Is Being A DoorDash Driver Worth The Time And Money?

Being a DoorDash driver might sound interesting because it gives you the freedom to work anytime, anywhere. As a DoorDash driver, you can earn up to $23/hr or more. But is being a DoorDash driver worth it? Is it possible to make a decent income with this side hustle?

I have been a DoorDash driver and have learned some things about the gig. In this article, I will take you through what it’s like working as a DoorDash driver and how to become one in just 10 minutes. By the end of this article, you will also find out if you can earn enough money to sustain a living as a DoorDash driver.

Let’s jump right into it!

What Is DoorDash?

Doordash is a food delivery service that allows customers to order from their favorite restaurants and have it delivered to them by dashers. The food delivery giant is available in more than 7000 cities across the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan.

It is interesting to note that DoorDash has recently expanded its services to include package, alcohol, and grocery delivery. However, they remain the number one meal delivery service according to the Bloomberg second measure. Doordash has the largest market share at 59%, followed by uber eats and then grub hub and Waitr.

Because of how DoorDash has been growing steadily over the years it will make sense to say that it is worth it to secure your spot to work on the platform as a delivery driver. We will discuss DoorDash driver earnings later in this post to determine if it is worth your time and effort working on the platform.

How doorDash dashers get paid

Dashers are paid per delivery + 100% of tips. So if a dasher delivers an order that costs $10 and the customer tips $5, then the dasher will make a total of $15 for that particular delivery. Doordash also has something called peak pay. This is when DoorDash increases the dash pay to get more drivers on the road during busier hours or periods of high demand.

Let’s break this down in detail:

Doordash Base pay per delivery

Doordash doesn’t publicize their base pay per delivery. However, from our research and talking to current and former DoorDash drivers, we found that the average base pay is between $2-$10+ per delivery. The actual amount you make will depend on a few factors such as the distance of the delivery, the time it takes to complete the order, and weather conditions.

Doordash Peak Pay

As mentioned earlier, DoorDash has something called peak pay which is when they offer higher rates to get more dashers on board during busier hours or periods of high demand. The peak pay varies and depends on the factors mentioned earlier.

For example, during lunch hours you may earn a higher rate per delivery compared to late at night. In the short time, I have been a DoorDash dasher, I have seen peak pays of $1 to $9 extra per delivery during busy hours or holidays.

Doordash Tips

image showing tips earned by a doordash driver, illustrating that it is worth it being a doordash driver

You keep 100% of your tips as a dasher which is awesome. However, how much you make in tips will greatly depend on how good of a job you do and how generous the customer is feeling that day.

From our research, we found that the average tip is between $2-$8 per delivery but this number can be higher or lower depending on various factors such as how big the order is, how far you have to deliver it, and of course, how generous the customer is feeling.

In my opinion, yes DoorDash is worth it. The money you make will depend on a variety of factors but if you are looking for an easy way to make some extra cash then DoorDash is a great option.

Doordash Promotions

Doordash occasionally offers promotions where you can earn extra money for completing a certain number of deliveries within a given timeframe. For example, I recently completed a promotion where I earned an extra $250 for 25 deliveries I completed within 2 days. These promotions are not always available but when they are, they provide an excellent opportunity to earn some extra cash.

In my experience as a DoorDash driver, I found that you can earn up to $23/hr but it depends on how many orders you can complete in an hour and how many tips you receive. The average DoorDash driver earns $15/hr but some make less than that and some make more.

When Do You Receive Payment?

Doordash pays you once a week (every Tuesday) for the deliveries you made during the previous week. You can choose to be paid via direct deposit and there is no minimum amount required to receive your payment. If you chose not to wait for one week, DoorDash also offers you the option to cash out your earnings instantly once a day. However, this feature will cost you $1.99.

How Much Do Doordash Drivers Make A month?

