I Delivered Food for DoorDash. Here’s How Much I Earned in 2 Weeks

Tips are very important, as is the type of car you drive.

Car? Credit card. telephone? Credit card. I’m hunched over my phone, setting up a DoorDash delivery account for Tuesday afternoon. I read about extremes like food delivery. Shipping seems to be a flexible and no-commitment way to earn extra money.

To my surprise, it took me less than an hour to set up a working account using the Dasher app. After quietly examining the interface, I pushed the red “Dash Now” button and waited. Less than thirty seconds later, my phone rang with a customer order.

I don’t prepare.

As I ran to my car, searching for my keys, I couldn’t help but wonder. How much do I get paid, anyway? How does gas rebate work, and what benefits does DoorDash offer?

Two weeks later I can answer these questions, and more. Here’s how much I earned after trying food delivery for DoorDash.

How much does DoorDash charge?

In two weeks of testing I made $475 (rounded down). I spent 14 hours on delivery and another six hours waiting, out of 20 hours of DoorDash work.

Your earnings include base pay and tips. Taxes are not included. Note that you are responsible for calculating your own taxes, and DoorDash only sends you a 1099-NEC tax form when you earn more than $600 in a year.

Including the hours I spent driving my car, I made $23.75 an hour. A little more, when I factor in gas prices (which are low, since I drive a Toyota Corolla hybrid). That’s 33% more than California’s $15 minimum wage.

A good gig, especially for extremes. However, there are caveats. On the other hand, the average American tip is better at specialty restaurants. Don’t expect a consistent 15%-20% on orders.

For another, new Dashers get priority for two to four weeks after signing up, giving them the freedom to travel whenever they want. Others must arrange ahead of time. Depending on the location, it may be difficult to deliver during off hours.

How does gas rebate work?

You cover your own fuel costs. However, some states (such as California) require DoorDash to pay contractors at least $0.35/mile and a minimum hourly wage. If your base salary does not meet this minimum, DoorDash will return the money to your account.

Base salary does not include tips. Dashers keep 100% of all tips.

What benefits does DoorDash offer to entrepreneurs?

About a week after creating a Dasher account, you will receive a hot pack and a red card. A heated bag helps you keep food dry, which is a nice feature that can increase your overall Dasher score.

The Red Card is like a prepaid debit card. You can use it to pay for items at checkout. I’ve never had to use it, but it’s supposed to qualify you for larger orders — things like bulk orders, which pay more.

Some states, such as California, require DoorDash to offer Dashers health insurance coverage. To qualify, you need to run a lot. Don’t expect to get paid unless you commit to delivering at least 15 hours a week.

Is delivery for DoorDash worth it?

Yes. Food delivery is more fun and useful than I thought. I put my paychecks into my emergency fund and brokerage account, which keeps me motivated. As a full-time contractor, I love being able to work 100% of my time.

However, delivering for DoorDash may not be worth your time if any of the following are true:

• Your car is leaking gas like there’s no tomorrow.
• You’ll love the benefits offered to full-time employees, like covered health insurance.
• You don’t want to meet the customer face-to-face, even briefly.

You will drive a lot, have limited insurance coverage, and about 1 in 5 customers want Dashers to give them a custom order. That, yes, means connecting with people you’ve never met. If this is a deal breaker, consider other aspects, such as clothing stores.

The best part about food delivery is that people are really happy to see you. If you want to earn extra money and serve a larger community, try DoorDash. Getting started is quick and free.