The Billionaire Struggle
How executives earn 424 times what drivers make
Uber made $9.8 billion in profit in 2024. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi earned $39.4 million. Meanwhile, drivers average $8.55/hour after expenses. Here's why that should make you angry.
The Wealth Gap at a Glance (2024)
$39.4M
Uber CEO annual pay
$8.55
Driver hourly profit
424:1CEO-to-driver pay ratio
📊 2025 UPDATE
$16.6B
Uber Q3 2025 TTM Gross Profit
$31,500
Avg driver gross earnings
$18-23K
Driver net after expenses
$31.5B
Stock buybacks (3 years)
292:1Updated CEO-to-worker pay ratio (AFL-CIO 2025)
Where Your $25 Ride Actually Goes
- Driver: $10-12 (before their gas & expenses)
- Uber's cut: $10-12 in various fees
- Processing: $0.50-0.75
- Insurance: $1-2
What Uber Spends Money On (Instead of Drivers)
- Executive private jet travel: $500,000+ per quarter
- Political lobbying: $200 million to fight driver benefits
- Autonomous vehicle research: Billions to replace drivers entirely
- Stock buybacks: Billions to boost executive stock value
How This Affects YOU
As a Rider:
- Your driver is stressed about rent → worse service
- High turnover → inexperienced drivers
- Your money funds lobbying against worker rights
As a Driver:
- Working 50+ hours/week and still struggling
- No benefits, no sick days, no job security
- CEO makes in ONE HOUR what you make in 2,300 hours
"I drove past Uber's headquarters once. Beautiful building. Then I picked up an employee who complained his bonus was 'only' $50,000. I made $50,000 total last year working 50 hours a week."
The Real Question
Why does a guy who doesn't drive, doesn't interact with passengers, and doesn't maintain a vehicle deserve 424x what drivers earn?