Techie gets shocked by Mumbai driver’s daily earnings: ‘I didn’t earn that much in my first job after BTech…’

A rickshaw driver in Mumbai has become an online talking point after stating that his monthly income reaches nearly ₹75,000, igniting widespread discussion around earnings, effort, and long-term security. The claim surfaced through a video uploaded by Utkarsh Verma, where the driver explained that his average daily take-home amount, after deducting costs, is roughly ₹2,500.

The video opens with a conversation about the high cost of living in the city. While acknowledging that expenses in Mumbai are significant, the driver emphasizes that there is also considerable earning potential for those who manage to tap into the right opportunities. He suggests that financial prospects in the city are abundant, but success depends largely on identifying and utilizing the right avenues.

As the discussion continues, the driver elaborates on his daily income, noting that even after accounting for fuel and other operational expenses, he consistently earns around ₹2,500 per day. Based on this figure, Verma calculates that the driver’s monthly income adds up to approximately ₹75,000, a number that stands out when compared to many starting salaries in formal employment sectors.

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Taking the comparison further, Verma reflects on his own early career after completing his engineering degree, mentioning that his initial corporate salary did not reach similar levels. He highlights how driving an auto in Mumbai may offer higher immediate earnings, along with the added benefit of interacting with a wide range of people, which could potentially open doors to networking opportunities. In contrast, he points out that traditional office roles often involve routine desk work with limited social engagement.

The driver also indicates that earnings can increase with additional effort, suggesting that individuals who work longer hours or more efficiently could make close to ₹1 lakh per month, while even a lower threshold of around ₹60,000 remains achievable.

The video quickly gained traction online, prompting varied reactions. Some viewers pointed out that income alone does not define job value, stressing that such work involves long hours, exposure to harsh weather, traffic congestion, and a lack of consistent schedules. Others noted that salaried positions, even with lower pay, often provide stability, predictable routines, and greater comfort.

Several commenters also raised broader concerns about income comparisons in India, particularly highlighting the disparities created by the large informal sector. Others argued that professional jobs offer growth, promotions, and skill development over time, which may eventually lead to significantly higher earnings.