Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi pocketed an eye-watering $39.4 million (£31m) in compensation last year, sparking outrage among UK Uber drivers who say they are earning less than ever while the company takes a bigger share of passenger fares.
CEO Pay vs Driver Struggles
Khosrowshahi’s pay included a $1m salary, nearly $3m in bonuses, and more than $34m in stock and option awards. For many UK drivers, the figure underlines what they see as a widening gulf between Uber’s boardroom rewards and the financial struggles faced by those behind the wheel.
While Uber’s leadership cashes in, drivers across the UK are reporting shrinking incomes, unpredictable fares, and rising costs of living.
Company Cut Increasing
A University of Oxford study analysed 1.5 million Uber trips and found the company’s cut has risen sharply since the rollout of “dynamic pricing.” Traditionally, Uber took around 20–25% of each fare. Now, drivers are losing on average 29%, with some trips seeing deductions of more than 50%.
Despite passengers paying more, most drivers are seeing their pay per hour fall once waiting times and expenses are factored in. Many report effective take-home earnings of less than £16 an hour before fuel, insurance and maintenance costs are deducted.
Driver Backlash
Unions and driver groups say the system leaves drivers in “a constant state of anxiety.” The lack of transparency around Uber’s fare calculations means many believe they are being quietly short-changed while the company boosts its bottom line.
One London Uber driver told DM News:
“Every year Uber tells us to work harder and accept more trips. But when we do, we’re still making less. Meanwhile, their CEO is taking home millions. It feels like we’re being played.”
Growing Divide
The figures highlight a deepening divide between those at the top of Uber and the thousands of UK drivers keeping the wheels turning. With fuel costs still high and maintenance bills rising, drivers say Uber’s business model has become unsustainable — and CEO pay packets only add insult to injury.
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