The Upsides of Driving for DoorDash

Post author:Hyder A.
Post published:June 28, 2023
Reading time:4 mins read

DoorDash is a popular on-demand food delivery service that can connect you with local restaurants. The company was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. DoorDash operates in thousands of cities across the United States, Canada, and Australia.

You can use the DoorDash app or website to browse local restaurants, order food, and have it delivered to their doorstep by a DoorDash driver, also known as a “Dasher.” As someone who had been a dasher for over 5 years, I created a spreadsheet to help me track my income, quarterly taxes, fuel costs, and more. Download my Dasher Tracker spreadsheet here.

There are several upsides to driving for DoorDash, including:

Flexibility: Dashers, or DoorDash drivers, can choose when and where they want to work, making it an ideal side job or way to earn extra income on a flexible schedule. As a full time engineer and part-time blogger, I only Dash when I have some free time.
Earning potential: DoorDash pays its drivers a base pay plus any tips they receive, which can add up to a decent hourly wage.
Instant pay: Dashers can use DoorDash’s Fast Pay feature to get paid instantly after completing a delivery. Speaking of pay, I typically make $25 per hour on weekends and can get up to $30 per hour during peak times. If you pick a weekday morning, early afternoon, or a very late night, you can expect $12-16 per hour. The pay of course depends on your location. Those working in the city will have more opportunities than those in the suburbs, but working in the suburbs is more relaxing and less stressful.
Easy to get started: DoorDash has a relatively simple onboarding process, and drivers can get started quickly. Keep in mind that oversaturated markets may put you on a waiting list.
Minimal requirements: Dashers only need a car, a valid driver’s license, and insurance to get started, making it accessible for many people. They will also send you a debit card and a hot bag that you will need to carry around at all times just incase a vendor requires them.
Additional perks: DoorDash offers its drivers discounts on gas, car maintenance, and phone plans. You can even deduct taxes on part of your cell service bill and the cost of your cell phone itself since you use it for business purposes.
Support: DoorDash provides its drivers with customer support and resources to help them succeed. From my experience, they have been quick to respond and very helpful.

Overall, driving for DoorDash can be a flexible and lucrative way to earn extra income, with minimal requirements and additional perks for its drivers. You can also try Grubhub, Postmates, or Uber Eats. My Dasher Tracker spreadsheet works for just about all gig delivery driver services.

Hyder is the engineer and blogger behind Finance Throttle, a blog that helps you accelerate your net worth through personal finance. With a Master’s degree and 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, Hyder is well versed in the topics of engineering economics and financial studies helping him to invest in equipment and reduce manufacturing costs. Hyder is passionate about cars and earning money as he bought a Porsche at 21, became a landlord at 24, and paid off $40,000 in student loans at 25. Along with his wife, they are currently on track in paying off their $282,000 mortgage by 2026 (Only 7 years!)