How Much Can You Make With DoorDash in a Week?

As a Dasher, you’re the vital link in the chain between restaurants and customers, picking up orders from local eateries and delivering them right to people’s doorsteps. But before you hit the road, you want the answer to one vital question: How much can you make with DoorDash, exactly? 

What is DoorDash?

DoorDash is the powerhouse of the food delivery app world. It’s essentially a tech-driven middleman that connects three key players: hungry customers, local restaurants, and drivers (that’s where you come in).

So, how does DoorDash work? Customers browse local spots on the DoorDash app or website, making their choices with a few taps. Restaurants receive the orders and start cooking. Then, Dashers like you swoop in to grab the food and deliver it straight to the customer’s door.

But DoorDash isn’t just about connecting people with pizza and burgers. The DoorDash app has expanded beyond lunch and dinner to include all sorts of items, from groceries to convenience store goodies. This global platform has changed the game for how people get their favorite foods, offering convenience for customers and flexible earning opportunities for drivers in thousands of cities worldwide.

How the DoorDash pay structure works

When you’re dashing around town delivering food, your earnings come from three main sources:

1. Base pay. This is the foundation of your earnings, ranging from a minimum of $2 to $10 or more per delivery. DoorDash calculates this figure based on factors like estimated time, distance, and demand.

2. Tips. You keep 100% of the tips customers give you. A generous tipper can really jumpstart your earnings.

3. Promotions. DoorDash offers promotions to incentivize Dashers. Peak Pay, for example, gives you extra cash during busy times. You’ll see the in-app map turn red in areas offering an additional $1–$4 per delivery on top of your base pay.

How much does DoorDash pay?

It’s time to talk numbers. When driving for DoorDash, your actual earnings can vary significantly based on factors like your location, the hours you work, and how efficiently you dash.

If you’re aiming high, some top-performing drivers racking up the mileage report earning up to $1,000 a week. But keep in mind that this usually means putting in about 50 hours a week and focusing on peak times like lunch, dinner, and late-night shifts. And it’s usually not worth it to overwork yourself.

Here’s a rough breakdown of potential earnings based on these averages:

• Hourly. $15 to $20

• Daily (8-hour shift). $120 to $160

• Weekly (40 hours). $600 to $800

• Yearly (full-time). $31,200 to $41,600

Remember, these figures are estimates before expenses. When you’re calculating your actual take-home pay, don’t forget to factor in costs like gas, maintenance, and the wear and tear from putting miles on your vehicle. 

How to become a DoorDash driver

Ready to jump in and start delivering for DoorDash? Here are the conditions you have to meet:

• Age requirement. In most areas, you need to be at least 18 years old to start dashing. But in some states, like Arizona and California, this requirement is bumped up to 19, so double-check your local rules.

• Smartphone. Any iPhone or Android smartphone will do the trick, but note that jailbroken or rooted phones can cause issues with the Dasher app.

• Wheels. DoorDash is relaxed about your ride. Cars, motorcycles, bikes, e-bikes, and even electric scooters are welcome in many areas.

• Insurance. If you’re driving, you have to be insured. DoorDash provides commercial auto coverage for bodily injury or property damage to others, but it’s not a replacement for your personal policy.

• Background check. DoorDash runs a criminal history report on all applicants. If you’re planning to dash with a car, it’ll also check your motor vehicle report. While it no longer publicly lists specific no-gos, it’s safe to assume from past rules that major violations like DUIs or reckless driving in recent years could put the brakes on your Dasher dreams.

How to make money with DoorDash

Here are some savvy strategies to maximize your earnings as a DoorDash driver:

Prioritize peak times and promotions

Timing is everything when driving for DoorDash. Lunch and dinner rushes are your golden hours because that’s when orders are flying and tips are generous. Keep an eye out for promotions, too. If you’re gunning for that Top Dasher status, these busy times and bonus opportunities can help get you there.

Know your worth

As a DoorDash driver, you’ve got more control over your earnings than you might think. While you can’t haggle over delivery fees, you can cherry-pick the orders that make the most financial sense for you. Try setting a personal hourly rate that covers your time and expenses. For example, you might decide only to accept orders that pay at least 30 cents per minute of your time. It’s all about making each dash count.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

Deliver with a smile

Never underestimate the power of great customer service. A friendly attitude, clear communication, and attention to detail can lead to better tips and higher ratings.

Is DoorDash worth it?

DoorDash might be right for you if:

• You thrive on a flexible schedule

• You don’t mind making small talk with customers

• You enjoy the excitement of maximizing promotions and busy hours

On the flip side, you might want to think twice if:

• You have a car that drains your wallet at the pump

• You’re searching for a gig with traditional job perks like health insurance

• The idea of any face-to-face interaction sends you running for the hills

• Your town’s restaurant scene is more ghost town than a bustling metropolis

Need to access your pay before payday? Try EarnIn

Please note, the material collected in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as or construed as advice regarding any specific circumstances. Nor is it an endorsement of any organization or services.