RUNGig driver playbook · IL
Driving in Chicago
Chicago is one of the most regulated rideshare markets — you need a city chauffeur license. But the density of nightlife + sports + airports makes it one of the most consistent hourly markets in the Midwest.
Population
2.7M city · 9.4M metro
Uber avg/hr
$22–28/hr
DoorDash avg/hr
$18–23/hr
Best hours to drive in Chicago
Thu–Sat 8pm–2am, Sun day games
Worst window: Winter polar vortex weeks — earnings drop 30%
Chicago surge hotspots
- River North / Streeterville
- Wrigleyville (Cubs home games = surge bomb)
- Fulton Market
- Wicker Park / Bucktown
- South Loop event venues
Airport strategy
O'Hare (ORD) long queue + long trips, Midway (MDW) faster
Recurring surge events
CubsWhite SoxBearsBullsBlackhawksLollapalooza (Aug)Taste of Chicago
Taxes for IL drivers
IL flat tax 4.95% + Chicago has a $1.13 ground transportation tax per ride that Uber/Lyft pass to riders, NOT you. Federal mileage is your entire shield.
Run the IL tax calculator →Weather watch
Snow & ice — winter tires pay for themselves in Q1. -10°F days reduce battery range on EVs by 40%.
Drive in Chicago? Get on the MyRunner waitlist.
MyRunner launches city by city. Drop your email and we'll text you the moment Chicago goes live — plus send your first gear drop free.