The rising cost of living has many people seeking out supplemental income. One attractive option is working as a delivery driver, offering the flexibility of being your own boss and setting your own hours. DoorDash, a popular delivery service with operations across North America, Canada, and even reaching as far as Australia and Japan, is a common choice for those looking to add some extra cash to their pockets.
Breaking Down a DoorDash Driver’s Pay
So, how much can you expect to make driving for DoorDash? There are three main factors that contribute to a driver’s earnings: base pay, promotions, and tips.
- Base pay is DoorDash’s starting contribution for each delivery, with factors like time, distance, and overall desirability of the order influencing the amount.
- Promotions can provide additional income during peak hours or when the company runs special challenges for drivers.
- Perhaps the most appealing aspect for many drivers is that they get to keep 100% of their tips.
A Day in the Life of a DoorDash Driver
A recent TikTok video by DoorDash driver Tiana (@tiana.com) offers a glimpse into the realities of working for the delivery service.
Tiana starts her video by letting her followers know she’s clocking in for a one-hour shift at 6:30 pm. Her first order comes in at $8.75, but a minor setback occurs when she initially ends up at the wrong restaurant. She recovers quickly, though, and soon has the food in hand, commenting on the delicious aroma.
Delivery Delights and Disappointments
After completing the delivery, Tiana reveals a $7 tip from her “rich people” customers. She then picks up her next order, a $9.25 delivery from a fancy-sounding place called Koi. Tiana playfully remarks that such a light order is likely just a single sushi roll, something “rich people” might order.
However, the unpredictability of the job soon rears its head. Tiana realizes she’s getting low on gas and her hour is coming to an end. While she initially claims to have made $21 for the hour, after factoring in gas costs, she admits to actually losing $4.
Sharing the Driver’s Experience
The video sparked a conversation in the comments section, with other DoorDash drivers sharing their own experiences. One viewer chimed in that it can take them a full day to reach $100, highlighting the variability in earnings. Another driver echoed the sentiment, stating that an hour of driving for DoorDash often just covers gas expenses, and longer shifts are necessary to turn a profit.
A valuable tip emerged from the comments as well. One viewer suggested that drivers can receive compensation of around $3 if a restaurant is closed or an order is unavailable, making it worthwhile to contact DoorDash in such situations. Another driver advised that the first hour of a shift can often be eaten up by gas costs, recommending longer shifts of at least three hours to see a real return.
The Takeaway: Flexibility with Variable Earnings
While working as a DoorDash driver offers the freedom of setting your own schedule, the income can be inconsistent. Understanding the breakdown of pay, including base pay, promotions, and tips, along with factoring in gas expenses, is crucial for those considering this side hustle. As Tiana’s video demonstrates, there can be both delightful moments with good tips and frustrating experiences, making it a job that requires patience and planning to maximize earnings.