DoorDash is one of the most popular on-demand food delivery companies out there.
How it operates: the company contracts delivery drivers (also known as Dashers) to deliver prepared food from restaurants to customers who have placed orders online or through the mobile app. Like similar rideshare companies, DoorDash advertises that each Dasher becomes their own boss and can enjoy the flexibility of choosing where, when, and how much they earn.
So, how much does DoorDash pay exactly? First, we must determine how Dashers are paid.
DoorDash breaks down their pay model as Total Earnings = Base Pay + Promotions + Tips.
A Dasher’s base pay, also known as the delivery fee, can range from $2-10+ and is contingent upon three things: estimated time, distance, and desirability of the order. Deliveries that take more time or are further in distance will earn more pay. Dashers keep 100% of the delivery fee.
There are also promotions (or bonuses) that can increase your pay. Promotions include delivering during peak hours, large orders, Drive orders, and the newly implemented challengers. Dashers keep 100% of their promotions.
Tips are pretty self-explanatory. Customers have multiple opportunities to tip their Dasher, either when they check out or after their order has been received. Tips go directly to the Dasher.
On average, Dashers say they complete 2-3 deliveries per hour and $7-$10 per delivery. But as the delivery area expands and more people work from home, that number could begin to increase. Another benefit of becoming a DoorDash driver is that you receive your payment fairly quickly.
With the flexible schedule, extra cash, and work-life balance, is DoorDash the right gig for you? Some Dashers have complained that the company provides little to no benefits, leaving the driver to foot the bill on accidents, vehicle maintenance, mileage, cell phone data, and both sides of self-employment tax. However, during tax time, Dashers will be able to report those expenses.
For those wondering how DoorDash gets paid, the company charges restaurants a fee per each order.
