This article explains how you're paid as a Road Ninja driver, covering pay rates, payment schedules, invoicing, and the specifics of fixed-price jobs.
Setting your hourly rate
As a Road Ninja driver, you operate as an independent contractor. This gives you the freedom to set your own rates, giving you control over your earnings.
However, it's important to keep in mind that you are responsible for covering certain costs, including:
Taxes and ACC levies: Make sure you are setting aside enough to cover your tax obligations and ACC levies as required by New Zealand law.
Sick leave and annual leave: Unlike traditional employment, you are not entitled to paid sick leave or annual leave, so consider factoring this into your hourly rate.
KiwiSaver contributions: If you choose to contribute to KiwiSaver, this will need to come from your own earnings.
PPE or safety equipment: Any safety gear or equipment you need for the job is your responsibility to provide and maintain.
Setting a competitive yet realistic hourly rate can help ensure you cover these expenses while also attracting potential clients. Take time to evaluate your expenses and what you need to earn to make driving with Road Ninja worthwhile.
Hourly rate comparison
When setting your rate, it's helpful to compare what contractors earn versus traditional employees.
Keep in mind that as a contractor, you're responsible for your own expenses, which means your rate needs to cover more than just your take-home pay.
The below rough comparison includes an additional 25–30% on top of the employee 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 |
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.
Review your rate regularly to ensure it reflects your 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.
Fixed price offers (Day Rate)
The Fixed Price Offer (FPO) feature on Road Ninja is designed to give you more options when it comes to finding and accepting driving jobs. It allows companies to offer a single, set payment amount for the entire day’s work, giving you the flexibility to decide if the offer works for you.
✅ What is a Fixed Price Offer (FPO)?
Fixed Price Offer = A fixed payment amount, for any work conducted in a 0 - 14 hours window, within a 24-hour period, regardless of the time it takes to achieve, as long as it doesn't breach the work time logbook rules.
This means that companies can offer you a flat rate for the entire day’s work, instead of paying you based on your usual hourly rate. It’s all about giving you more options and control over how you want to work.
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.
Need Help?
Got questions about pay rates, schedules, or invoicing? Contact our support team via the Driver App or explore more resources in our Help Centre.
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.