This varies as it depends on how many hours you work, which days/hours you work, and of course, how many tips you receive. From our research, we found that the average DoorDash driver earns $1500/month but some make less than that, and some make more.

Can You Make A Living off Doordash?

This depends on your definition of “living” but in my opinion, yes you could make a living off DoorDash if you were willing to work long hours. For example, if you worked 60 hours per week and made $15/hr on average, that would be $900 before tips. After factoring in an estimated average tip of $3 per delivery, that would be an extra $180 giving you a total of $1080 before taxes.

That is not a lot of money but it is enough to cover basic expenses such as rent, food, and utilities for one person in most parts of the country.


Is being a doorDash driver worth it?

The answer to this question depends on several factors such as:

  • How often do you plan on driving for doordash
  • Where you live(rural vs urban areas)
  • What time of day/night do you plan on dashing?

If you’re looking to make some extra cash then DoorDash is worth it. For the short time that I have been a DoorDash driver, I believe it has been worth it.

Here is why I think so:

  • live in an urban area (Chicago) which typically results in more orders and therefore more money.
  • My dash time has usually been during peak hours (lunch and dinner time) which also results in more orders and therefore more money.
  • I work about 10-15 hours per week so it doesn’t interfere too much with my other obligations.

All things considered, I believe that becoming a DoorDash driver is worth it if you are looking to make some extra money. To learn more about whether it’s worth it to be a DoorDash driver, I recommend checking out what other dashers are saying about it on reddit.

Join this subreddit group of DoorDash drivers r/doordash_drivers. I am also part of the group. Here you will see dashers sharing screenshots of their weekly earnings. There are dashers on there who quit their job to become full-time DoorDash drivers and they have been able to live off it. You will also learn tips and tricks to be a successful dasher.


Reasons why You Should Sign Up Today To Be A Doordash Driver

Earn extra cash fast

Doordash is a great way to earn some extra cash fast. You can work as much or as little as you want, and you can make your schedule. If you need some extra cash now, you will be able to get it as a DoorDash driver.

I remember when I signed up as a dasher, the process was pretty smooth and quick. I completed the application online, and they approved me within minutes. They even run your background check immediately and you can start earning if it clears and if there aren’t too many dashers in your area. In my case, I signed up in an urban city (Chicago) and was able to complete deliveries and made some money on the same day.

The Dasher Direct Debit Card

When You sign up and also apply for the dasher direct debit card, they offer you a virtual card where you can cash out your earnings for free after every delivery. You can use this virtual card to make transactions until you receive a physical card in the mail within 10 business days.

So as you can see DoorDash allows you to get money quickly when you need it. If you compare it to other jobs. How many jobs allow you to sign up, get approved on the same day, and make money on the same day? I can’t think of any at the moment.

Flexible hours

One of the best things about being a Doordash driver is that you get to set your hours. This is because you are considered an independent contractor by DoorDash. So if you have another job or other commitments during the day, you can still make money by driving at night or on weekends.

Free food

Another perk of being a Doordash driver is that sometimes you get free food from the restaurants that you deliver to. So if you’re looking to save some money on food, this is a great way to do it.

Get paid instantly or weekly

Doordash pays its drivers weekly by direct deposit, so you don’t have to wait long to receive the money for your work. They also offer fast pay. This is the option to cash out your earnings instantly one time per day for a $1.99 fee.

Overall, I believe that becoming a Doordash driver is worth it. If you are looking for a flexible job that allows you to make up your hours and earn extra cash, then Doordash is the perfect opportunity for you.


Reasons why you probably should think twice before becoming a doorDash driver

-You are your boss (Independent contractor): While this can be seen as a good thing, it also means that there is no one to hold you accountable for your work. This can lead to problems if you’re not self-motivated or organized.

-Car expenses: Since you are using your car to make deliveries, you will have to pay for gas and maintenance yourself. This can eat into your earnings if you’re not careful.

