Auto Driver Salary Mumbai: What You Really Pay in 2025

When you hire an auto driver, a professional who transports people or goods in Mumbai, often for private households or businesses. Also known as chauffeur, it’s more than just someone behind the wheel—it’s a service that includes punctuality, route knowledge, and vehicle care. In 2025, the salary for an auto driver in Mumbai isn’t one-size-fits-all. It changes based on whether you need them for a few hours, a full day, or full-time. The chauffeur, a highly trained driver hired for private, often luxury, transportation, can earn up to ₹1.5 lakh a month if they work for high-net-worth families. But most households hire drivers for daily or part-time use, where the pay ranges from ₹500 to ₹1,200 per day.

The driver hire cost Mumbai, the total expense of employing a driver, including salary, fuel, maintenance, and sometimes meals or overtime depends on three big factors: experience, hours, and vehicle type. A driver with 5+ years in Mumbai traffic, who knows every shortcut and toll booth, will cost more than a newcomer. If you need them for 8 hours a day, you’re looking at ₹8,000–₹15,000 monthly. For a 24-hour live-in driver, that jumps to ₹20,000–₹25,000. Don’t forget the hidden costs—fuel, parking, car washes, and occasional bonuses add up. And yes, there are legal minimums. The Maharashtra government sets a basic wage floor, but most fair employers pay above it to attract reliable people.

Many people assume all drivers are the same, but the market has clear tiers. There’s the daily hire for grocery runs or school drops, the full-time private driver for families, and the elite chauffeur for corporate or VIP clients. Each has different pay scales, expectations, and responsibilities. You’ll also find drivers who specialize in airport transfers, night shifts, or long-distance trips—each with their own rate structure. If you’re hiring through an app like DriveU or a local agency, you’re often paying a service fee on top of the driver’s wage. But hiring directly through trusted referrals can cut costs and build loyalty.

What you pay should reflect what you get. A good driver saves you time, stress, and even money on parking tickets or wrong turns. They’re not just a service—they’re part of your household routine. In Mumbai’s traffic, a reliable driver is worth their weight in gold. Below, you’ll find real salary ranges, breakdowns of daily vs monthly rates, and tips to avoid being overcharged. Whether you’re hiring for the first time or looking to adjust pay, the posts here give you the facts—not the fluff.

How Much Do Auto Drivers Make in Mumbai? Salary, Tips, and Real Costs
How Much Do Auto Drivers Make in Mumbai? Salary, Tips, and Real Costs

Auto drivers in Mumbai earn ₹70,000-₹1,10,000 monthly after expenses, but most rent their vehicles and work 12+ hours daily. Learn the real costs, tips, and why this job is unsustainable.