Ride-hailing jobs beat minimum wage – study

Passengers relying on ride-hailing apps are tapping into a workforce that earns significantly more than the minimum wage, according to a study commissioned by the International Labor Organization (ILO).

The “2025 Platform Work Survey: Philippines” found that transport network vehicle service (TNVS) riders and drivers consistently earn above the mandated wage, making platform work a strong livelihood option because of its flexible arrangements.

The survey, which covered 12 out of 17 regions nationwide, showed that the average TNVS rider or driver earns a net P6,704 per week, after costs. This compares with the government-set minimum wage of about P498 to P695 per day, or roughly P4,865 a week.

Conducted from June to December 2025, the survey interviewed 400 workers from nine platforms providing food delivery, logistics and parcel delivery, and ride-hailing services. It carries a margin of error of 5 percent.

The ILO said the study was designed to analyze working conditions, document labor practices, assess how digital platforms affect employment, and guide policies on formalization and social protection.

Nearly 90 percent of riders and drivers said they have access to platform-provided social protection, including health insurance, workplace injury coverage, and pension or retirement benefits.

Flexibility and decent pay topped the list of reasons riders choose platform work, with many saying the jobs offer better earnings than other options while allowing them to manage family and personal commitments.

Riders and drivers also pointed to ongoing platform efforts to improve working conditions, such as boosting earnings and incentives, strengthening training and safety measures, and enhancing operational support and communication.

The study added that ride-hailing platforms are working to facilitate mandatory government benefits for drivers, including Social Security System, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG.