DoorDash drivers, called Dashers, make between $15 to $25 per hour on average. Their earnings come from base pay, tips from customers, and bonuses. The amount they make can change based on where they work, the time of day, and how fast they deliver.
DoorDash works in over 7,000 cities in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, Australia, and Japan. This gives drivers a lot of flexibility in their work schedule.
DoorDash Driver Pay Structure Breakdown
As a DoorDash driver, your pay comes from three main parts: base pay, promotions, and tips from customers. Knowing how these parts work together can help you make more money.
Base Pay Components
DoorDash pays drivers between $2 and $10 for each delivery. The amount depends on the delivery’s estimated time, distance, and how desirable the order is. This pay is separate from tips, so you get to keep all the tips you earn.
Peak Pay and Bonuses
DoorDash gives extra pay during busy times with Peak Pay bonuses. These bonuses help drivers earn more during times like mealtimes. Drivers can also earn extra by completing challenges and delivery streaks.
Customer Tips Impact
Tips from customers are a big part of what DoorDash drivers make. Drivers get to keep all their tips, which can add up a lot, even more during busy hours. Some places offer an hourly rate instead of per-delivery pay, which can change how often you get tips and bonuses.
| Delivery App | Average Hourly Rate | Average Earnings per Trip | Average Weekly Earnings | Average Monthly Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UberEats | $16.37 | $8.75 | $170.31 | $431.38 |
| DoorDash | $13.55 | $7.78 | $199.36 | $535.77 |
| Instacart | $16.45 | $15.15 | $196.85 | $499.76 |
| Amazon Flex | $25.07 | N/A | $311.76 | $823.05 |
How Much Do Doordash Drivers Make
Doordash driver earnings can vary a lot. The average hourly pay in the U.S. is about $19, according to ZipRecruiter. But, actual pay can be between $15 and $25 an hour. Some drivers even make up to $200 a day.
Several things affect a driver’s pay. These include how many deliveries they make, tips, and any bonuses. Drivers also need to think about costs like fuel and car maintenance when figuring out their real earnings.
| Metric | Q3 2022 Average |
|---|---|
| Earnings per Delivery | $8.25 – $8.50 |
| Hourly Earnings | $22 |
| Daily Earnings | $140 |
| Base Pay (before tips) | $14 |
| Tips as Percentage of Earnings | 35% – 40% |
Doordash is a big name in food delivery, with 67% of the market share as of March 2024. It’s in over 4,000 U.S. cities. This means there’s a lot of potential for Doordash drivers to make money. Drivers with good reviews often get more tips, which can really boost their earnings.
“Doordash drivers have the potential to earn a significant income, with daily earnings reaching up to $200 in some cases. But, it’s important to factor in expenses and strategize to maximize earnings.”
Essential Requirements to Start Dashing
To become a DoorDash driver, you need to meet a few key requirements. First, you must be at least 18 years old. You also need a valid driver’s license and the right auto insurance if you use a car for deliveries. Lastly, you’ll need a smartphone that works with the DoorDash app, as it’s the main tool for getting and finishing orders.
Vehicle and License Requirements
DoorDash is flexible when it comes to how you get around. You can use a car, motorcycle, scooter, or even a bike for deliveries, depending on where you are and what’s available. No matter what you choose, it must be registered and insured.
Background Check Process
DoorDash will do a background check on everyone who applies. This check looks at your driving history and checks for any criminal records. It usually takes 3-7 days to complete. After you pass, you can start dashing.
Documentation Needed
- Valid driver’s license
- Auto insurance (if using a vehicle)
- Social Security number
- Smartphone compatible with the DoorDash app
The sign-up process is easy, and most people start making money in just a few days. DoorDash offers flexible hours and many ways to get around. This makes it a great choice for people looking to make extra money or work full-time.
Real Earnings Data from Active Dashers
DoorDash gives us a peek into what its drivers, or Dashers, make. By looking at data from active Dashers in the U.S., we get a clearer view of what they can earn.
In Bismarck, North Dakota, one Dasher made up to $200 in a day. They earned $14.88 an hour or $0.50 per mile. In Lebanon, Tennessee, another Dasher made up to $20 an hour part-time. Yet, a Dasher from San Antonio, Texas, found earnings could drop during some hours, even at $20 an hour.
Beacon Economics found DoorDash has upped the average pay for U.S. Dashers by 12.5%. Dasher earnings, including tips, went from $17.24 an hour in August to $18.54 in October.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Percentage of offers where DoorDash paid less than $3 | Under 4% by the end of October |
| Customers can now tip before or after delivery | 100% of orders |
| Dasher earnings increases are alerted via push notifications when tips are received after the delivery is completed | Yes |
DoorDash has promotions like Peak Pay and Challenges to help drivers earn more. These can really up a Dasher’s earnings.
“Dashing is better for my overall mental health, and the flexible hours allow me to spend quality time with my family.”
