, it’s no wonder that Walmart Spark is a popular choice for gig workers.

Walmart’s Spark Driver platform provides the chance to work for a reputable company, making it an attractive option for anyone interested in a delivery driver career. By utilizing driver support tools like RoadWarrior Flex, you can streamline your operations and enhance your efficiency by cutting down on driving time with a route optimizer. RoadWarrior Flex takes all of the stops in the route and calculates the best way to hit all stops with the least amount of time in traffic and unnecessary backtracking, leaving the driver to finish earlier than expected.