Food and grocery delivery services have surged in popularity in Russia in recent years, with couriers becoming a common sight in cities. Delivery workers report varying levels of income and working conditions across different companies.

Earnings can range from 1,000 to 3,500 rubles per shift in popular delivery services. Some couriers are paid hourly, while others are paid per order. The amount earned per order can vary significantly, with some reporting as little as 29 rubles for one order and 50 rubles for another, even when delivering to neighboring houses.

Some couriers have expressed disappointment with Yandex Delivery, citing low pay, worn-out equipment, and unclear payment calculations. Other delivery workers report earning around 5,000 rubles for an 11-hour shift working six days a week for Lenta. Some hypermarket pickers earn about 200 rubles per hour plus a bonus for each item picked.

Experienced delivery workers note that order amounts have been reduced recently, with fewer orders available and increased competition among couriers. Some report earning 2,500–3,500 rubles per shift at Cooper, which is rare, while others report earning up to 2,500 rubles for a 12-hour shift in Yandex. Some have highlighted that while customers are charged increased delivery fees, couriers do not necessarily receive that money.

Some couriers also work in cafe deliveries, with earnings depending on the distance of the delivery. One courier described working during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they were responsible for cooking, packing, and delivering orders themselves. They earned 170 rubles per order up to 10 kilometers and 190 rubles for remote orders (over 10 kilometers).