DoorDash drivers, known as Dashers, typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, including base pay, tips, and promotions. The base pay for each delivery varies from about $2 to $10 or more, depending on factors like estimated time, distance, and desirability of the delivery
. Most customers also tip, and Dashers receive 100% of these tips, which can significantly boost earnings, often adding $5 to $10 per delivery
. Additional earnings come from promotions such as Peak Pay (extra pay during busy times), Challenges (bonuses for completing a set number of deliveries), and Delivery Streaks (bonuses for consecutive deliveries)
. The average hourly income can vary widely based on location, time of day, and how efficiently a Dasher works. For example, average hourly pay is around $19.91 in California but can be as low as $13.30 in Alabama
. On average, Dashers earn about $12.23 per hour when including inactive time like waiting for orders, but active driving during peak hours and busy zones can increase this rate to between $20 and $25 per hour, with top earners making over $30 per hour in busy markets
. Weekly earnings vary depending on hours worked and scheduling but average around $240 per week across all types of schedules
. However, Dashers must cover their own expenses such as gas, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and phone data, which affect net earnings
. In summary:
- Base pay per delivery: $2 to $10+
- Tips per delivery: typically $5 to $10 (100% goes to Dashers)
- Average hourly earnings: $15 to $25 (can exceed $30 in busy markets)
- Weekly earnings: average around $240 (varies by hours worked)
- Expenses: gas, maintenance, insurance, phone/data reduce net income
Earnings depend heavily on location, time of day, delivery volume, and how strategically Dashers work
