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With the rapid rise of the gig economy, more and more people are turning to flexible side jobs to earn extra money. Thanks to platforms like DoorDash, anyone can work on their own schedule instead of being tied to a traditional 9-to-5 routine.
If you decide to drive for DoorDash, you become your own boss. You choose how long you work, when you work, and how often you want to deliver. Even if you already have a full-time job and just want weekend income, DoorDash lets you work a few hours whenever it fits your life.
But the real question is: Is DoorDash actually worth it?
How much can you realistically earn delivering food?
As someone who researches and writes about side hustles and online income, I’ve put together this in-depth DoorDash review to help you understand pay rates, pros and cons, user experiences, and whether it’s a good side job for you.
What Is a Dasher?
DoorDash’s delivery drivers are called Dashers. They come from all kinds of backgrounds—students, part-timers, parents, retirees—because the platform offers complete flexibility.
One reason DoorDash is popular is that some cities allow deliveries on a bike, not just a car. And unlike some competitors, you only need to be 18 years old to start delivering.
Is DoorDash Worth It?
DoorDash is worth considering if you’re looking for a flexible side hustle where you can work anytime without long-term commitments.
However, you must factor in expenses such as:
.Gas
.Vehicle maintenance
.Wear and tear
DoorDash works best as a part-time opportunity, not a reliable full-time income.
In busy areas, pay can be quite competitive. But in smaller or slower cities, earnings may be lower. This is why many Dashers combine DoorDash with other gig apps like Uber Eats, Instacart, or Amazon Flex to maximize their income.
How Much Can You Make on DoorDash?
Earnings depend on your market, time of day, customer tips, and promotions.
DoorDash uses a simple pay formula:
Base Pay + Promotions + Tips = Total Earnings
Base Pay
DoorDash pays between $2 and $10+ per order, depending on:
.Delivery distance
.Estimated time
.Order desirability
Base pay does not change based on tips, and Dashers keep 100% of all tips.
Promotions
DoorDash offers three types of bonuses:
(1).Peak Pay — Extra pay during busy times like dinner rush or weekends.
(2).Challenges — Earn extra money for completing a certain number of deliveries (e.g., 15 deliveries = $20 bonus).
(3).DoorDash Drive — Higher-paying large catering orders requiring special handling.
In my one-week test, I earned $14–$18 per hour on average. Actual earnings vary based on city, season, customer tips, and delivery timing.
Drivers with experience say the biggest factors in earnings are:
.Delivering during peak hours
.Providing great customer service to increase tips
Some U.S. and Canadian cities are also testing a “Earn by Time” model, where drivers get a guaranteed hourly rate while on delivery time.
What Other Drivers Say
Reviews from real Dashers show how earnings depend heavily on your location:
.StodgyUserName: “Good for part-time, especially for students. No penalty for inactivity, so sign up and use it whenever.”
.Justsorcha: “It depends on your market. Base pay dropped recently, so earnings vary.”
.Gloomy_Recording_705: “Great as a side gig, but not enough for full-time by itself—you need multiple apps.”
.suki0812: “Sign up for all gig apps. You’ll quickly see which pays best in your area.”
Most drivers agree: run multiple apps and deliver during lunch, dinner, and weekends for best results.
Is DoorDash Still Worth It After Taxes?
If you drive a fuel-efficient vehicle and deliver in a high-demand market, DoorDash remains profitable—even after taxes.
As an independent contractor, you may also deduct:
.Mileage
.Phone costs
.Hot bags and gear
Using an app like Everlance helps track mileage and income automatically.
How DoorDash Works
- Start Dashing
You can:
.Tap “Dash Now” if your city has open spots
.Or schedule shifts in advance to guarantee working time
Scheduling is recommended because “Dash Now” isn’t always available.
- Accept Orders
When an order appears:
.You have 45 seconds to accept
.Navigate to the restaurant
.Pick up the order and confirm pickup in the app
Some orders require using the Red Card, a prepaid card from DoorDash.
- Deliver the Order
After delivering, mark the order as complete to receive new ones.
Important Dasher tips:
.Double-check orders before leaving restaurants
.Follow customer instructions (gate codes, leave-at-door notes, etc.)
.Keep hot and cold food separated
.Verify IDs for alcohol deliveries
.If a customer is unavailable, follow DoorDash’s protocol and log everything in the app
Requirements to Become a Dasher
You must:
.Be 18+
.Have a car, scooter, or bicycle
.Have a valid driver’s license and insurance
.Pass a background check
How to Sign Up
Signing up takes only a few minutes:
(1).Visit DoorDash and submit basic personal information
(2).Complete your background check
(3)Receive your activation kit
.Red Card
.Insulated hot bag
.Welcome guide
(4).Set up direct deposit
Then you’re ready to deliver.
When Does DoorDash Pay?
.Regular payouts: Weekly via direct deposit
.Faster option: Fast Pay
.Available after 25 deliveries + 2 weeks of work
.Costs $1.99 per withdrawal
.Lets you cash out instantly
Is DoorDash a Good Job?
DoorDash is great if you want flexibility and quick payouts. You keep 100% of tips, and the requirements are minimal.
However, it may not be ideal for full-time income, especially in expensive cities.
Hourly Pay in 2024
Typical hourly earnings range from $14–$18, depending on:
.Your city
.Tips
.Number of orders
.Promotions
.Time of day
Is DoorDash a Good Side Hustle?
Yes—DoorDash is a solid side hustle because:
.You can work anytime
.You can combine it with other apps
.It pays more than minimum wage in most markets
Delivering during peak times is key to maximizing your income.
What Is DoorDash’s “Earn by Time” Mode?
This is a new payment option offering:
.A guaranteed hourly rate (while on active delivery time)
.100% of customer tips
.Access to promotions
It creates more stability for drivers and reduces slow-hour losses.
Final Thoughts
Food delivery continues to grow as a major industry, with companies like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, and Instacart competing for customers.
So is DoorDash worth it?
If you need flexible income, want to work on your own schedule, and enjoy driving or biking, then yes—DoorDash is a useful and accessible way to earn money.
For long-term financial goals, however, it’s best to pair it with other side hustles or explore additional income streams.
DoorDash is an excellent starting point, but not a complete financial strategy.