Driving for DoorDash can be a great side hustle or even a full-time job if you know how to maximize your earnings. While results will vary depending on your market and hours worked, it is possible to make $500 or more per week delivering food for DoorDash. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to make $500 a week on DoorDash.
How Much Do DoorDash Drivers Make?
DoorDash drivers, also known as Dashers, earn money by completing food delivery orders placed through the DoorDash app or website. Here are the main ways Dashers get paid:
- Per delivery pay – Each delivery completed earns a base pay from DoorDash. This ranges from $2-10+ per delivery depending on factors like distance, duration, and desirability.
- Customer tips – Most customers tip on top of the base pay. Tips make up the majority of Dasher earnings. The DoorDash app suggests a $2-5 tip per order.
- Peak pay bonuses – During busy times DoorDash offers extra pay per delivery, usually +$1-2.
- Challenge earnings – DoorDash runs weekly challenges rewarding Dashers who complete a certain number of deliveries.
Most full-time Dashers report average earnings of $15-25 per hour including tips and bonuses. At the high end, top Dashers can earn $30 per hour or more during peak times.
How Many Deliveries Do You Need to Make $500?
Assuming average per delivery earnings of $8 including base pay, tips, and bonuses, completing 500/week would require:
- 62 deliveries at $8 per delivery
- Or, 31 deliveries per day if working 5 days a week
However, earnings per delivery can vary widely depending on your market, deliveries completed, and dashing hours. Some key factors that impact per delivery earnings:
| Factor | Impact on Earnings per Delivery |
|---|---|
| Base pay | Varies by distance and duration of delivery. Longer deliveries result in higher base pay. |
| Tips | Average $2-5 per order. Larger orders tend to tip more. |
| Peak pay | Adds +$1-2 per delivery during busy mealtimes. |
| Supplemental earnings | Challenges and promotions can increase effective earnings per delivery. |
The best way to increase your per delivery income is to target times and locations with peak pay, complete more large orders, and provide excellent service to encourage larger tips.
Tips to Earn $500 Per Week
Making $500 per week consistently on DoorDash requires optimization across these key factors:
1. Work At Least 30 Hours Per Week
Making $500 per week means maintaining average earnings of at least $16 per hour including tips. Most full-time Dashers work 30-40 hours per week, especially when getting started.
Aim to work full days on weekends and weekday dinner peaks. Having a consistent schedule and dedicating enough hours is key.
2. Target Peak Times in Your Area
Work lunch and dinner peaks, especially Friday through Sunday when order volume is highest. Late nights can also be profitable in some markets.
Check the DoorDash heat map regularly to see when hot spots light up. Set a schedule around the busiest zones and times.
3. Take Advantage of Peak Pay
Keep an eye out for Peak Pay bonuses of +$1-2 per delivery offered during busy mealtimes. Going online when Peak Pay is active maximizes your per delivery earnings.
4. Maintain High Ratings
Having customer rating above 4.7 out of 5 stars helps you qualify for more delivery opportunities. Provide excellent service and communicate with customers.
5. Minimize Downtime
Minimize time between deliveries by staying in high demand areas. Being selective with which orders to accept can also reduce unpaid miles driven.
6. Track Mileage & Expenses
Use an app like Stride Drive to track mileage for tax deductions. Writing off eligible vehicle expenses like gas and maintenance can save you money.
7. Multi-App with UberEATS and GrubHub
Run multiple food delivery apps at once to receive more order requests. Pause one when on a delivery for another.
8. Complete Weekly Challenges
Keep an eye on the promotions tab for weekly challenges that offer bonus pay for completing a certain number of orders.
Optimizing DoorDash Full-Time
For Dashers looking to make $500+ per week consistently, optimizing your strategy and tracking stats are key. Here are some top tips for DoorDashing full-time:
- Track your hours online, deliveries, earnings, miles, and expenses to calculate your true hourly wage.
- Aim for 20-30 deliveries during peak hours like 12pm-2pm and 5pm-9pm.
- Experiment with different zones and times to find the most profitable schedule for your market.
- Consider using an electric bike or scooter to save on gas and parking if in a dense urban area.
- Deduct eligible tax write-offs like mileage, supplies, phone bills, and other expenses.
Is DoorDash Worth It?
Driving for DoorDash certainly has its perks. As an independent contractor, you get to be your own boss, work flexible hours, drive when you want, and earn money the same day you work.
However, there are also costs like gas, vehicle wear and tear, and taxes to factor in. Overall earnings per hour can dip after deducting expenses, so tracking your net income accurately is key.
Dashing is best suited for those looking for a flexible side gig rather than a high paying full time job. With the right strategy, it can be profitable, but requires dedication and optimization. Tracking earnings, costs, and taxes is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do DoorDash drivers make per hour?
DoorDash drivers typically make $15-25 per hour including base pay, tips, and bonuses. Top earners average $25 per hour or more during peak times.
How much do you make per delivery with DoorDash?
Dashers earn an average of $8 per delivery including base pay, tips, and peak pay bonuses. However, per delivery income can range from $5 to $15+ depending on factors like distance and tip amount.
How many deliveries do you need to make $500 on DoorDash?
Completing around 62 deliveries can result in $500 weekly earnings if averaging $8 per delivery. Those with higher per delivery averages can hit the weekly goal with fewer orders.
What are some tips for making the most money with DoorDash?
Key tips include working peak hours, taking advantage of peak pay, maintaining high ratings, minimizing downtime, tracking miles, multi-apping, and completing bonus challenges.
Is DoorDash a good full-time job?
DoorDash can be a good full-time job for those who enjoy driving and want a flexible schedule. However, it requires dedication and optimization to earn $500+ per week after accounting for costs.
Conclusion
Making $500 per week consistently with DoorDash is achievable if you have the right strategy. By working peak hours, maximizing earnings per delivery, tracking expenses, and running multiple apps, it’s possible to clear $500 weekly as a Dasher. However, it requires discipline, efficiency, and dedication. For those looking for flexible full-time work, DoorDash can be a profitable option.