Is DoorDash Worth It In 2023? Does DoorDash Pay Better?

DoorDash is a food delivery service that provides drivers with flexible hours and the opportunity to earn money when they want.

But is DoorDash worth it for you? Does DoorDash better pay its drivers than other delivery services?

People have back-and-forth feedback on whether they successfully earn extra income as Dashers, so it’s hard to know how to feel about joining, too.

In this blog post, I’ll explore why DoorDash could be your ideal side hustle and compare its pay rates to other delivery services.

I’ll also discuss what your pay comes down to, as well as tips on maximizing your DoorDash earnings and finding success with deliveries through the app.

Key Takeaways

Overall, yes, DoorDash is worth the time if you want a side hustle to earn extra money.
DoorDash offers flexible schedules, allowing drivers to work and earn money conveniently.
According to ZipRecruiter, average DoorDash pay is $19 per hour- but you don’t get hourly pay, but paid per order.
Your Pay = Base Pay + Promos + Tips
Dasher pay varies based on several factors, including delivery distance, order size, and peak delivery times.
DoorDash provides multiple payout options, like direct deposit and Fast Pay
The success of a Dasher heavily relies on strategic planning, like working during peak hours and in busy areas.
DoorDash drivers are independent contractors- so there’s no health insurance or paid time off here

Is DoorDash Worth It?

Overall, is DoorDash worth it?

Yes, DoorDash can certainly be worth it as a side hustle.

DoorDash’s flexibility is a significant advantage, especially for those balancing other jobs and commitments.

You have the freedom to work when you want, allowing you to earn an income on your own terms and timetable.

Your earning potential is in your hands. The more deliveries you make, the more you earn.

Plus, with the addition of tips and promotional incentives, your income can significantly increase.

Also, DoorDash has been reported to have competitive pay rates compared to other delivery services, which makes it a worthwhile consideration.

Being paid $19 an hour is better than some fast food jobs and is certainly above minimum wage in most states.

However, it’s important to note that success with DoorDash largely depends on your strategy.

Maximizing your earnings requires understanding the peak hours and busiest locations for deliveries.

With the right approach, DoorDash can indeed be a profitable side hustle if you’re interested in becoming a food delivery driver.

DoorDash Driver Details

Now that I’ve said I think becoming a DoorDash delivery driver is worth it for a good side hustle let’s talk about some key information on becoming a Dasher.

Here’s what you need to be a driver, how DoorDash pays, and your hours as a delivery driver:

Driver Requirments

To become a DoorDash driver or a ‘Dasher,’ you must meet some basic requirements.

You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license to start as a Dasher.

It’s worth noting that you aren’t restricted to driving a car – you can also use a scooter or bicycle, depending on your location.

Next, you must have a clean driving record and pass a background check, which includes any criminal history.

Importantly, you also need auto insurance if you plan on using a motorized vehicle for deliveries.

You’ll also need a smartphone to run the DoorDash app, which is available for both iOS and Android. The DoorDash app is how you’ll receive and manage your delivery orders.

If you can check off all these requirements, you’re set to apply as a Dasher.

You may be on the DoorDash waitlist for a little while if there are a lot of Dashers in the area, but you’ll know within a few days.

DoorDash Pay Model

As a DoorDash driver, you can potentially earn a steady income and good hourly pay with enough deliveries.

Rather than a flat hourly pay, the DoorDash pay model consists of three components:

Base Pay: This is determined by the order’s duration, distance, and desirability.
Promotions: You could earn additional money through peak pay bonuses and challenges.
Tips: Customers might tip you based on your service, increasing your earnings.

Given the varying factors, your earnings will depend on the specific circumstances of each delivery.

Payment Options & Payday Info

DoorDash offers multiple payment options, ensuring you receive your earnings in a way that best suits your preferences and needs.

Here are the three ways DoorDash drivers get paid:

Dasher Direct

DasherDirect is an exclusive Visa debit card tailored for Dashers where their pay is deposited for quick access. The card offers:

No monthly or activation fees
Pay-as-you-go: Your earnings are automatically deposited daily
Cashback rewards: Earn 2% cash back on gas and 1% cash back on other purchases

DoorDash FastPay

If you prefer to be paid more frequently, FastPay might be the option for you to get paid daily.

With a $1.99 flat fee, you can access your earnings after completing your deliveries each day rather than waiting for the standard weekly payments.

You’ll also need a debit card associated with your account to transfer the money daily.

