How much can you make with DoorDash?

How much can you make with DoorDash?

DoorDashers can expect to earn between $700 and $800 per month working part-time, averaging three daily deliveries. Most DoorDashers can make $20 per hour or $4,000 per month by making around 50 deliveries per week.

Imagine making an extra $1,000 per month by delivering food. DoorDash is a good side hustle, especially if you live in a busy area.

Luckily, I’ll show you how much money you can make with DoorDash. I’ll show you how to increase your earnings and get your first DoorDash delivery.

Key Takeaways:

• Part-time DoorDashers are considered to make around three daily deliveries and can expect to make between $700 and $800 per month. Full-time DoorDashers make 50 deliveries per week and earn about $4,000 monthly.
• Dashers are paid by base pay, customer tips, and Dasher pay. Base pay ranges between $2 and $10 per delivery, and customer tips go directly to the driver. Dasher pay is supplemental pay to help cover gas and vehicle expenses.
• Increase your DoorDash earnings by driving at prime times, taking more orders, using a fuel-efficient car, and joining Dasher teams.
• DoorDash is worth it if you’re looking to earn extra cash. However, individuals looking for full-time career benefits, such as health insurance, should not make DoorDash their prime income source.

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How Much Can You Make with DoorDash?

A part-time DoorDasher can make between $700 and $800 per month, making an average of three daily deliveries. Most full-time DoorDashers make around 50 deliveries per week, earning about $1,000 per week ($4,000 monthly). A driver committed to DoorDashing can easily make $20 per hour.

You might be new to DoorDash, so you may need to understand the pay structure as an independent contractor for the food delivery service.

Take a moment to read up on the three types of payments drivers can earn, and then we’ll get into the details of how much Dashers can make.

Breaking Down DoorDasher’s Wages

DoorDash drivers make money through a combination of:

• Base pay
• Customer tips
• Dasher pay

The base pay is determined by DoorDash and varies based on the following:

• The time of day
• Location and distance traveled
• Type of order

For example, DoorDash may pay a higher base rate for orders that are placed during peak hours, in areas with a high demand for delivery, or for high-demand items.

The average DoorDash driver’s base pay billings vary widely between $2 and $10 per delivery.

On the other hand, customer tips go directly to the driver, and the DoorDash app charges any Dasher payments.

The Dasher payments help cover the cost of the following:

• Gas
• Vehicle maintenance
• Other expenses a driver might incur while working for DoorDash

You can also use Dasher payments to pay the driver for their time and effort. In a way, it’s an added service charge that helps to increase a DoorDash driver’s overall pay.

However, it’s still expected that customers tip their drivers.

Estimating Dasher’s Pay Per Hour and Month

So, with all of that in mind, a DoorDash driver’s total monthly income is still determined by the number of deliveries they make and the total amount of tips they earn.

For the sake of estimation, though, if a driver were to make 80 deliveries a month working part-time (roughly three a day), they could earn up to $800 monthly. Assuming an average of $3 in tips per order would add up to an additional $240 in tips for a total monthly income of $1,040.

This example assumes that the driver earns the maximum base pay, which is only sometimes possible. So, if we account for variation, it’s safe to say that a part-time driver can earn between $700 and $800 a month.

Most drivers handle more than three daily deliveries, even working part-time.

A full-time driver can expect to make 50 or more weekly deliveries, with some drivers reporting weekly earnings of around $1,000. That breaks down to an hourly rate of around $20, which is pretty good money and enough to make a living by delivering orders.

How to Increase Your DoorDash Earnings

Driving with DoorDash can be a fairly low-effort way to earn a decent living, but new drivers aren’t guaranteed automatic financial freedom. It may take time to build up the understanding needed to earn top dollars, but with just a few smart tricks, anyone can earn up to $1,000 a week using the system.

So, to make the most money Door Dashing, we recommend:

Deliver during busier hours

Peak times result in peak pay. You can significantly increase your hourly pay just by driving during busy times.That’s just how it works.

