DoorDash is the most popular food delivery gig in the US. But after DoorDash's cut, gas, car wear, and taxes — is it actually worth your time?
DoorDash pays drivers a "Base Pay" per delivery (typically $2–$10) plus 100% of tips. DoorDash takes about 25% of the customer order total as their commission. So a $30 order generates roughly $7.50–$22.50 in Base Pay before tips.
The key to maximizing DoorDash: accept high-paying orders, decline low ones. Most drivers aim for $2 per mile or more per delivery.
Part-time driver in Los Angeles, 20 active hours/week:
| Deliveries per week | 60 |
| Avg pay per delivery (base + tip) | $11.50 |
| Gross weekly earnings | $690 |
| DoorDash fees (est. 8%) | -$55 |
| Gas (est. 300 miles/week) | -$42 |
| Car wear (67¢/mi) | -$201 |
| Phone + extras | -$50 |
| Self-employment tax (~15%) | -$51 |
| True weekly take-home | $291 |
DoorDash typically pays less per mile than Uber or Lyft because tips are variable and the per-delivery model can include a lot of waiting. However, DoorDash lets you work lunch AND dinner rushes more easily, and peak bonuses add up.
• You're in a high-volume metro area
• You work dinner rush (5pm–9pm daily)
• You cherry-pick only $2+/mile orders
• You have a fuel-efficient car
• Tips are good in your area
• Low tip area (some markets pay $3-5 per delivery)
• You're driving an SUV or truck (bad MPG)
• You can't commit to dinner rush hours
• You need guaranteed hourly earnings
1. Only accept orders over $2/mile. Use the mileage to the restaurant PLUS mileage to the customer. Anything less is losing money on wear.
2. Stack orders carefully. Accepting two orders from the same restaurant can double your payout for minimal extra time.
3. Track every mile. Use the IRS mileage rate (67¢/mile in 2026) as your deduction. A 20-hour/week Dasher driving 350 miles/week can deduct $12,365 per year.
4. Work every dinner rush. Peak pay (1.25x–2x) adds up fast. Skipping Tuesday lunch to watch Netflix costs you real money.
Enter your actual numbers — deliveries, miles, tips — to see exactly what DoorDash pays you.
DoorDash Pay Calculator →