Is DoorDash Worth It? (Ultimate 2024 Guide & Pay Data!)

DoorDash is one of the largest food delivery services around. And if you're looking for a flexible and easy side hustle, it's one of the most flexible options out there.

But is DoorDash worth it? And how much money can you realistically make with this food delivery gig?

I've been making money and writing about the gig economy for years at this point. And my DoorDash review is covering how much this gig pays, its pros and cons, and how to decide if it's a good side hustle.

I'm also sharing reviews from other DoorDash drivers and salary data from third-party sources to help you decide if this gig is worth it.

Is DoorDash Worth It?

DoorDash is worth it if you want a flexible side hustle that lets you deliver on your own schedule. However, you have to account for fuel costs and vehicle depreciation when calculating your profitability. And it's not worth it if you want to earn a full-time income.

Overall, DoorDash is one of the highest paying apps in the delivery space. And I like that it lets you set your own hours and has a high hourly rate in many busy markets.

However, in small towns and slow areas, DoorDash's pay isn't great. And this is why it's important to stack DoorDash with similar gig apps like Uber Eats or Instacart to maximize earnings.

How Much Does DoorDash Pay?

DoorDash pay depends on a few factors, including your market, the time you deliver, tips, and some luck. Drivers get paid using the payment model: base pay + promotions + tips = total earnings.

Here's a bit more information about how this DoorDash pay model works:

DoorDash Base Pay Rate – This ranges from $2 to $10+ depending on time, order distance, and desirability. Desirability is influenced on the acceptance rate of all Dashers on a particular order type/specific chain. Base pay doesn't change based on tip, and drivers keep 100% of all tips.

Promotions – DoorDash has three types of promotions that can boost pay:

• Peak Pay is added to total earnings during busy delivery windows. Delivering during bar food rushes or dinner rushes might increase the odds of Peak Pay.
• Challenges are a newer feature that incentivize Dashers to be more active. Examples of challenges include reaching a certain number of deliveries in a specific time-frame, such as paying a bonus of $20 for completing 15 deliveries within a week.
• DoorDash Drive involves delivering larger catering orders that require special handling.

When we tested out DoorDash for a week, we earned anywhere from $14 to $18 per hour on average. But how much you earn really depends on your market, time of year, when you deliver, and customer tips.

After interviewing my friend about his experience delivering food for DoorDash and Uber Eats, he also explained that tips and the time you deliver at play a massive role in how much you earn.

Working during busy delivery times is the simplest way to improve the chance of peak pay. Similarly, working to provide stellar customer service by being timely, grabbing freebies, and being super courteous probably improve the odds you get a tip.

You can also read our post on how much DoorDash couriers make per week for more information about if DoorDash pays well.

Just note that DoorDash is also experimenting with a new payment model, Earn by Time mode, in select U.S. and Canadian cities. This pays you a fixed rate per hour you're out delivering for DoorDash.

Other DoorDash Driver Reviews

One excellent way to decide if DoorDash is worth it or not is to see what other delivery drivers are saying about this driving gig.

Here's what some other Dashers are saying on Reddit about if DoorDash is worth driving for or not:

• StodgyUserName says: “It's still worth trying out for a part-time gig though and is pretty perfect for a college kid. They don't deactivate inactive drivers so there's no harm in signing up to have it and then just using it when/if you feel like it.”
• Justsorcha says: “It really depends on your market and how much you’re realistically looking to make, we just had the base pay for deliveries cut so that’s effecting income. But again depends on the the market you’d be dashing in.”
• Gloomy_Recording_705 says: “As a side job yes…For me as a full-time I can’t just do one app I have like a handful.”
• suki0812 says: “Depends on your area. But sign up for all gig apps. Then you will see which is the best for you.”

As you can see, other Dashers state it really depends on your market. They also recommend multi-apping, which also means using apps like Instacart, Uber Eats, and Amazon Flex to make money if DoorDash is slow.

It's also important to drive at the best DoorDash times so you get as many orders as possible and can cherry pick the high-paying ones. Typically, this means delivering around lunch, dinner, and all day on the weekend.

Is DoorDash Worth It After Taxes?

DoorDash is worth it after taxes if you drive a fuel-efficient vehicle and deliver in a busy market. Plus, as an independent contractor, you can potentially claim some operational expenses like your mileage to help you out on your tax return.

However, it's critical to keep track of your income and expenses so you can accurately report your earnings.

Personally, I use Everlance to automatically track all of my mileage and income. And this is the best mileage tracking app for gig workers in my opinion.

How Does DoorDash Work?

