How Much Do Auto Drivers Make in Mumbai? Salary, Tips, and Real Costs
Nov, 3 2025
If you’re thinking about hiring a driver in Mumbai, or you’re one yourself, you’ve probably wondered: how much do auto drivers actually make? It’s not just about the fare they collect - there’s fuel, maintenance, rent, and daily survival costs that eat into every rupee. The truth is, most auto drivers in Mumbai don’t earn what people assume. Some make enough to get by. Others struggle to cover rent and food. Let’s break it down, day by day, rupee by rupee.
What Auto Drivers Actually Earn Per Day
A typical auto driver in Mumbai works 12 to 14 hours a day, six or seven days a week. On a good day, they might complete 25 to 30 rides. Each ride averages ₹150 to ₹250, depending on distance and traffic. That’s roughly ₹4,000 to ₹7,000 in gross earnings.
But here’s what most people don’t see: that’s gross income. After paying for fuel - which costs about ₹70 to ₹90 per day - and vehicle maintenance (₹150-₹300 weekly), the driver still owes rent. Most drivers don’t own their autos. They rent them from owners or fleet operators for ₹500 to ₹800 a day. That’s right - they pay to work.
So after fuel, maintenance, and rent, the net daily income drops to ₹2,500-₹4,500. That’s before taxes, insurance, or personal expenses. For many, that’s barely enough to feed a family of four.
Why Renting the Auto Is the Norm
You might think drivers own their vehicles. They don’t. Only about 15% of auto drivers in Mumbai own their autos. The rest rent. Why? Because buying an auto rickshaw costs ₹2.5 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh. Most drivers can’t afford that upfront. Even if they could, they’d need savings for repairs, which happen often in Mumbai’s heavy traffic.
Renting also means they’re stuck with a fixed daily cost. Rainy days, traffic jams, or police checks mean no rides, but the rent still has to be paid. Many drivers borrow money to cover rent on slow days. Some take loans from local moneylenders at 2-3% interest per week. That’s 100-150% annually.
Peak Hours and Extra Earnings
Drivers know the game. Early morning (6-9 AM) and evening (5-9 PM) are golden hours. That’s when people are commuting to and from work. Airport runs, late-night drops, and hospital trips pay more. A trip to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport can bring in ₹600-₹1,200, depending on the pickup point.
Some drivers also earn extra through tips. In tourist-heavy areas like Bandra, Colaba, or Juhu, tourists often give ₹50-₹200 extra. But in residential areas like Kandivali or Thane, tips are rare. Most riders pay exactly what the meter says - no more, no less.
Drivers who work for app-based services like Ola or Uber make slightly more - but only if they’re careful. They pay a 20-25% commission to the app, plus higher fuel costs from longer routes. Their net income? Often not much higher than traditional drivers.
Cost of Living vs. Earnings
Let’s say a driver makes ₹3,500 a day after expenses. That’s ₹105,000 a month. Sounds decent, right? But here’s the reality:
- Shared accommodation in a Mumbai suburb (like Borivali or Ghatkopar) costs ₹6,000-₹10,000 per month.
- Food for a family of three: ₹8,000-₹12,000.
- Mobile bill, medicine, school fees for kids: ₹5,000-₹8,000.
- Emergency repairs: unpredictable, but at least ₹2,000-₹5,000 a month.
That’s ₹21,000-₹35,000 in fixed costs. Even on a good month, the driver is left with ₹70,000. But that’s before savings. Most drivers have none. They live paycheck to paycheck. Some send money home to villages in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, or Odisha. Others save for a down payment on a small house - but that could take 15-20 years.
Who Are These Drivers?
Most auto drivers in Mumbai are from rural areas. Many are first-generation migrants. They came looking for work after farming became unprofitable. Some are ex-military, others were shopkeepers or factory workers. They chose driving because it doesn’t require formal education - just endurance, local knowledge, and patience.
Women drivers are rare - less than 2% - but growing. A few NGOs and government schemes are training women to drive autos. They often earn less because they’re restricted to daytime shifts and avoid risky areas. But they’re changing perceptions.
Drivers over 50 are common. Many start in their 30s and keep going until their knees give out. There’s no pension. No retirement plan. When they can’t drive anymore, they often become helpers for younger drivers or open small tea stalls near bus stops.
What Happens on Rainy Days or Strikes?
Mumbai’s monsoon shuts down everything. Roads flood. Traffic stalls. Riders cancel. On heavy rain days, drivers might earn only ₹500-₹1,000. Some days, they earn nothing. That’s when they borrow from neighbors, pawn jewelry, or skip meals.