These stories show what Dashers can earn. But remember, there are costs like gas, vehicle upkeep, and taxes. These can take up to 35% of what a Dasher makes.
Peak Hours and Best Times to Deliver
As a DoorDash driver, knowing the best times to deliver can really boost your earnings. The busiest times are usually during lunch and dinner rushes.
Lunch Rush Opportunities
The lunch rush happens from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s a great time for DoorDash drivers in Seattle. The most orders are from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on weekdays. You’ll get more pay and maybe bonuses, helping you earn more.
Dinner Time Earnings
The dinner rush is from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. In Seattle, the best times are 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays. You can earn $25/hr to $45/hr, averaging about $32/hr.
Weekends in Seattle add more peak times. Lunch and brunch peak from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner peak also goes longer than usual.
Weather also affects demand. Sunny days mean fewer orders in Seattle. Keeping an eye on doordash peak hours and demand changes is key to earning more.
Hidden Costs and Expenses
Being a DoorDash driver is more than just the base pay and tips. There are many expenses that can affect how much money you make. Fuel, car maintenance, and tolls are some of these costs.
As independent contractors, Dashers must handle their own taxes and insurance. DoorDash offers up to $1 million in liability insurance during deliveries. But, drivers might need more insurance for full coverage. Keeping track of mileage and expenses is key for taxes and knowing your real earnings.
- DoorDash drivers can deduct car-related expenses, phone costs, and other business expenses to lower their taxes.
- Drivers should avoid deliveries from Walmart groceries, fast food, and orders far from busy areas to work more efficiently.
- Drivers should restart the app often to avoid tech problems and get orders regularly.
| Service | Commission Fee | Delivery Fee |
|---|---|---|
| DoorDash | 15% – 30% per order | 15% – 30% per order |
| GrubHub | 15% – 25% per order | Up to 10% per order |
| Postmates | 15% – 30% per order | 0.80% up to $5.00 per order |
| Uber Eats | 15% – 30% per order | Varies |
| Owner.com | Commission-free | Flat rate billed monthly |
Knowing and tracking these hidden costs, DoorDash drivers can make better choices. This helps them earn more and keep their delivery business going strong.
Payment Methods and Scheduling
DoorDash gives Dashers many ways to get paid. They can get their money through a weekly direct deposit. This usually happens in 2-3 days after they finish delivering from Monday to Sunday of the week before.
For those who want their money faster, there’s Fast Pay. It lets Dashers get their earnings daily on a debit card for a $1.99 fee each time.
The DasherDirect account is another option. It gives Dashers a prepaid debit card for daily earnings without any extra cost. They also get 2% cash back on gas and rewards at certain stores. Dashers can see their earnings in the Dasher app and pick how they want to get paid.
Dashers can set their own schedules. They can pick specific times to work or dash on-demand when the app needs them. This lets Dashers make their own schedules and earn as much as they can.
Strategic Locations for Higher Earnings
As a DoorDash driver, picking the right spots can really boost your earnings. Look for areas with lots of restaurants, like busy cities or suburbs. These places usually have more delivery jobs. Use the app’s heat map to find “hotspots” with lots of orders and plan your route.
Some drivers stick to one busy area, while others move around. It’s smart to know the local market to make more money. This way, you can earn more as a DoorDash driver.
High-income neighborhoods are often the best for DoorDash. They have more people ordering food to be delivered. Busy commercial areas, office parks, and places with lots of restaurants are also great for making money.
To find the best spots for DoorDash, think about foot traffic, restaurant numbers, and order sizes. By choosing these areas, you can do more deliveries. This means you can earn more as a DoorDash driver.
| Location Factors | Impact on DoorDash Earnings |
|---|---|
| High-income residential neighborhoods | Increased order frequency and higher average order values |
| Busy commercial districts | Greater delivery demand during peak hours |
| Suburban office parks | Steady delivery orders throughout the day |
| Areas with popular restaurants and eateries | More delivery opportunities and potential for higher tips |
Tax Obligations for DoorDash Drivers
DoorDash drivers are on their own when it comes to taxes. If they make $600 or more a year, they’ll get a 1099-NEC form from Stripe. This form is key for their tax filings.
Drivers need to save some of their earnings for self-employment taxes. These taxes are 15.3% of what they earn before taxes.
DoorDash drivers can lower their taxes by using certain deductions. They can deduct the standard mileage rate, which is 67 cents per mile. They can also deduct vehicle costs and a part of their phone bills.
Keeping good records is important. It helps them get the most deductions and follow IRS rules.
Self-employed people, like DoorDash drivers, must pay estimated taxes all year. They must make payments by April 15th, June 15th, September 15th, and January 15th. Not paying on time can lead to penalties and IRS checks.
Getting help from a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a good idea. A CPA can help Dashers understand self-employment taxes better. They can also make sure they’re using all the deductions they can.