To understand how DoorDash delivery works, it's important to break down the steps from accepting an order right down to drop off.

1. Accepting Orders & Scheduling

Once you're approved to deliver with DoorDash, getting started with delivery is fairly straightforward.

Dashers have two options to start working for DoorDash.

If there is current work availability and not a surplus of Dashers on the road, you can simply open the DoorDash app and select Dash Now. This will let you accept orders as you come in and get to work fairly quickly. If Dash Now isn't available, this means there are enough workers in your city and you cannot work.

To avoid this, it is important to schedule yourself for a Dash, which is basically like setting your work hours.

Scheduling shifts is an excellent way to ensure you have enough work. If you can't select a certain time slot, this means there are already enough Dashers for that time, so be sure to act fast.

2. Pickup & Paying For Orders

Once you're on a shift or able to use Dash Now, DoorDash will send you orders when they are available.

Here's how the process works:

• DoorDash Sends An Order – You have 45 seconds to view the order details and accept.
• Navigate to Restaurant/Grocery Store – Use the DoorDash app and GPS function to navigate to the pickup location once you accept an order.
• Confirm Arrival & Pickup – Confirm your arrival and when you actually pick up the order for delivery. This last step is important to let DoorDash and the customer know that you are on route to deliver.

DoorDash provides Dashers with a Dasher Red Card upon hiring. This card is a prepaid debit card which you will have to use on certain orders to actually pay for food or groceries.

Orders are often already paid for by the customer. However, orders will be marked as “Pay with Red Card” or “Place Order” if you have to pay. This is, of course, DoorDash's money and not your own funds.

Once you pick up your order, it's time to deliver!

3. DoorDash Delivery

Once you deliver the order to the customer, you have to verify the delivery in the DoorDash app in order to end that order and allow new orders to come in.

Ideally, you don't encounter problems. However, there are a few tips to know if you struggle with a delivery.

Here are some DoorDash driver tips and important information to know for how deliveries work and to prevent mistakes:

• Check Your Order – It's a good idea to verify you have the right order before leaving the restaurant or grocery store and to ensure nothing is missing. Don't hesitate to grab freebies like utensils, sauces, or napkins as well to provide better service.
• Follow Instructions – Orders sometimes have specific instructions to assist with delivery, such as door pass codes, specific drop-off points (like a side door), or if it is a contactless delivery. Be sure to read and follow instructions.
• Separate Hot & Cold Items – Keep foods of different temperatures separate and keep food platters flat during delivery. This is incredibly important from a customer service standpoint.
• Know Alcohol Delivery Rules – If your delivery contains alcoholic beverages, you must check the customer's ID and confirm they are 21 or older. You must also use your judgment to ensure they are not intoxicated. If you are unsure, don't deliver alcohol and contact Dash support before returning the alcohol to the merchant.
• Don't Waste Time – If a customer is unavailable, there is a protocol. First, call and text the customer through the DoorDash app to attempt communication. If they don't respond, mark them as unavailable in the app to start a countdown clock. If the customer doesn't respond in a few minutes, you are free to leave the food somewhere safe and get back to work.

Note, you have to document where you leave the food in the DoorDash app and include a photo. You cannot take the food with you or document your actions or you may be kicked from being a DoorDash delivery worker.

DoorDash Requirements & Signing Up

If you're interested in delivering for this food delivery service, there are several requirements to be aware of:

Driver & Vehicle Requirements

Here are the DoorDash driver requirements:

• Be 18 years old or older
• Have a vehicle, bike, or scooter
• Have a valid driver's license and insurance, as well as at least one year of driving experience
• You must pass a background check (no DUI, assault, reckless driving, or several other offenses within the last 7 years)
• You can't have more than 3 minor driving violations, like speeding, within the last 3 years

Signup Process For New Dashers

Signing up for DoorDash is pretty quick and painless. To begin, head to DoorDash and submit an application. This includes basic information like your name, location, and SIN plus information about your vehicle.

If you're accepted (if demand is high in your city this is very likely), you then go through onboarding. Onboarding includes a virtual orientation to learn how to use the DoorDash app and getting your activation kit.

The DoorDash activation kit includes your Red Card, an insulated food delivery bag, and orientation manual. This kit takes roughly one week to arrive. Some large markets require you to pick this up in person, as my friend in Toronto discovered.

Finally, you must activate your Red Card, complete a W-9 tax form, and set up direct deposit. That's all there is to it.

Extra Reading – How To Do Your First DoorDash Delivery.

When Does DoorDash Pay You?