So, if you want to make more money, you need to be available to deliver when people are more likely to order food. We’re talking evening and lunch hours, so if you’re comfortable skipping family meals, you can significantly increase your overall pay.

Live in a high-demand area

This tip is trickier because it can be challenging to pick up and move. But, if you live in an area with a high demand for food delivery, you’re more likely to get consistent orders and, as a result, earn more money.

The most popular cities for DoorDash drivers include Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York.

Complete more orders

This tip is simple: the more orders you complete, the more money you’ll make.

So, if you want to maximize your earnings, you need to be available to take on as many orders as possible. That may mean working longer hours, but if you’re looking to make DoorDash your full-time job, it’s worth putting in the extra effort.

Use a fuel-efficient car

A fuel-efficient car won’t make you more money per hour, but it will help you save on gas and, as a result, reduce your overhead.

If you’re using a personal vehicle, it’s worth it to invest in a car that gets good mileage. That way, you can save on fuel and use that money to cover other expenses or, better yet, pocket some extra cash.

Join a Dasher team

If you want to make even more money, join a Dasher team.

Dasher teams are groups of drivers who work together to complete orders and, as a result, earn more money. The best part is that you can join a team without ever meeting up with them in person. All you need to do is sign up and start completing orders with them.

Be smart about which orders you accept and cancel

You’re paying for every mile you drive, so if you’re heading 15 miles down the road for a $3 order, is it worth it? What about the wasted time waiting outside a restaurant that’s taken 30 minutes to prepare an order?

Be strategic when picking which orders to accept and cancel if it’s not worth the time/money.

Lastly, restart your app regularly so the system registers that you’re online and are being a good driver. Follow customers’ instructions, be polite, and deliver their orders in a timely-but-safe fashion.

Getting Paid with DoorDash

So, you’ve worked as a DoorDash food delivery driver for a couple of weeks, and you can see your earnings in the app. You’re ready to get paid, but you’re still determining how it works. The good news is it’s pretty simple.

DoorDash pays its drivers once a week, and if you’ve reached the $10 threshold, you’ll be able to cash out your earnings at any time.

Simply open the app and click on the “Cash out” button to get paid.

From there, you can choose how you want to get paid. The options include:

• Direct deposit
• PayPal
• DoorDash Drive

The direct deposit and PayPal options are available to all drivers, while the DoorDash Drive option is only available in select markets.

Once you’ve chosen your payment method, you’ll need to enter your banking information or your PayPal email address if you’re using PayPal. Once that’s done, you can Cash out your earnings, and the money will be deposited into your account within 2 to 3 business days.

Pro tip: Direct deposit to your bank account is one of the better ways to get paid to avoid payment processing fees.

DoorDash Fast Pay

For Dashers living in Canada or the United States, DoorDash also offers a Fast Pay system that allows drivers to withdraw their daily earnings for a small $1.99 fee. This option is excellent for drivers who earn a lot in tips and need access to their money immediately.

To enroll in Fast Pay:

1. Go to the “Settings” tab in the app.
2. Scroll down to the “Fast Pay” section.
3. From there, enter your banking information and choose how often you want to be paid. The options include daily, every other day, and once a week.

Once you’ve chosen your payment schedule, you’ll be able to cash out your earnings at any time for just $1.99.

Fast pay does come with a few eligibility requirements that you should be aware of, but they’re pretty easy to meet:

1. Drivers must have made at least 25 deliveries using the app.
2. Drivers must have an account that’s at least 14 days old.
3. Drivers must wait seven days between setting up their Fast Pay account and adding a debit card before they can use the system.
4. If drivers change their debit card information, they’ll have to wait another seven days before using the Fast Pay system.

As long as drivers can meet these requirements, though, they can have their money direct deposited to their debit cards whenever they want, as long as they pay the $1.99 service charge.

