Find out what you really earn per hour on any mystery shop. Factor in travel time, shop duration, report writing, and mileage costs for the complete picture.
The Posted Fee Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
A $20 shop sounds decent. But what does that really work out to per hour? That depends on how much time you invest and how far you drive.
Most mystery shoppers underestimate their time commitment. They forget about the drive, the parking, the wait for scenarios to unfold, and the report writing afterward. Add up all those minutes, and that $20 shop might only pay $8 per hour — or less.
This calculator shows your true hourly rate. Use it before accepting any shop to make sure the math actually works in your favor.
⏱️ True Hourly Rate Calculator
Enter any shop’s details to see what you’d really earn per hour.
Shop Details
Time Investment
Your Results
* Based on 2026 IRS mileage rate of $0.725/mile. Does not include taxes.
How to Use This Calculator
Plug in the details before you accept a shop. The numbers tell you whether the job is worth your time.
- Shop fee — The base pay listed for the assignment (not including reimbursements).
- Round-trip miles — Total driving distance there and back.
- Travel time — How long you’ll spend driving, including traffic.
- Time at location — How long the shop itself takes.
- Report writing time — Simple reports take 15-20 minutes. Detailed dining reports can take 30-45 minutes.
Pro tip: When in doubt, add extra time. Shops almost always take longer than expected.
What’s a Good Hourly Rate?
| Shop Type | Typical Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Fast food | $8 – $12/hour |
| Casual dining | $10 – $15/hour |
| Retail | $12 – $18/hour |
| Bank / financial | $15 – $25/hour |
| Apartment tours | $18 – $28/hour |
| Video shops | $20 – $35/hour |
Context matters. A $10/hour shop on your daily commute beats a $15/hour shop 30 minutes away.
When to Say No
Use your true hourly rate to set a personal floor. Once you know your number, stick to it.
Skip shops below your minimum. Your time has value. A bad shop today means missing a better one tomorrow.
Watch out for distant shops. Distance kills your hourly rate faster than anything.
When Low Rates Might Still Work
Route Batching
Three shops in one trip split the travel time. A shop that’s terrible alone might work as part of a route.
Building Your Reputation
Early in your career, some low-value shops help build your ratings. Think of it as an investment.
Shops You’d Do Anyway
A restaurant shop at a place you’d visit for dinner? The math changes when the activity has personal value.
Want to See the Bigger Picture?
Learn how your hourly rate fits into monthly and yearly earning potential.
Read the Earnings Guide