TST study shows that app drivers may have a monthly income close to the average worker, but earn less per hour Freepik The app driver may even look at the amount deposited in the account at the end of the month and think that he earned more than other workers. But, when the calculation considers the time dedicated to work, the scenario is different. A study by the Superior Labor Court (TST) shows that the income of these professionals is pressured by longer working hours, high costs to maintain the activity and a model in which a large part of the risks fall on the driver himself. ?? Do you have any reporting suggestions? Send it to g1 According to the research, the average monthly earnings of app drivers reach R$2,996. The value is above the federal minimum wage, which is currently R$1,621, but still below the average income of Brazilians considering all sources of income, which reached R$3,367 in 2025. While the average working day for workers in general is 39.3 hours per week, app drivers work around 44.8 hours. As a result, hourly income is 8.3% lower than that of those who work outside the platforms. Brazil breaks record for accidents and deaths at work in 2025 The survey is part of a broader diagnosis of work through apps in Brazil, especially in passenger transport, which concentrates the largest portion of these professionals. Currently, around 1.7 million people work through digital platforms in the country. Almost 60% of them operate in passenger transport. ? The TST survey combined official data from bodies such as IBGE, ILO, Ipea and Dieese, as well as empirical studies that monitored the work of drivers in practice. From this base, actual activity expenses, billing and journeys were calculated. The idea that this model guarantees freedom and flexibility, one of the companies' main arguments, is questioned by the study. In practice, these workers have little influence on relevant decisions in the activity, points out the TST. ? Applications define the value of rides, distribute calls and can even block drivers. More than 90% say they have no control over the price charged for trips. The study points out that control did not disappear, it just changed shape. Instead of a boss closely supervising, evaluation systems, grades and rankings come into play. These mechanisms can directly influence the number of races received and, consequently, income. Drivers who refuse many trips or receive low reviews may have fewer opportunities on the platform. Another point highlighted by the TST is that practically all costs of the activity are borne by the worker. Fuel, car maintenance, insurance, taxes, food and even the internet used at work come out of your own pocket. ? When these expenses are included in the calculation, the real gain decreases. The study estimates that monthly costs could exceed R$5,500. According to the research, the lack of clarity about these expenses can create a mistaken perception about the income generated by the activity. The impact also appears on debt. Data cited in the survey indicates that 92% of platform workers are in debt. In some cases, the companies themselves offer lines of credit to drivers. Thus, the worker begins to depend on the application not only to generate income, but also to pay off debts that can be deducted directly from their earnings. The lack of labor protection is another point highlighted by the study. Most of these professionals do not have access to rights such as vacation, 13th salary, unemployment insurance or guaranteed retirement. ? More than 60% do not contribute to Social Security. Among the reasons are income instability and the difficulty of maintaining regular payments. Without this protection, any unforeseen event could interrupt the source of income, explains the TST. An illness, an accident or even a mechanical problem in the car can leave the worker without earnings, as the platforms do not offer an equivalent protection network. Furthermore, drivers are exposed daily to risks such as traffic accidents and urban violence, with no guarantee of assistance in situations of this type. The research also highlights the difficulty of collective organization of workers. Communication with platforms tends to occur through automated channels, such as chatbots, and decisions such as blocking do not always provide room for dispute. For the study authors, the current app-based work model transfers costs, risks and responsibilities to workers. The TST highlights that the discussion needs to go beyond the existence or not of an employment relationship and include measures that guarantee minimum working conditions, adequate remuneration and protection for these professionals.