How to Get Started Making Money with DoorDash

Making money with DoorDash is pretty straight forward. Here is how you can get started:

1. Apply to become a driver
2. DoorDash reviews your dasher application
3. Download the Dasher App
4. Start making deliveries

Let’s take a look at what you need to know to get started.

Eligibility

Before you can start making deliveries, DoorDash must first verify your identity and guarantee that you meet their corporate eligibility requirements.

For starters, all DoorDash Dashers must:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Have a clean driving record
• Provide proof of insurance
• Provide a valid driver’s license

Only some Dashers drive a car.

If you live in a major city, such as Chicago or New York, you can use a scooter or bicycle to make deliveries. You’ll have to check with DoorDash to determine if your city qualifies, but if it does, that can be a great way to save on gas and vehicle maintenance costs.

DoorDash Review

After submitting your information, DoorDash will:

• Check your application
• Verify that you’re old enough to drive
• Perform a background check, pulling motor vehicle and criminal history reports
• Approve or deny your application

Download the Dasher app

You should also download the DoorDash driver app. The dasher app is going to let you accept DoorDash jobs, view your actual earnings, and find the best times.

Make Deliveries

After you make your first delivery, the company will send you some DoorDash delivery gear, including a warming bag, a Red Card for billings, and a DoorDash uniform. You can even head to DoorDash’s online store to pick your preferred items.

From there, you’re free to start making deliveries. Log into your account and start accepting orders.

The app will give you all the necessary information, such as the customer’s name, address, and order. And if you have any questions, you can always contact DoorDash customer support for help.

Is DoorDash Worth It?

You’ve probably heard a lot of talk about the so-called “gig economy,” and you’re probably wondering if DoorDash is worth your time. The answer, of course, depends on your situation. If you’re looking for a full-time job with benefits, then DoorDash is not for you. But it can be a great option if you’re looking for a flexible way to make some extra money.

Compared to other food delivery apps, like Uber Eats, DoorDash doesn’t pay quite as much. However, DoorDash is generally considered a more flexible option. So, it’s still a top contender if you’re looking to enter the gig economy.

Consider the following pros and cons and decide whether you should sign up to become a Dasher from there:

(PRO) You set your work schedule 

The best part about DoorDash is that you can work as little or as much as you want. There’s no commitment, and you can log in during your free time and set your own hours. If you need to make extra income to cover a bill or you’re just looking for a way to make some extra cash, DoorDash is a great option.

(CON) You pay for vehicle maintenance

Unlike other delivery services, such as Postmates, DoorDash doesn’t reimburse its drivers for vehicle maintenance. So, if you’re delivering with a car, you’ll need to factor in the cost of the added miles when determining whether delivery is worth your time.

(PRO) You can make decent money

If you’re strategic about when and where you deliver, you can make a decent income working with DoorDash. Some drivers report earning $20 or more per hour; if you’re working full-time, which is significantly more than minimum wage.

(CON) It can be hard to get consistent orders

One of the biggest complaints by DoorDash delivery drivers is that it can take a lot of work to get consistent delivery orders. The app relies on an algorithm to match drivers with orders; sometimes, the system can be glitchy. As a result, you may have a lot of downtime between orders, which can affect your earnings.

(PRO) It’s a pretty easy job

DoorDash is a pretty easy job, and as long as you have a car or bike, you can start making deliveries immediately. No training is required, and you can start earning money as soon as you’re approved to drive.

Summary: How much money can you make with DoorDash

DoorDash can earn you between $700 and $4,000 per month, depending on your level of commitment. Other factors influencing your earning potential include the orders you take, tips, delivery hours, and the number of completed orders. The biggest expense for a DoorDash delivery driver is vehicle maintenance and gas prices.

The bottom line, DoorDash is an easy side hustle. You can set your own schedule and make decent money. The main downsides to DoorDash include the availability of consistent orders and paying for your vehicle maintenance.