(SEPTEMBER 2025)

We present key findings and free download (Chinese version, sorry) from a landmark study examining China’s ride-hailing sector as a critical stabilizer in today’s evolving labor market.

Key Findings:

1. Earnings & Job Satisfaction
   • Average monthly income of ¥7,623 ranks 2nd among six major blue-collar professions
   • Income satisfaction reaches 81.4%, the highest among peers
   • Top performers in Tier-1 cities avg. ¥11,557.
2. Employment Buffer Role
   • 77% of drivers entered after unemployment
   • 62.8% serve as sole breadwinners for their families
   • Absorbs labor force from traditional industries (e.g., received 400,000 laid-off workers from 2014-2019)
   • Provides off-season income supplement for seasonal workers (e.g., tea farmers/fishermen gain extra ¥1,500/month)
3. Platform Empowerment
   • Dynamic commission model (14% average in 2024)
   • Provides diversified benefits including commercial pension & medical coverage
   • 95% safety training coverage with 75.7% driver retention rate
4. Challenges
   • Market saturation: 7.48 million licensed drivers in 2024 (up 159% from 2020)
   • 42% of drivers work over 10 hours daily
   • Regional monopolies and operational risks of leasing companies

Strategic Significance: The research demonstrates ride-hailing platforms have become “employment shock absorbers” in China’s labor market, playing an irreplaceable role in ensuring employment stability and providing work flexibility.

Acknowledgements: This report is based on data and analysis from “Urban Mobility Employment Resilience: Ride-hailing Drivers’ Employment Landscape and Job Performance (2025)” published by the Research Group of China New Employment Forms Research Center in September 2025. Special thanks to the research team.