How Much do Lyft Drivers Make in Montreal?

In recent years, the gig economy has taken hold across North America, and Montreal is no exception. Among the many options available to those looking to supplement their income or pursue flexible full-time work, driving for ride-hailing services like Lyft stands out. However, a critical question arises for prospective drivers: how much do Lyft drivers actually make in Montreal?

This article breaks down everything you need to know about Lyft driver earnings in Montreal—from hourly and annual income estimates to expenses, bonuses, peak hours, and strategies to maximize profitability. By the end of this post, you'll have a clear understanding of what to expect financially as a Lyft driver in this bustling Canadian city.

1. Overview of Lyft in Montreal

Lyft officially launched in Canada in December 2017, starting with Toronto and eventually expanding to other cities, including Montreal. Operating in a bilingual and culturally vibrant city like Montreal comes with unique challenges and opportunities.

Montreal has a strong rideshare market, supported by dense urban development, a large student population, tourism, and a tech-forward population comfortable using mobile apps for transportation. This environment provides a steady stream of ride requests for Lyft drivers, particularly in the city center and surrounding boroughs like Plateau-Mont-Royal, Mile End, and Griffintown.

2. Base Earnings for Lyft Drivers in Montreal

Based on available data from job and salary aggregation platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, and PayScale, Lyft drivers in Montreal generally report the following figures:

Annual Salary

• Low Range: CAD $39,000

• Average: CAD $47,500

• High Range: CAD $59,000

These figures represent gross earnings and often include tips and bonuses but do not account for expenses such as gas, maintenance, insurance, or taxes.

Hourly Rates

• Gross hourly earnings: CAD $20–$30/hour

• Net hourly income (after expenses): CAD $10–$15/hour

Hourly earnings depend on multiple factors, including time of day, location, surge pricing, driver rating, and use of driver incentives.

3. Earnings Breakdown: Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: Full-Time Driver (40 hrs/week)

• Gross weekly: $800–$1,200

• Gross monthly: $3,200–$4,800

• Annualized gross: $41,600–$62,400

• Estimated annual net: $25,000–$35,000 (after expenses)

Scenario 2: Part-Time Driver (20 hrs/week)

• Gross weekly: $400–$600

• Gross monthly: $1,600–$2,400

• Annualized gross: $20,800–$31,200

• Estimated annual net: $12,000–$18,000

These figures align with anecdotes from actual drivers in online forums like Reddit and Facebook groups, where many drivers mention making about $15/hour after all expenses.

4. Lyft's Commission and Driver Payout

Lyft takes a cut from every fare a rider pays. The percentage varies based on several factors, but here's a general idea:

• Lyft Commission: 20% to 40% of the total fare

• Actual driver take-home per ride: 60% to 80% of rider payment

However, some drivers claim Lyft takes up to 50% or more once you factor in additional fees, such as:

• Booking fees

• Service fees

• Platform fees

For example, if a rider pays $30, a driver may receive only $12–$18 of that fare. This discrepancy has become more pronounced in recent years, leading to growing criticism and demands for better transparency.

5. Expenses to Consider

One of the most important aspects of understanding driver income is factoring in operating expenses. Lyft drivers in Montreal must pay for:

Fuel

• Average gas prices in Quebec: CAD $1.70/L (as of mid-2025)

• Weekly fuel cost (full-time driver): $100–$200

Vehicle Maintenance

• Oil changes

• Tire rotations

• Brake pads

• Miscellaneous repairs

Estimated monthly maintenance: $100–$200

Insurance

Quebec has specific insurance requirements for rideshare drivers, including additional commercial insurance. Estimated cost:

• $100–$250/month

Car Payments or Rentals

If you lease or finance a vehicle:

• $300–$600/month (depending on make/model)

Other Costs

• Parking fees

• Car washes

• Tolls

• Tax preparation/accounting services

Overall, monthly expenses can range from $600 to $1,200, depending on vehicle type and usage.

6. Bonuses and Incentives

Lyft offers multiple incentive programs to boost driver earnings:

Power Zones

Power Zones allow drivers to earn bonus money for picking up passengers in high-demand areas. These bonuses are stacked on top of standard fares.

Streak Bonuses

Drivers can earn extra payouts by completing consecutive rides during specific timeframes.

Weekly Ride Challenges

Complete a certain number of rides in a week to unlock bonus pay.

These bonuses can increase earnings by 10% to 25% weekly if utilized strategically. Many seasoned drivers focus on these to offset platform commission and fuel expenses.

7. Best Times and Places to Drive in Montreal

Peak Hours

• Weekday mornings: 6 AM – 9 AM

• Evening commutes: 4 PM – 7 PM

• Weekend nights: 8 PM – 2 AM

High-Demand Areas

• Downtown Montreal

• McGill University & Concordia University

• Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

• Festivals and events (Jazz Fest, F1 Grand Prix, etc.)

Strategic driving can significantly impact your earnings. A driver operating during low-demand hours in residential areas will make substantially less than someone driving in the core at peak times.

8. Lyft vs. Uber: Who Pays More?

In Montreal, both Lyft and Uber operate under similar regulatory and market conditions. While earnings vary, general consensus indicates:

• Uber offers slightly more consistent demand

• Lyft offers better bonuses (sometimes)

• Many drivers use both platforms simultaneously to maximize income

Some drivers prefer Uber for its greater ride volume, while others find Lyft's interface more user-friendly. Using both apps (known as "dual-apping") is a common practice.

9. Taxes and Deductions

As a Lyft driver in Canada, you are considered self-employed. This means you're responsible for filing your own taxes and tracking your income and expenses.

Tax Obligations

• Federal & Quebec provincial income tax

• GST/QST (must register if earnings exceed $30,000/year)

Deductible Expenses

• Fuel

• Repairs and maintenance

• Car insurance

• Mobile phone and data plans

• Car lease payments

• Parking and tolls

• Depreciation

Maintaining accurate records can significantly reduce your taxable income. Many drivers use mileage-tracking apps to simplify this.

10. Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Pros

• Flexible schedule

• Potential for decent side income

• Bonuses and incentives

• Independence

Cons

• Wear and tear on personal vehicle

• High expenses and platform commission

• Fluctuating income

• Self-employment tax responsibilities

Driving for Lyft in Montreal can be worthwhile for those seeking flexibility and a part-time gig, especially if they drive strategically during peak hours and leverage bonuses. However, it is not a get-rich-quick opportunity. Net income after expenses tends to hover around $12–$15 per hour for many drivers.

For full-time employment, drivers should approach Lyft as a transitional job or side hustle rather than a sustainable long-term career unless supplemented by other income streams or operated as part of a broader entrepreneurial venture.

Conclusion

So, how much do Lyft drivers make in Montreal? The answer depends heavily on how often and when you drive, what kind of vehicle you use, and how well you manage expenses. On average, expect to gross $20–$30 per hour, but net around $12–$15 after expenses.

If you're considering becoming a Lyft driver in Montreal, enter with a clear understanding of the costs and a strategy to maximize bonuses and minimize downtime. Done right, it can provide a steady, flexible income stream. But like any gig job, success depends on smart planning, consistent effort, and realistic expectations.