-Customer Tips: While customer tips are always appreciated, they are not guaranteed. So if you’re relying on tips to make a living, this may not be the best job for you.

In conclusion, I believe that there are both good and bad things to consider before becoming a Doordash driver. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.

How Does Doordash Work For Drivers? What You will do on the job

As a Doordash driver, you will be responsible for picking up and delivering food, packages, alcohol, and grocery orders to customers. This can be done by car, bike, or scooter depending on the city you are in.

You will use the Doordash app to navigate to the customer’s location and make the delivery. Once you arrive at the customer’s location, you must confirm that you have delivered the order correctly. After this is done, you will head back to your starting point and await your next order.

Let’s break down the entire process in detail:

Accepting orders

The first thing you will do as a Doordash driver is to log into the app and accept orders. Once an order has been accepted, you will be given the customer’s address, contact information, and delivery instructions. You will also be given the same details for the restaurant or store where you will pick up the order. Each order you accept also tells you how much you will earn, tips, and the total miles you will travel.

The Dasher app dashboard

Every time you log in to the dasher app you will see the dash now button or the schedule button depending on how busy it is in your specific area. If it’s busy in your area, you will see the dash now button. This means if you click on the button, you will start receiving orders sometimes instantly or within minutes. However other times you may see the schedule button. This means the demand for dashers is currently low in your area and you will need to schedule a time slot to deliver when it becomes busier.

Picking up orders

When it’s time to pick up an order, you will navigate to the restaurant or store using the Doordash app. Once you arrive, you will need to confirm that you have everything on the order before leaving for delivery. This is important because if something is missing, the customer will not be happy.

Delivering orders

Once you have everything on the order, you will make your way to the customer’s address. Once you arrive, you will confirm that the order is correct and then deliver it to them. After this is done, you will head back to your starting point and await your next order.

How To Become A Doordash Dasher

If you’re interested in becoming a Doordash Dasher, click here to sign up today . Here is a little secrete for you to ensure you get approved on the same day when you sign up as I did: Choose an urban area as your sign-up region.

For example, if you live in New York, chose New York City as your region, if you live in Michigan, chose Detroit as your delivery region. This is because there is a higher demand for dashers in urban areas than in rural areas.

A lot of people have learned about DoorDash and have applied to become dashers. Because of this, the market for dashers is saturated in some areas. When some people sign up, DoorDash will put them on a waitlist because of the same reason. So use the trick I mentioned to get approved and start earning with DoorDash on the same day.

Doordash Dasher Requirements

Here’s what you need to start earning with DoorDash:

  • A compatible smartphone
  • At least 18 years old
  • Ability to lift 30 lbs.
  • Access to a vehicle (bike, car, scooter, etc.)
  • A valid driver’s license and car insurance (if you’re using a car)
  • Pass a background check

This is all you need to become a dasher.

The Doordash dasher Sign Up Process

This is what you will go through when signing up to become a DoorDash dasher:

  • Create an account with your name, email, and a password
  • Enter your contact information including your phone number
  • Choose which city you want to deliver in (eg. New York, Detroit)
  • Select whether you will be using a car or bike for deliveries
  • Add any additional information such as your driver’s license number or Social Security Number (this is only required if you’re going to use a car for deliveries)
  • Add a bank account for weekly direct deposits
  • Take Doordash’s Dasher orientation exam. This is just a quick 20-question multiple choice quiz about the doordash platform and how it works. That’s it! You’re now ready to start earning with Doordash.

Is working for DoorDash worth it? Who is it good for?

The DoorDash dasher gig is great for a few different types of people.

1. People who want to make some extra money on the side

2. People who are looking for a flexible job that they can do on their schedule

3. People who want to be their boss and work whenever they want

4. People who enjoy driving and meeting new people

The hourly pay of dashers is $23 per hour according to DoorDash statistics. This is above minimum wage and even higher than some jobs that require a degree or certification.