When there’s a transport strike - say, for better wages or fuel subsidies - drivers are caught in the middle. They can’t work. They still owe rent. Some unions organize protests. Others stay quiet, afraid of losing their spot.
How to Hire a Reliable Driver in Mumbai
If you’re looking to hire a driver - whether for personal use, business, or family - here’s what actually matters:
- Ask for ID and driving license. Many drivers don’t carry them, but a legitimate one should be visible.
- Check the auto’s registration. It should be under the driver’s name or the rental agency’s.
- Ask about their daily schedule. A driver who works 12+ hours is likely stretched thin. You want someone rested.
- Pay through the app if possible. It creates a record and protects both sides.
- Don’t negotiate the fare down to the last rupee. Drivers are already barely breaking even.
Agencies like DriveSafe Mumbai or AutoLink Services offer verified drivers with background checks. They cost ₹500-₹800 extra per month, but you avoid scams, late pickups, and unsafe driving.
Is This Job Sustainable?
Not really. Auto driving in Mumbai is one of the most physically demanding jobs in the city. Drivers sit for 12 hours straight. Many have chronic back pain, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Few have health insurance.
Younger people aren’t taking over. Why? Because the pay doesn’t justify the toll. A college graduate working at a call center makes ₹25,000-₹35,000 a month with 8-hour days and weekends off. An auto driver makes less, works harder, and has no safety net.
Some drivers are turning to electric autos. The government offers subsidies of ₹30,000-₹50,000. Electric autos cost less to run - ₹10-₹15 per day in electricity vs. ₹80 in fuel. But they’re expensive upfront. Only 8% of Mumbai’s auto fleet is electric as of 2025.
Until wages rise or rent is capped, this job will keep draining people who need it most.
What Can Be Done?
Some cities have started driver welfare funds. In Bengaluru, drivers get ₹500/month for medical help. In Pune, the government caps daily rent at ₹600. Mumbai has no such policy.
Drivers need:
- Capped daily rent (max ₹600)
- Access to low-interest loans for vehicle ownership
- Free health checkups at municipal clinics
- Subsidized electric autos
- Protection from unfair app commissions
Until then, the next time you hop into an auto in Mumbai, remember: that driver isn’t just taking you somewhere. They’re fighting to survive.
How much do auto drivers make in Mumbai per month?
After all expenses - rent, fuel, maintenance - most auto drivers in Mumbai earn between ₹70,000 and ₹1,10,000 per month. This varies based on working hours, location, and whether they drive for apps or independently. Drivers who rent their autos typically take home less than those who own them, but ownership is rare.
Do auto drivers in Mumbai own their vehicles?
Only about 15% of auto drivers in Mumbai own their vehicles. The majority rent from owners or fleet operators for ₹500-₹800 per day. Buying an auto rickshaw costs ₹2.5-₹3.5 lakh, which is out of reach for most. Renting gives them access to work but traps them in high daily costs.
Why do auto drivers pay rent to operate their vehicles?
Auto rickshaws are expensive to buy - ₹2.5-₹3.5 lakh - and most drivers can’t afford the upfront cost. Renting allows them to start working immediately. But this system shifts all financial risk onto the driver: they pay rent even on slow days, during rain, or when there’s a strike. Ownership is rare because of high costs and unpredictable income.
Are app-based drivers like Ola or Uber better off?
App-based drivers often earn slightly more per ride, but they pay 20-25% commission to the app. They also face higher fuel costs due to longer routes and idle time waiting for rides. Their net income is usually similar to traditional drivers - sometimes even lower after factoring in app fees and inconsistent demand. They also have no job security or benefits.
How can I hire a trustworthy driver in Mumbai?
To hire a trustworthy driver, ask for a valid driving license and auto registration. Prefer services like DriveSafe Mumbai or AutoLink Services that verify drivers and provide background checks. Pay through apps when possible to create a record. Avoid drivers who refuse to use the meter or demand cash-only payments. A reliable driver will be punctual, clean, and willing to answer questions about their experience.
Do auto drivers get health insurance or pensions?
Almost none do. Auto drivers in Mumbai have no formal health insurance, retirement plan, or pension. They rely on family, savings, or charity when sick or old. Some NGOs offer free medical camps, but there’s no government-backed safety net. Many continue working until they physically can’t - then they move to low-paying side jobs or return to their villages.
Michael Gradwell
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