Thinking of signing up for DoorDash and wondering how much money you can really make in a day? Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time gig, DoorDash can be a flexible way to earn.
In this article, we’ll break down how much Dashers make in an 8-hour shift, what affects your earnings, and tips to maximize your pay. The article also includes a handy earnings calculator.
Table of Contents
Use the calculator to estimate your earnings
⚙️ DoorDash Earnings Calculator
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🚗💰 So, How Much Can You Make in 8 Hours?
The short answer: $100 to $200+ per 8-hour shift.
Here’s a basic estimate:
| Hourly Rate | 8-Hour Earnings |
|---|---|
| $12/hour | $96 |
| $15/hour | $120 |
| $20/hour | $160 |
| $25/hour | $200 |
💡 Your actual earnings depend on your location, time of day, demand, and hustle.
💵 What Affects DoorDash Earnings?
Several key factors influence how much you make per hour:
1. Location
Big cities like San Francisco, New York, or Toronto typically pay more due to:
- Higher demand
- Shorter delivery distances
- Bigger tips
2. Time of Day
Peak hours = higher pay:
- Lunch (11am–2pm)
- Dinner (5pm–9pm)
- Late-night weekends (bars, desserts, fast food)
DoorDash offers Peak Pay bonuses during these busy hours.
3. Tips
Tips make up a significant portion of your earnings. Friendly service, quick delivery, and order accuracy help boost tips.
4. Order Stacking
Accepting multiple orders at once from the same restaurant or along the same route increases efficiency and hourly rate.
5. Acceptance Strategy
High-paying orders vs. low-paying, long-distance orders. Many top Dashers selectively accept jobs to maximize their pay-per-mile.
🧮 Real-World Example
Let’s say you’re in a mid-sized city:
- You average 2 deliveries per hour
- Each delivery pays $6 base + $3 tip = $9
- $9 × 2 deliveries × 8 hours = $144/day
With bonuses or during busy times, that can easily jump to $160–$200+.
🛠️ Expenses to Keep in Mind
Remember, you’re an independent contractor, so you cover:
- Gas
- Car maintenance
- Insurance
- Self-employment tax
Set aside about 30% of your earnings for taxes and expenses.
📈 Tips to Maximize Your DoorDash Income
- 🚦 Work during peak hours and weekends
- 🗺️ Learn your city’s hotspots
- 💡 Use apps like Gridwise to track best times and miles
- 🤖 Be selective with orders (aim for $1.50–$2/mile)
- 💬 Provide excellent customer service for better tips
💼 Can You Really Make a Living Dashing?
Yes—many people make $800 to $1,500+ per week doing DoorDash full-time. But it takes strategy, efficiency, and consistency.