In the world of side hustles, DoorDash is one of the most popular options for making extra money with flexibility. One of the most common questions many potential dashers have is, “What can I really make with DoorDash?” This post will answer that question and break down the variables.

Earnings

Like most side hustles, the amount you can make as a DoorDash driver is all about your hustle. As a service provider and independent contractor, you have the flexibility to set your own schedule and work when you want. This flexibility is one of the best parts of driving for DoorDash, as you can balance your work with other commitments, whether that be a full-time job, family responsibilities, or personal interests.

Your earnings will vary based on your availability and how many deliveries you can make, especially during peak times when demand is higher. For example, working lunch and dinner rushes can increase your earnings due to more orders and potential tips. Knowing the peak hours and planning your shifts accordingly can make a big difference in your overall earnings.

As an independent contractor for DoorDash, you have the freedom to create your own schedule, which can impact your earnings. This is a big plus for those who love flexibility and want to work on their own terms. But it also means your income will fluctuate based on how much hustle you put in. For some, this can be a motivator, while for others, it can be a challenge to maintain consistent earnings.

In my opinion, the key to making the most of DoorDash is being proactive and strategic. Using the app’s features, such as accepting high-paying orders and avoiding long wait times, can help you be more efficient. Building rapport with customers can also lead to better tips and more earnings. While DoorDash may not be a full-time salary for everyone, it’s a flexible and potentially profitable opportunity if you put in the work.

DoorDash

DoorDash is not just a food delivery service. It’s a logistics company often referred to as an aggregator business. They have developed sophisticated software that connects customers’ online orders with restaurants and drivers and streamlines the entire delivery process. This approach allows DoorDash to manage the logistics of food delivery and be a major player in the on-demand delivery space.

Founded by three college students in the San Francisco area, DoorDash has grown significantly since its inception. The platform has expanded to many cities across the US and beyond and is one of the most well-known food delivery brands. What sets DoorDash apart is its focus on providing a seamless experience for both customers and drivers so orders get delivered quickly and efficiently.

In my opinion, DoorDash is a game changer in the food delivery space. By using technology to connect the various stakeholders—customers, restaurants, and drivers—it has created a solution that meets the needs of the modern consumer. It’s also opened up new earning opportunities for those who want to make money on their own terms, making it one of the most legit money-making apps out there.

Dashers

The drivers for DoorDash are called Dashers. These individuals play a big part in the delivery process, receiving requests for deliveries through the DoorDash driver app. Once you download the app and complete the onboarding process, you can start accepting deliveries and making extra cash.

Loan Payments

DoorDash is great for student loan borrowers looking to make extra payments on their loans or anyone looking to reduce personal loan payments. The flexibility of being a Dasher allows you to earn extra income on your own schedule so you can allocate funds towards loan repayment.

By consistently making loan payments, borrowers can improve their credit scores over time. A higher credit score can lead to better interest rates on future loans and credit products and save them money in the long run.

In my opinion, using DoorDash to pay off loans is a smart move for those who need a flexible income source. It helps with financial obligations and also develops time management and customer service skills. For many, the ability to earn money while working around their existing commitments makes DoorDash a practical solution for student loans or personal debt.

How Much Does a DoorDash Driver Make?

The average hourly pay for DoorDash drivers or Dashers is $15-$25 per hour. But how is that calculated?

Minimum Payment

DoorDash’s base minimum pay per order ranges from $2 to $10. This amount varies by location and time of day, with peak hours (lunch and dinner) often having higher pay rates due to more demand for restaurant deliveries.

Bonus Opportunities

Some orders have bonuses, such as an extra $2 for specific requests. These bonuses are often tied to special clients or larger events like catering deliveries, which can boost your earnings on those particular orders.

The App

To get started, you’ll sign in to the DoorDash app and let it know you’re available to accept deliveries. The app will then send you real-time notifications for orders so you can respond quickly and maximize your earnings.

Number of Deliveries

You’re not obligated to accept every delivery request, but accepting more orders can increase your earnings. Dashers who maintain an 80% acceptance rate may get bonuses to increase their earnings.

Costs to Consider

When calculating your net earnings, you need to factor in your actual costs. As a Dasher, you’ll be responsible for your own gas and vehicle maintenance, which can affect your overall earnings. Knowing these costs is important to determining the true profitability of the gig.

Modes of Delivery

Interestingly, being a DoorDash driver doesn’t mean you have to have a car. In some areas, Dashers can deliver by bike, scooter, or even on foot, so you have flexibility in how you want to work.

In summary, the amount DoorDash drivers make can vary greatly depending on the number of deliveries, time of day, and bonuses. If you’re proactive and efficient, you can earn a high hourly wage by maximizing your delivery opportunities.

How to Earn Money as a DoorDash Driver?

Let’s get into the nitty gritty of DoorDash, which is one of the most popular gig apps out there.

Delivery Payouts

As a DoorDash driver, your earnings come from delivery payouts. DoorDash uses a base pay for each delivery and tracks all your work while you’re on the road. Each time you successfully deliver a customer’s order, DoorDash adds that payout to your total earnings.

Your deliveries are totaled from Monday to Sunday, and you will get paid on the following Wednesday. This structured payout system allows you to track your earnings and plan your finances. I like this weekly payout schedule because it gives you a steady flow of cash to budget and manage your expenses.

How Do You Get Paid?

You have two options to receive your earnings.

Direct Deposit: You can opt for direct deposit to your bank or financial institution and have your earnings transferred securely and conveniently. This makes it easy to track your income.