Direct Deposit

Dashers has the more traditional payment method is the weekly via direct deposit of your earnings to your bank account.

This occurs every Monday, and you’ll receive the payment within 2-3 business days, depending on your bank.

Driver Hours

As a DoorDash driver, you create your own schedule, allowing you to work as many hours as you want.

You aren’t required to work a certain amount of hours or have a maximum for how many hours you can work per day or week.

Depending on your availability and desired income, you could work part-time or turn it into a full-time job.

You’ll log on to select your desired work times, which are available to see and pick after midnight after day.

Remember that working during peak hours and in busier areas will generally yield higher earnings.

Delivery Time

The delivery time is a crucial factor to consider as a DoorDash driver. It can affect customer satisfaction, your overall earnings, and your rating on the platform. Here are some points to think about:

Traffic conditions: Being aware of traffic in your area and looking for less congested routes can help make deliveries faster and save you time.

Navigational Efficiency: Use a trustworthy navigation app to determine the fastest path to your destination and ensure you’re constantly updated on traffic changes.

Restaurant wait: Always communicate with the restaurant staff while waiting for an order to be prepared, but remember to be polite and respectful.

Understanding and working around delivery time factors can help enhance your efficiency and reputation as a reliable DoorDash driver, ultimately resulting in better earnings and experiences.

Pros & Cons Of DoorDash Driving

Pros

Flexible schedule: pick your own hours and work when you want
Decent earning potential: average $19/hour
Extra cash: DoorDash occasionally offers promotions and bonuses, giving you a chance to earn more
Weekly or Instant pay: consistent paycheck, though you have the option to get paid the same day
Minimal requirements: be 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license if you use a car
Other transportation methods: use a scooter, walk, or bike for deliveries (based on area)

Cons

Vehicle costs: Regular driving can lead to increased maintenance costs plus paying more in gas
Unpredictable income: earnings can vary depending on delivery time, location, and customer tips
No benefits: As an independent contractor, you don’t get health insurance or paid time off
Potential safety concerns: Delivering late at night or in unfamiliar areas can pose safety risks
Customer ratings: Issues beyond your control (like late food preparation) can impact your ratings

Tips For Dashing

Pick Peak Hours

When you’re dashing, choosing peak hours is essential to maximize your earnings. But what are the best times to DoorDash?

Breakfast can be a good time to make deliveries, but other meal times are a bit busier with bigger orders.

Typically, lunch (11 AM – 2 PM) and dinner (5 PM – 9 PM) are the busiest times when people order the most.

Working during these times will increase your chances of getting more orders and higher pay.

So, adjust your schedule to take advantage of these prime dashing hours.

Be Selective On Accepting Orders

Not all orders are worth your time. Being selective about which orders you accept can improve your overall earnings.

Consider factors like order size, distance to the delivery location, and current traffic conditions before accepting an order.

Smaller orders with longer distances may not be as profitable as large orders with shorter distances, so weigh your options carefully.

Check For DoorDash Bonuses

DoorDash often offers bonuses and promotions for drivers to earn more money to work busier times or work more often.

These can include peak pay or order bonuses that appear sporadically.

Peak pay and bonuses add extra money to orders during busy times, typically during the lunch or dinner rush.

Keep an eye out for these promotions in the app and take advantage of them whenever possible to boost your earnings.

Learn Your Area & Shortcuts

Being familiar with your area can significantly enhance your efficiency as a DoorDash driver.

Learning your town’s main roads, shortcuts, and traffic patterns can enable quicker delivery times, leading to satisfied customers and potentially better tips.

Knowing the fastest routes to popular restaurants and residential areas will help you avoid delays, ensuring the food is delivered hot and fresh.

This improves the customer’s experience and increases the likelihood of receiving a positive rating and generous tip.

Don’t Skip Rainy Day Deliveries

While working during rainy weather might not seem appealing, delivering on rainy days can be a huge advantage for Dashers.

Many customers prefer to stay home and order delivery when it’s raining out, which means the potential for more orders and higher tips.

Plus, not all DoorDash drivers want to dash during rainy days, leading to less competition and potentially increased demand.

So, if you’re comfortable driving in the rain, you might find it’s an excellent opportunity to make more money.

But be safe and only drive when you’re comfortable, and don’t put yourself at risk driving during horrible storms!

FAQS

Is a side job with DoorDash profitable?

Yes, working with DoorDash as a side job can be profitable.

How much you earn depends on factors like your location, hours worked, and order volume.