For all these reasons, I think the DoorDash dasher gig is worth it!


Side Hustles like Doordash (Doordash Dasher Alternatives

If you’re looking for other ways to make extra money on the side, there are plenty of other gig economy jobs out there. Here are a few alternatives to DoorDash that you might want to check out:

  1. Instacart

Instacart is one of the best-known grocery delivery services out there. It works just like DoorDash except that you will be delivering grocery and household items specifically. The minimum base pay I have seen on Instacart is $7+ per delivery. This is slightly higher than the base pay on DoorDash ($2 -$10+) per order. However, Instacart involves more work because you will need to shop for items before delivering them to the customers.

  1. Uber Eats

UberEats is Uber’s food delivery service that launched in 2014 and has since exploded into one of the largest food delivery companies in the world. It currently offers deliveries in over 250 cities worldwide and employs thousands of drivers across the globe. Like DoorDash, Uber Eats pays drivers based on their mileage, the number of deliveries completed, and customer tips received through its app. Drivers can also receive bonuses if they complete a certain number of deliveries during a week or month. Drivers typically make between $15-$25 an hour depending on how busy they are at any given time.

  1. Grubhub

GrubHub is one of the oldest and most well-established food delivery services out there. It was founded in 2004 and now operates in over 1,100 cities across the United States. Grubhub drivers earn money per order as well as receive customer tips through the app. Drivers typically make between $10-$20 an hour with this gig.

4. Shipt

Shipt is a grocery delivery service that was founded in 2014 and acquired by Target in 2017. The company now operates across the United States, delivering groceries from major retailers like Target, Costco, CVS, and Petco. Shipt pays its shoppers $5-$7 per order plus tips and offers incentives for completing a certain number of deliveries each week.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make 500 a week on DoorDash?

To make $500 a week with DoorDash, you need to complete between 50 and 60 orders in a peak delivery area during high-demand hours. This means that you would need to deliver an average of 10 orders per day, which is possible if you are efficient and work in a high-demand area.

Is it profitable to drive for DoorDash?

Yes, driving for DoorDash can be profitable. You will make money based on the number of deliveries you complete, as well as receiving customer tips through the app. The amount you make will depend on how busy you are at any given time and what area you deliver in.

How much does DoorDash pay per order?

DoorDash pays drivers $2-$10+ per delivery, with the average being around $5-$7 per delivery. Drivers also receive customer tips through the app, which can increase their earnings significantly.

Is DoorDash better than a regular job?

It depends on what you are looking for in a job. DoorDash can offer flexible hours, which is great if you are looking for a side gig or part-time work. However, it is not as stable as a regular full-time job and does not come with the same benefits (i.e. health insurance, paid time off, etc.).

Do people who deliver for DoorDash make good money?

Again, it depends on how busy you are and what area you deliver in. DoorDash drivers typically make between $15-$25 an hour.

Is being a DoorDash delivery driver safe?

There is always some risk involved when working as a delivery driver, as you are dealing with the public and sometimes delivering to unfamiliar areas. However, DoorDash has implemented several safety features, such as an in-app navigation system and the ability to share your live location with others, that help to make the job safer.

Can you survive full-time with DoorDash?

Yes, it is possible to survive full-time with DoorDash. However, you will need to be strategic about which areas you deliver in and when you work, as well as make sure to take advantage of customer tips.

Can someone support their family working for DoorDash?

It is possible to support a family working for DoorDash, but it will require careful planning and budgeting.

How difficult is it to make $200 every day on DoorDash?

It is possible to make $200 every day on DoorDash, but it will require working in a busy area and during peak hours.

Conclusion

Overall, it is possible to make good money as a DoorDash driver. However, it is not as stable or predictable as a regular full-time job and does come with some risks. What I recommend is that you secure a spot as a DoorDash driver on the platform. This will come in handy when you need some cash fast. Then you can increase your sources of income by checking out these other side hustles here.

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