DoorDash Fast Pay Card: You can also use a DoorDash Fast Pay card, which is a prepaid card that acts like a debit card. This option gives you quicker access to your earnings so you can manage your cash flow. I like having both options available because they suit different financial needs and preferences.

DoorDash Driver Tips

Tips are part of your earnings as a DoorDash driver. Some customers may give you cash tips directly when you deliver their orders. More often, customers have the option to add a tip for their delivery at the time of payment. Regardless of how the tip is given, all customer tips are added to your pay as extra income and can increase your overall earnings.

In my experience, good service can lead to better tips. Simple things like being friendly and making sure the order is delivered on time can make a big difference in how much you earn in tips. I believe building rapport with customers can make the delivery experience better for both parties and increase your earnings.

Bonuses and Incentives

DoorDash also has various bonuses and incentives to encourage drivers to hustle. For example, if you accept more than 80% of the available delivery requests, you may qualify for a DoorDash referral bonus. You can also earn bonuses for driving and delivering during peak times to increase your earnings.

I think these bonuses are a great way to motivate drivers to stay active and engaged. They reward hard work and create a sense of community among Dashers, who are all trying to maximize their earnings.

How Do I Sign Up for DoorDash?

Ready to pay off student loans, save for a vacation, or supplement your income? If so, delivering food to hungry customers through an app like DoorDash could be for you. There are many delivery apps out there, but DoorDash is popular and user-friendly.

One of the perks of being a Dasher is that DoorDash provides you with a delivery bag that keeps restaurant orders hot (or cold). You’ll also get a DoorDash shirt, which is optional but can help you look professional while on the job.

Signing up for DoorDash is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Sign Up

The first step is to sign up for a DoorDash account. This involves agreeing to a background check and credit report to make sure you meet their safety standards. A valid driver’s license is required as it verifies your identity and eligibility to drive.

Step 2: Get Your DoorDash Kit

After you sign up, DoorDash will send you a kit that includes a delivery bag to keep food items hot (or cold) and a branded DoorDash shirt. While wearing the shirt is optional, I think it can help you look more professional and be more recognizable to customers.

Step 3: Download the DoorDash App

Next, you’ll need to download the DoorDash app on your smartphone. The app is available for iPhone and Android devices, so it’s accessible to many. It is easy to use and has all the tools you need to manage your deliveries.

Step 4: Turn On Your Availability

Once the app is downloaded, you can set your availability for deliveries. This will let the system know you’re ready to accept delivery requests. I think this is one of the best parts of the job because you can work around your existing commitments.

Step 5: Pick and Deliver

Use the app to see available deliveries near you and accept the ones that fit your schedule and location. Be on time and professional when picking up and delivering orders. This will help the customer and increase your chances of getting good reviews from restaurants and customers. Good reviews can lead to more opportunities and potentially higher earnings in the future.

How to Maximize Earnings as a DoorDash Driver?

Time Blocking

While flexibility is a big plus of driving for DoorDash, timing your shifts can make a big difference in your earnings. Peak times like lunch (11 am-2 pm) and dinner (5 pm-9 pm) tend to have more demand and more earnings. Working on weekends and holidays when demand is higher can be more profitable. I personally schedule my shifts around these peak times, and I find I get more deliveries and more earnings.

Route Optimization

Increasing your earnings by making more deliveries per hour is key. Navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze can help you find the best routes and avoid traffic and delays. Planning your pick-ups and drop-offs efficiently can save time and increase your deliveries in the same time frame. I recommend getting to know your delivery area to find shortcuts and high-traffic zones, which can help you be more efficient.

Promotions

DoorDash sometimes offers promotions and challenges that can increase your earnings. These may be extra pay for completing a certain number of deliveries in a timeframe or bonus pay for working during specific hours. Keep an eye out for these promotions and plan your shifts around them, and you’ll see a big increase in your overall earnings. I find participating in these challenges adds fun to the job and can lead to big earnings.

Expenses

Since expenses like gas and vehicle maintenance can eat into your profits, finding ways to reduce these costs is key. Regular vehicle maintenance, like oil changes and tire rotations, can improve fuel efficiency and extend the life of your vehicle. Adopting fuel-efficient driving habits, such as maintaining a steady speed and not accelerating rapidly, can lower gas expenses. Planning your routes to minimize mileage not only saves gas but also gets you more deliveries in the same time frame.

Location

Where you dash can impact your earnings as a DoorDash driver. Urban areas and cities have more demand and more delivery opportunities than rural areas. In busy metropolitan areas, the volume of orders is higher, so you can get more deliveries in the same time frame. Dashing in affluent neighborhoods can also increase your chances of getting higher tips, as customers in those areas are more likely to tip well for good service.

I find that strategically choosing your delivery zones can make a big difference in your overall earnings. If you can choose where you work, consider trying out different neighborhoods to find the best areas.

Customer Tips

Customer tips can make a big difference in your total earnings. You can’t control how much a customer tips, but providing great service can encourage more tips. Simple things like smiling at customers, making sure the order is correct, and handling orders with care can influence tipping behavior.

Some Dashers have found that taking a minute to communicate with customers—like confirming the order details or updating them on the delivery status—can add to the overall experience and lead to better tips. I personally think building rapport with customers can make the delivery experience better for both parties and can impact your earnings big time.

Seasonal Earnings

Remember, earnings with DoorDash can vary seasonally. During cold or bad weather, more people order in, which means more demand for deliveries. This can be a great opportunity to earn more, as many customers prefer to have food delivered rather than go out in bad weather.

But you have to balance the opportunity for more earnings with safety. Driving in bad conditions can be tough and can increase the risk of accidents. I think safety should always come first. If conditions are really bad, you may want to take a break or work during safer hours.