DoorDash pay – how much do DoorDash drivers make?

Working in an office or on a fixed schedule has become less and less common. This has led to a need for more delivery or gig workers. In the gig economy, people are free to work whenever they want, and for how long they want. That’s why many people work for food delivery services such as DoorDash. Is it possible to make a living working for DoorDash, or should you treat it more like a side hustle? Let's find out!

What is it like driving for DoorDash?

DoorDash is a great way to earn extra cash. If you've been looking for a new job, need a new side hustle, or are in between careers, DoorDash can be perfect for you. DoorDash can help you gain financial stability in difficult times. 

To get started, download the DoorDash app and apply to become an approved Dasher. Once you start working, you’ll get notifications for orders you can either accept or decline. If you accept, the DoorDash app will provide you with more information about the delivery. 

DoorDash offers more than just food delivery for customers. Your deliveries could also include alcohol, convenience and grocery items, pet food and supplies, beauty products, electronics, clothing and apparel, health products (including CBD and THC in some areas), party supplies, flowers, baby products, retail items, home and school supplies, standard packages, and more.

Check out our detailed overview of what DoorDash is and our post on how to get started with DoorDash.

How does DoorDash Pay?

Okay, but what about the pay? Is it any good? Many Dashers do make a living just from delivering with the app. Most Dashers also work for multiple delivery apps at the same time. Nowadays, Dashers are getting paid on a daily basis! You can take home the work you put in, everyday.

How much can you earn with DoorDash?

It is difficult to estimate an hourly rate because how much drivers make depends on various factors. The size of the city, the time of the day, whether a driver is working on weekends or during the week, or the generosity of the customers - all of those factors influence the pay of the dasher. It also depends on how much time you spend driving for DoorDash.

How much could you earn per hour?

Experienced drivers can earn more, as they will know which types of orders might come with a generous tip, and which ones it's best to reject. How much you'll earn depends on several factors. If you spend enough time delivering food, and you'll be good at it, then you might qualify for DoorDash Drive. It is a better-paying service for drivers who completed at least 100 deliveries with a 4.8 average customer rating and a 90% completion rate.

Here's what Craig, an experienced Dasher in Los Angeles, told us: "I normally make the most when the order is big, or if the trip is further away, and if DoorDash is offering a higher guaranteed delivery fee because it's a busy time of day. Plus, some people do like to reward good service with a nice tip.

• Bottom line: Some orders will pay more, some will pay less. It's up to the individual Dasher if they want to accept or pass on an order. When asked about accepting or denying DoorDash delivery orders, Dasher Craig responded, "I can see what the minimum payment will be on the app before I accept a delivery order. This way, I might turn down a small order that's going to take me 25 minutes to deliver and will only pay me a couple of bucks. Chances are I'll get a bigger order with a larger payout if I wait a few minutes, especially during a really busy time."
• The minimum guarantee is calculated based on the size of the order, approximate driving distance, traffic delays, parking, and how long it takes for the food to be made and packed up at the restaurant.

A higher hourly DoorDash Guarantee wage will sometimes be offered during really busy times like during the Labor Day holiday or big TV-watching times such as the SuperBowl or World Series, when people want food to be delivered to them. You just have to make a certain amount of deliveries to qualify.

What fees does DoorDash take?

The DoorDash app allows customers to order food, alcohol, health products, clothing, and more — all without having to leave their homes. A typical delivery would also include several fees: 

• Delivery fee depends on the store or restaurant, and on the demand for orders at the time. It is possible for the customers to avoid this fee by subscribing to DashPass and placing orders from DashPass-eligible restaurants. DashPass is available in only some areas. If you don't have time to cook on your own, which means that you order food frequently, then it might help you save some money.
• The service fee helps the company run the operations and maintain the platform. This fee is about 10% of your order.
• Small order fee — if you place a small order, you might be charged a few bucks.

Apart from the previously mentioned fees, the app makes it possible for the customers to tip a Dasher. It is a common practice to tip 15%, though if you think that a driver did an exceptional job, you can always be more generous.

How to earn more as a DoorDash driver?

There are several ways to increase your earnings as a Dasher:

• Rather than working all day, it's more effective to select shorter time slots with higher demand, such as during typical lunch or dinner hours.
• It is usually the case that bigger orders result in higher tips, so if you get a notification about a particularly huge order, don't think twice.
• In addition to working during lunch and dinner hours, consider events that keep people at home. Is the final episode of a popular TV series airing tonight? If so, people are less likely to go out for food, giving you a prime opportunity to meet the demand.

DoorDash incentives and how to get paid more by earning a DoorDash bonus

When you drive for DoorDash, there are various ways to earn extra cash through incentives and bonuses!

DoorDash Referral Bonus: Dashers can earn a sweet bonus by referring a friend to be  Dasher. The amount varies by the size of the city. However, the referred driver has to complete a certain amount of deliveries in order for both drivers to get their bonuses. Just look for the Invite Friends tab in the DoorDash app to refer someone you know.

• DoorDash may occasionally add a few extra dollars to delivery fees during peak times, like lunch or dinner on weekends. It's a great incentive to get out there and Dash! Be sure to keep an eye on the DoorDash app for these notifications.

Tips from Professional DashersWe compiled some delivery suggestions and driving tips from experienced Dashers. These tips will come in handy when you're ready to Dash! Check 'em out!

• "Get out there during the busy times of day, like lunch (11:00am-1:00pm) during the week when people are working or dinner any day of the week from 4:30pm-9:00pm. Sitting in your car when people don't normally order food is a waste of your time."
• "Bigger orders will usually result in a decent tip after you drop off the chow. So, I try to accept as many of those kinds of orders as possible."
• "Check your order to make sure the food order is complete. You don't want to show up with several take-out packages at an office and discover two sandwiches are missing. Also, grab some extra straws, napkins, or even restaurant mints for your delivery customer. The nice gesture might result in a nice tip."
• “Get yourself a couple of reusable insulated food bags to keep in your car. You're going to want to make sure hot food items are still hot when you deliver them. Same goes for delivering cold or frozen desserts. In fact, some restaurants won't even give you a customer's order unless you have an insulated bag with you."

"Keep track of mileage and business expenses for tax deductions. As soon as you turn on the DoorDash app, you're working. A percentage of your mileage is deductible, and anything you buy to make your job easier or safer, like car cell phone chargers, cell phone mounts, gas, or if you have maintenance done on your vehicle, can be considered business expenses that might save you a heap o' cash when Uncle Sam comes calling for his cut at tax time."

Disclaimer

Actual earnings may differ and depend on factors like number of deliveries completed, time of day, location, and expenses. Hourly pay is calculated using average Dasher payouts while on a delivery (from the time you accept an order until the time you drop it off) over a 90 day period and includes compensation from peak pay, tips, and other incentives.