DoorDash is one of the most popular food delivery services, allowing customers to order food from local restaurants and have it delivered directly to their door. One important factor for DoorDash drivers is how much base pay they can earn per delivery. Base pay is the minimum amount DoorDash will pay drivers for each delivery. This base rate varies based on factors like distance, desirability, duration and more. Drivers also earn tips on top of the base pay. So what is the highest base pay DoorDash offers? Let’s take a closer look at how DoorDash base pay is calculated and the highest rates drivers can earn.
How is DoorDash base pay calculated?
DoorDash uses a somewhat complex formula to determine the base pay for each delivery offer. Some key factors that influence base pay include:
- Mileage – The further the distance between the pickup and dropoff locations, the higher the base pay.
- Desirability – Deliveries that are less popular or require more effort earn higher base rates.
- Duration – Longer deliveries and ones that require more time take more work, so they offer higher base pay.
- Promotions – DoorDash sometimes offers peak pay promotions that add extra base pay during busy times.
- Tips – If a customer tips less, DoorDash will sometimes increase base pay to make the offer worthwhile.
The exact algorithm DoorDash uses is proprietary and not publicly known. But in general, the factors above are weighted to determine the minimum worthwhile payout for each delivery. The base pay shown for a delivery offer is the minimum, but DoorDash may sometimes pay more after the fact.
What is the default base pay?
If a delivery doesn’t trigger any of the desirability, mileage or duration factors above, the default base pay from DoorDash is generally between $2-3. This base rate usually applies to short, nearby deliveries without any special circumstances.
According to DoorDash, nearly 40% of offers have a base pay of $3 or less before tip. The average nationwide base pay per trip is said to be around $2.50. However, base pay can go much higher.
What are the highest base pay rates?
While every delivery is unique, here are some of the highest DoorDash base pay rates drivers can earn:
- Long distance – Deliveries over 10 miles can trigger base rates of $8 or more.
- Undesirable orders – Deliveries far away from a hotspot during slow times can earn $5-7 base pay.
- Extra large orders – Larger catering-type orders with dozens of items may pay over $10 base.
- Dash Along orders – Add-on orders to existing trips often have base pay of $2-4.
- Peak pay promotions – During busy times, DoorDash sometimes offers +$2-5 per delivery.
Based on reports from top DoorDash drivers, some of the highest base rates they’ve seen include:
- $23 for a long distance order going nearly 20 miles.
- $17 for a large catering order from a remote restaurant.
- $15 for delivering outside the delivery zone during peak pay.
- $10 for a 10+ mile delivery with +$5 peak pay bonus.
- $8+ for undesirable Walmart grocery orders.
How much does base pay vary?
While possible high base pay offers over $15 exist, they are rare exceptions. Here is a breakdown of the typical range of DoorDash base pay rates:
| Base Pay Range | Type of Deliveries |
| $2 – $4 | Short distance, nearby, desirable |
| $4 – $6 | Moderate distance, less desirable |
| $6 – $10 | Long distance, remote, peak pay |
| $10+ | Extra large orders, extremes |
As shown, the majority fall in the $2 – $6 range, with most being around the default $2-3 base pay. But drivers occasionally see higher pay for going above and beyond.
How to earn the highest base pay
For DoorDash drivers looking to maximize their base pay per delivery, here are some tips:
- Drive during peak pay promotions for an instant +$2 or more per order.
- Accept long-distance deliveries that others avoid to earn higher rates.
- Pick up shifts in areas just outside hotspots to get priority on orders.
- Keep an eye out for large catering orders that tend to pay more.
- Add Dash Along orders mid-delivery to maximize trips.
Being selective and strategic with order acceptance is key to earning higher base pay offers. Having an understanding of how DoorDash pay works can help drivers make the most on every trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does DoorDash pay for a 2 mile delivery?
For a 2 mile delivery, DoorDash will likely pay a base rate of $2 – $4 depending on conditions. Short distance deliveries fall on the lower end of the pay scale unless other factors like peak pay or desirability increase it.
What is the minimum DoorDash pays per order?
The absolute minimum DoorDash will pay per order is $2. This base rate applies to quick, nearby deliveries that require little time or effort. However, with additional mileage, duration, promotions and desirability factors, the minimum pay is usually higher.
What percentage of the delivery fee does DoorDash pay drivers?
None of the delivery fee goes directly to the driver’s pay. DoorDash uses the delivery fee to cover operational costs. A driver’s base pay and tip come separately based on the factors outlined above.
How much does DoorDash pay for wait time at a restaurant?
DoorDash will add some extra pay for extended wait times over 10 minutes at a restaurant. Most reports indicate wait time pay adds $0.10 – $0.20 per minute after the first 10 minutes.
Why did my base pay go down when I got a bigger tip?
DoorDash sometimes decreases base pay when a customer tips more to balance out the total payout. This controversial practice aims to keep total earnings relatively consistent across orders.Conclusion
DoorDash base pay offers drivers a guaranteed minimum for each delivery, separate from tips. While the default rate is typically $2 – $3, drivers can earn much more through promotions, distance, duration and desirability factors. Reported highs exceed $15 but are rare. Being selective, driving at peak times, and taking longer distance orders are key strategies to maximize base pay earnings. With an understanding of how DoorDash pay works, drivers can make the most on every delivery.