Things to Consider When Setting Your Hourly Rate
As a Road Ninja driver, you work as an independent contractor. This gives you the freedom to set your own rates, but it also means you’re responsible for covering certain costs, such as:
Taxes and ACC levies.
Sick leave and annual leave.
KiwiSaver contributions.
PPE or safety equipment.
When setting your rate, it’s helpful to think about the differences between contractor and employee pay. The table below offers a comparison, with 25–30% added to an employee’s rate to account for typical self-employment expenses:
Employee hourly rate | Contractor hourly rate |
$28.00 | $35.00 - $36.00 |
$30.00 | $38.00 - $39.00 |
$35.00 | $44.00 - $46.00 |
It’s a good idea to review your rate periodically to ensure it reflects your skills, experience, and market conditions.
Understanding Payment Schedules
Here’s what to expect when it comes to payments:
Submitting Your Hours: After completing a job, you’ll confirm your hours and submit your logbook evidence to the hiring company via the Road Ninja platform.
Payment Timeframes: Most hiring companies pay weekly, but some may pay monthly or after a fixed-term job is completed.
Payments are processed through Stripe and typically take 4–6 business days to arrive in your bank account once initiated.
Public Holiday Delays: Payments may be delayed if a public holiday falls during processing, as most banks don’t operate on these days.
If you’re unsure about your payment schedule, you can ask the hiring company or contact us for clarification.
Invoicing Made Easy
One of the benefits of using Road Ninja is that we handle all your invoicing for you! No need to create or send invoices manually—we take care of this so you can focus on driving.
Pay for Public Holidays
Unless agreed otherwise with the hiring company, work completed on public holidays—like Christmas Day or New Year’s Day—will be paid at your normal hourly rate. If you have questions about holiday pay, feel free to reach out for assistance.
FAQs
Q: When will I get paid?
Payments typically arrive in your bank account within 4–6 business days once initiated by the hiring company.
Q: How do I know when a company pays?
Most companies pay weekly, but schedules vary. You can confirm directly with the hiring company or ask us for assistance.
Q: Will I be paid extra for public holidays?
In most cases, you’ll be paid your regular hourly rate for public holiday work unless another agreement is in place.
Q: What happens if a public holiday delays payment?
Public holidays can delay payment processing by banks. If a holiday falls during your expected payment window, allow for a slight delay.
Q: Do I need to create my own invoices?
Nope! Road Ninja handles invoicing for all your jobs, so there’s nothing extra for you to do.
Q: What should I consider when setting my hourly rate?
Your rate should reflect your skills, experience, and the costs associated with being a contractor. Comparing industry rates can also be helpful.
Q: What’s included in the Road Ninja insurance?
Our complimentary insurance covers general/public liability for jobs completed through the platform. For exclusions, check our knowledge base.