DoorDash only pays via direct deposit, and you cannot use a savings account. DoorDash payments are made the first Monday of every week and take 1-2 business days to process.

But, isn't there a way for DoorDash to pay daily? Correct! If you want to get paid sooner, you can sign up for Fast Pay.

Fast Pay is available for U.S. Dashers who have completed at least 25 deliveries and dashed for at least 2 weeks. Cashing out with Fast Pay costs $1.99 but you get your money that day.

Is DoorDash Worth Working For?

So, if you're still wondering if working for DoorDash is worth it or not, here's my suggestion on how to make the decision.

Do you want to supplement your monthly income with a flexible side gig? Or, do you also enjoy driving or biking, and have a relatively fuel-efficient vehicle or decent road bike?

If the answers to both these questions are yes, I think DoorDash is a viable side hustle that's worth it.

My advice is to try out DoorDash to see how much you make a day, but answer these questions first. Over time, you can also look into other delivery jobs like Instacart or try creating more passive income sources for yourself if you get tired of delivering fast food orders all the time.

Extra Reading – Does DoorDash Pay You For Gas?

DoorDash Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Hourly Pay. This can be pretty decent in some markets.
• Somewhat Flexible. It's important to schedule your shifts to ensure you find work. However, the Dash Now feature adds some flexibility.
• Same-Day Pay. DoorDash Fast Pay is a useful feature for anyone truly tight on cash.
• Lenient Requirements. DoorDash has simple requirements and is very lenient on your vehicle type unlike companies like Uber.

Cons:

• Tax Implications. Independent contractors need to accurately report their income and pay necessary self-employment taxes.
• Vehicle Costs. Fuel, wear-and-tear, and general depreciation are important to factor into your DoorDash earnings. This is a major reason why my friend delivers via bike.
• Earning Ceiling. Your hourly pay will hit a cap with this side hustle and there is no room for growth.
• Tough Work. In all honesty, if you want to earn peak pay and really maximize your earnings, you have to work high-demand delivery windows which probably means missing out on some weekend time or late night fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DoorDash A Good Job?

Yes, DoorDash is a good job that lets you make money on your own schedule. It also has lenient driver requirements and lets you deliver with a variety of vehicles. Plus, you keep 100% of your tips.

It's also a good job if you want a flexible side hustle and don't mind making deliveries. Making a full-time income with DoorDash might be tough however if you live in a city with a high cost of living.

How Much Does DoorDash Pay An Hour In 2024?

How much DoorDash pays per hour depends on your market, tips, how many deliveries you complete, ongoing driver promotions, and other factors. We earned $14 to $18 per hour when testing it for a week.

Is DoorDash A Good Side Hustle?

DoorDash is a good side hustle because it's flexible and pays much more than minimum wage. It's also widely available in thousands of cities, and you don't need any prior skills or experience to begin making money.

However, it's important to consider your hourly pay and to factor in expenses like gas and vehicle depreciation. You should also use tips to make more money with DoorDash, like driving at the best time, to make as much as possible.

Working on customer service also helps you land more tips. Also, make sure you think about Dasher safety if you're delivering at night. Stick to good neighborhoods, and wear reflective clothing if you're a bike courier!

Extra Reading – The Best Ways To Make $5,000 Fast.

What Is DoorDash Earn By Time?

DoorDash Earn by Time is a new earning option that pays Dashers a guaranteed rate while out on delivery. DoorDash is testing this new payment method in select U.S. and Canadian cities, and it's a way for drivers to earn steadier income. Dashers still keep 100% of all tips and can earn promo pay with the Earn by Time payment model.

This is a promising sign for DoorDash since it's taking steps to help delivery drivers earn more consistently. You can check your Dasher app to see if you qualify for Earn by Time.

Extra Reading – The Best Apps That Pay Real Money Instantly.

Final Thoughts

The food delivery market is booming right now, and companies like DoorDash, Instacart, Postmates, Shipt, Grubhub, and Uber Eats are looking to keep up with demand.

So, is DoorDash worth it for drivers?

Well, my opinion is that it's great if you can't find enough work right now and need to boost your income or are sick of having no money. However, I don't think it's the best long-term strategy since the earning ceiling definitely has a cap.

DoorDash has implemented contactless delivery, but it is up to individuals to stay informed and decide which side hustle is the best option for them right now.

If you're looking for alternative ways to boost your monthly income, I suggest taking a look at various ways to make money online or different micro job websites.

There's truly no right decision here or easy call. I just hope that some of the resources on this website and this article help you find the right side hustle for you.

Sign up for DoorDash or try out gigs like Uber Eats and Instacart!