While Dashing as a side hustle may not replace a full-time income, it can provide supplemental income for those looking to make some extra money.

How much does DoorDash pay?

The main question on everyone’s mind- how much does DoorDash pay?

DoorDash drivers don’t get hourly pay- instead, they get paid a base rate per hour, plus bonuses, promos, and tips for additional pay.

However, DoorDash base pay varies depending on order value, distance, and delivery duration.

Dashers typically make $2 – $10 as base pay per delivery- then add customer tips, which are 100% yours.

Sites like ZipRecruiter show that DoorDash delivery drivers make an average of $19 an hour.

Does DoorDash pay for gas?

DoorDash doesn’t pay for gas, which has encouraged many Dashers to deliver via bike or scooter instead.

DoorDash pay considers distance and time as part of the base pay, which hopefully means DoorDash drivers won’t be spending more on gas than they earn.

However, you can track your gas expenses, as these are tax-deductible, and you can get money taken off your taxes to help offset that cost.

Planning an efficient route between deliveries helps minimize fuel costs, ensuring your earnings are maximized.

Is it worth driving with DoorDash?

I think delivery driving with DoorDash is worth it because you can earn good money while setting your own hours.

It’s overall a profitable side hustle, but I know that you’ll want to consider your own situation too.

The worth of driving with DoorDash depends on your financial goals and personal preferences.

Consider factors like your location, the hours you can work, and the expenses you will incur, such as gas costs and vehicle maintenance.

If your town is small and doesn’t have many restaurants, then a food delivery driver isn’t the most profitable side hustle for you.

However, in busy cities with fast food on every corner, there are more opportunities to snag gigs all day long!

Some people find it a convenient way to earn extra money in their free time, so it may be worth trying out.

Other Food Delivery Companies

While DoorDash continues to be a popular choice for people interested in a food delivery side hustle, it’s important to note that it’s not the only player on the field.

There are several other food delivery services that you might consider for your new gig.

Let’s explore some of these alternatives, their unique features, and how they compare with DoorDash.

Postmates

Postmates, like DoorDash, is a popular choice for individuals looking to supplement their income through food delivery.

As a Postmates driver, you have the flexibility to choose your working hours. This liberty allows you to fit your work schedule around other commitments.

Postmates pays its drivers per delivery, with a base rate per pickup and dropoff, a per-minute wait rate for time spent at the pickup location, and a per-mile rate for the full delivery distance.

Earnings here vary significantly based on location, time, and order volume.

However, on average, Postmates drivers also tend to make $19 per hour, similar to Dasher’s earnings.

See more about how they compare in my Postmates Vs. DoorDash article!

Grubhub

Grubhub offers another viable opportunity for those seeking a side hustle in food delivery.

This platform is one of the pioneers in the online food delivery industry and has a substantial market presence across many cities.

Just like DoorDash, your earnings are a combination of a base pay per order, customer tips, and any bonuses the platform offers.

The amount you can make varies greatly depending on your location, the time of day, order volume, and the tips you receive.

On average, Grubhub drivers make $17 per hour, slightly less than DoorDash and Postmates drivers.

The payment process for Grubhub drivers is quite straightforward, with weekly payouts or instant pay.

See how they differ more in this DoorDash Vs. Grubhub comparison article!

Uber Eats

Uber Eats is another popular platform for those seeking to make money through food delivery.

It provides a flexible work schedule, appealing to those who wish to earn extra income on their own terms.

Uber Eats drivers are compensated through a combination of a pick-up fee, a drop-off fee, and a mileage fee for the delivery distance, plus tips.

Many Uber Eats drivers earn an average of $19 per hour, although this can vary greatly depending on the factors mentioned above.

However, it’s critical to account for operating costs like fuel and vehicle maintenance when calculating your net income, as Uber Eats does not directly cover these expenses.

See how Uber Eats compares in my Uber Eats Vs. DoorDash article. 

Final Thoughts

After researching DoorDash and seeing how Dashers can make money, I am certain anyone can find value in becoming a Dasher.

Like any job, delivering food comes with challenges, but being a Dasher can be incredibly rewarding too.

Being your own boss brings flexibility, and the pay is competitive when you include tips in the equation.

Plus, there’s nothing more satisfying than providing people with hot meals during difficult times!

DoorDash is a great way to make some extra income, and I think many people can succeed with the right tips and strategy.

So if you’re looking for an exciting new job or just want to make a decent salary while continuing your other activities, join DoorDash and deliver food!