How Much Can You Make as a Door Dasher?

Are you considering becoming a Door Dasher? With the rise of food delivery services, it’s no surprise that many people are turning to this gig economy job for extra income. But how much can you actually make as a Door Dasher? The answer may vary depending on several factors, but in this article, we’ll break down the potential earnings and provide tips for maximizing your income.

Location: The Key Factor in Earnings

One of the biggest factors that can affect your earnings as a Door Dasher is your location. In general, Dashers in large cities tend to earn more money than those in smaller towns. This is because there is typically more demand for food delivery in urban areas.

According to data from Glassdoor, the average hourly pay for a Door Dasher in the United States is $14 per hour. However, this can vary significantly based on location. For example, Dashers in New York City report earning an average of $17 per hour, while those in smaller cities like Indianapolis report earning around $12 per hour.

Best Cities for DoorDash Earnings

If you’re looking to maximize your earnings as a Door Dasher, consider working in one of these top cities:

1. San Francisco, CA – Average hourly pay of $19
2. Seattle, WA – Average hourly pay of $18
3. Boston, MA – Average hourly pay of $17
4. New York City, NY – Average hourly pay of $17
5. Los Angeles, CA – Average hourly pay of $16

As you can see, these cities have a higher cost of living and therefore, higher demand for food delivery services. Keep in mind that these are just averages and your actual earnings may vary based on your individual performance and other factors.

Worst Cities for DoorDash Earnings

On the other hand, these cities have been reported as having the lowest average hourly pay for Door Dashers:

1. Indianapolis, IN – Average hourly pay of $12
2. Columbus, OH – Average hourly pay of $13
3. Charlotte, NC – Average hourly pay of $13
4. Nashville, TN – Average hourly pay of $13
5. Phoenix, AZ – Average hourly pay of $13

If you live in one of these cities, don’t be discouraged. There are still ways to maximize your earnings as a Door Dasher, which we’ll discuss later in this article.

Time of Day: Peak Hours vs. Off-Peak Hours

Another factor that can greatly impact your earnings as a Door Dasher is the time of day you choose to work. Generally, peak hours (lunch and dinner) tend to be more lucrative than off-peak hours. This is because there is typically a higher demand for food delivery during these times.

During peak hours, you may receive more orders and therefore, complete more deliveries in a shorter amount of time. This can result in higher earnings per hour. On the other hand, working during off-peak hours may mean fewer orders and longer wait times between deliveries, resulting in lower earnings.

Best Times to Work for Higher Earnings

Based on data from DoorDash, the best times to work for higher earnings are:

• Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Dinner: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

These are the peak hours when people are most likely to order food for delivery. However, keep in mind that these times may vary depending on your location and the specific demand in your area.

Worst Times to Work for Lower Earnings

On the other hand, the worst times to work for lower earnings are:

• Late Night: 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• Early Morning: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM

During these times, there may be fewer orders and longer wait times between deliveries. However, if you prefer working during these hours, you can still maximize your earnings by following the tips we’ll discuss later in this article.

Number of Orders Completed: The More, The Better

It’s no surprise that the more orders you complete as a Door Dasher, the more money you can make. This is because each delivery comes with a base pay, plus additional pay for distance and time spent waiting at the restaurant. Therefore, completing more orders means more opportunities for higher earnings.

According to data from DoorDash, the average number of orders completed per hour is 2.4. However, this can vary greatly depending on your location, time of day, and individual performance. Some Dashers have reported completing up to 5 or 6 orders per hour during peak times.

Tips for Completing More Orders

If you want to increase your earnings as a Door Dasher, here are some tips for completing more orders:

1. Be strategic with your location: Try to position yourself in an area with high demand for food delivery. This could be near popular restaurants or in a busy part of town.
2. Accept all orders: While it may be tempting to decline orders with lower payouts, keep in mind that every delivery counts towards your overall earnings. Plus, accepting more orders can lead to higher ratings and better opportunities for bonuses.
3. Be efficient: Time is money when it comes to food delivery. Try to complete orders as quickly as possible without compromising safety or customer satisfaction.
4. Utilize hotspots: DoorDash offers “hotspots” where there is a high demand for deliveries. Keep an eye on these areas and try to position yourself nearby for more opportunities.
5. Work during peak hours: As mentioned earlier, peak hours tend to be more lucrative for Door Dashers. Try to schedule your shifts during these times for higher earnings potential.

Tips for Maximizing Your Earnings as a Door Dasher

In addition to the tips mentioned above, here are some additional ways you can maximize your earnings as a Door Dasher:

1. Sign up for multiple delivery services: By signing up for multiple food delivery services like UberEats or Grubhub, you can increase your chances of receiving more orders and completing more deliveries.
2. Take advantage of bonuses: DoorDash often offers bonuses for completing a certain number of deliveries within a specific time frame. Keep an eye out for these opportunities and try to take advantage of them when possible.
3. Keep track of expenses: As a gig economy worker, you may be eligible for tax deductions for expenses related to your job. Keep track of your mileage, gas, and other expenses to potentially save money on taxes.
4. Provide excellent customer service: Happy customers are more likely to tip and give high ratings, which can lead to better opportunities for bonuses and higher earnings.
5. Stay informed: DoorDash regularly updates its policies and offers new opportunities for Dashers. Stay informed by checking the app and reading emails from the company to make sure you’re taking advantage of all available opportunities.

Conclusion

So, how much can you make as a Door Dasher? The answer is that it varies based on several factors, including your location, time of day, and number of orders completed. However, by following the tips mentioned in this article, you can maximize your earnings and potentially make a decent income as a Door Dasher. Remember to always prioritize safety and customer satisfaction while working, and stay informed about any changes or updates from DoorDash. Happy dashing!