Instacart
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Instacart Employee Reviews

What is it like to work at Instacart?

Review information last updated September 17, 2025.

Rating Distribution

70 ratings

Summary of Instacart Employee Feedback (AI-Generated)

3.4 out of 5

Across all Instacart employee reviews, a recurring theme is the variability of the experience, heavily influenced by location and specific role.
While many employees appreciate the flexibility and opportunity to earn supplemental income, particularly those in roles like Driver/Sales Worker or Retail Salesperson, significant concerns consistently emerge regarding compensation, job security, and performance evaluation.
Notably, a common complaint revolves around inconsistent pay rates and the reliance on customer feedback for performance assessments, which can lead to unpredictable work and potential termination.
Several reviews highlighted a need for proactive communication, careful handling of goods, and diligent management of flexible scheduling to maximize earnings.
Furthermore, a strong emphasis was placed on the importance of seeking alternative income streams due to the precarious nature of the work.
Despite these challenges, there's a consistent acknowledgement of the positive aspects of the Instacart experience, primarily centered around the ability to set one's own hours and the opportunity to interact with customers.
However, the overall sentiment leans toward caution and a recognition of the need for adaptability and resilience.
The reviews consistently point to the need for a worker to be highly self-motivated and prepared for a potentially inconsistent work experience.
Several locations and roles exhibited greater satisfaction than others.
Reviews from Seattle and Port Orchard, WA, for example, indicated a greater appreciation for career development opportunities and a supportive company culture.
Conversely, reviews from locations like Coquille, OR, and Port Orchard, WA, frequently emphasized financial instability and the challenges associated with subjective performance evaluations.
The reviews demonstrate a clear geographic and role-dependent variation in the Instacart experience, suggesting that potential employees should carefully research specific locations and roles before committing to the company.
The emphasis on seeking alternative income streams suggests a degree of risk associated with the Instacart employment model.
Finally, a critical element across all reviews is the need for proactive communication and a strong sense of self-reliance.
Whether it's requesting approval for substitutions, meticulously documenting customer feedback, or actively managing one’s schedule, employees consistently recognized the importance of taking control of their Instacart experience.
This suggests that success within the Instacart model requires not only adaptability and resilience but also a high degree of personal responsibility and initiative.

Disclaimer: This review has been generated by AI based on employee feedback. It may not fully represent the company under the current filters. The AI attempts to analyze patterns in reviews but may not capture all nuances of the workplace experience.

Highlights

Pros

  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Opportunity to Earn Supplemental Income
  • Customer Interaction (in some roles)

Cons

  • Low Compensation Rates
  • Subjective Performance Evaluations
  • Job Insecurity
Jul 14, 2025
4 out of 5
Area Manager

Great place to work at w/ great benefits, but inconsistent communication from management level.

Rating Compensation And Benefits
5/5
Rating Career Opportunities
4/5
Rating Culture And Values
4/5
Rating Diversity And Inclusion
5/5
Rating Senior Leadership
3/5
Rating Work Life Balance
5/5

Pros

Comprehensive benefits package, dynamic and fast-paced work environment, and robust opportunities for professional learning and development.

Cons

Communication from senior leadership could be more consistent and aligned with all levels of the organization. Team coordination requires further attention and improvement.

Jul 13, 2025
2 out of 5
Shopper/Delivery Driver

Compensation here falls noticeably below expectations.

Compensation levels require adjustment to ensure fair earnings for workers. Currently, reliance on tips is unsustainable, and reductions in base pay rates, averaging $5-6 per order, are concerning. The current percentage-based payment structure, particularly when substitutions are unavailable, results in underpayment. A more equitable compensation model is needed to align with prevailing wage standards and accurately reflect the value of the work performed.
Jul 11, 2025
5 out of 5
Customer shopper

I’m grateful for the flexibility and support offered.

Strengths: I value the flexibility offered in scheduling. Challenges: I experienced difficulties accessing upper levels due to a recent knee replacement and encountered challenges communicating with team members regarding delivery issues. The work environment involves navigating diverse approaches to achieving similar goals. A typical workday can be characterized by periods of inactivity while awaiting batch completion, which can be followed by sudden, rapid demand.
Jul 9, 2025
5 out of 5
Instacart Shopper

This job perfectly aligns with my goals.

Instacart offers a flexible work environment with the potential for competitive earnings based on individual dedication. This role is well-suited for motivated shoppers seeking autonomy. However, it’s important to note that the company currently does not offer a 401(k) plan, paid time off (PTO), or sick days. Overall, I recommend Instacart.
Compensation/Benefits
5/5
Job Culture
5/5
Management
5/5
Job Work/Life Balance
5/5
Job Security/Advancement
5/5

Pros

Flexible scheduling and the opportunity to earn substantial income.

Cons

Lack of a 401(k) plan, paid time off (PTO), or sick days.

Jul 8, 2025
5 out of 5

The app is reliable and very helpful.

The application is user-friendly and offers competitive compensation. While the mileage tracking for stores is accurate, the system could benefit from improved identification of residential versus commercial locations. Overall, this represents a worthwhile side income opportunity with satisfactory pay.
Jul 7, 2025
2 out of 5
Personal Shopper

Used to be a good job

Rating Compensation And Benefits
1/5
Rating Career Opportunities
1/5
Rating Culture And Values
1/5
Rating Diversity And Inclusion
5/5
Rating Senior Leadership
1/5
Rating Work Life Balance
5/5

Pros

Offers a high degree of autonomy and flexibility in scheduling. Workload can vary significantly from day to day.

Cons

Production output has been consistently below target. Compensation is currently below market standards.

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Instacart Employee Reviews by Location

Location Rating Reviews
San Francisco, CA
3.8
11
New York, NY
3.5
8
Miami, FL
3.7
3
Los Angeles, CA
5
3
Charleston, SC
1
2
Seattle, WA
4
2
Canandaigua, NY
2
2
Austin, TX
4
2
Chicago, IL
5
2
Wooster, OH
5
1
Columbus, OH
5
1
Fort Worth, TX
5
1
Casco, MI
1
1
Brooklyn, NY
5
1
Spring, TX
3
1

All employee reviews are sourced from Employers.io users, trusted partners, and publicly available information. Opinions expressed in reviews reflect individual experiences and do not represent official statements from Instacart. Contact us to suggest updates to this page.