Make Money Delivering With DoorDash: Flexible Side Hustle

Updated May 25, 2025.

I am no stranger to the art of the side hustle. I have worked countless “side hustle” jobs, whether it’s dropping off clothes at consignment shops for celebrity fashion bloggers or walking dogs.

I truly believe there’s no shame in the side hustle game! The film industry was taken aback when news broke recently that actor Geoffrey Owens of The Cosby Show fame was working at a Los Angeles-based Trader Joe’s. Actual working actors, though, were not at all shocked.

Owens (and his fans) had amazing responses, hitting back at the hater parade with the simple idea that “every job is worthwhile.” And what could be more worthwhile than bringing people food? That’s where DoorDash comes in as one of the best apps for grocery and food delivery.

What is DoorDash?

DoorDash is “an on-demand courier service founded in 2012 by Stanford and Berkeley students Andy Fang, Stanley Tang, Tony Xu, and Evan Moore.”

It uses “logistics services” to offer on-demand food delivery, meaning that it coordinates between drivers, customers, and businesses through an efficient business model focusing on delivering goods.

Customers can find their favorite restaurants by downloading the DoorDash app on iOS or Google Play and ordering from there.

DoorDash operates in thousands of cities across the U.S., Canada, and Australia — so it’s widely available beyond just major metro areas.

DoorDash doesn’t just deliver to customers — it also delivers to merchants, putting your menu in front of your city in a way that may not be done otherwise (i.e., through “normal” marketing channels), sending orders over fax, tablet, or computer, and taking care of customers and logistics throughout the entire delivery process.

How It Works For Drivers

Sign up to be a driver through the app or on the DoorDash website. Drivers (called Dashers) must be 18+ and need to have a clean driving record with no major violations in the last seven years, like DUI, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, etc.

After being conditionally approved, you’ll need to pass a background check — this applies whether you’re driving a car, riding a bike, or delivering on foot.

Once you pass, you’ll download the DoorDash Dasher app (for iOS or Android). You’ll set up your payment methods, and in some cases, you can start delivering immediately through the Instant Dash program before your Red Card and hot bag arrive. These are mailed to you after your first dash.

You’ll then “turn on the app, accept some orders, and start bringing home the bacon!”

Dashers should factor in gas, wear and tear, and insurance, as these are not reimbursed. You are an independent contractor, so you’ll also need to handle your own taxes (consider consulting a good accountant).

Not all markets require a car — in cities like San Francisco and New York, Dashers can deliver by bike or on foot, which some people like because they “get paid to exercise.”

How Much Can You Make?

DoorDash earnings are made up of base pay, customer tips, and extra incentives like Peak Pay (bonuses during busy times) and Challenges (bonuses for completing a set number of deliveries).

Dashers can see their estimated minimum earnings and distance on each order before accepting.

DoorDash no longer guarantees a specific minimum or maximum hourly pay — actual earnings vary depending on how much you work, where you work, and when you work. Dashers often report making anywhere from $10–$25 per hour depending on local demand, efficiency, and tips.

For payouts, Dashers can get free weekly direct deposits or use Fast Pay (in the U.S.) for $1.99 per daily cashout. Previously, Dashers used DasherDirect, but this is being replaced by the new DoorDash Crimson banking account program starting April 2025, which offers instant, no-fee payouts plus cashback perks and in-app money management.

Scheduling at DoorDash

This is a make-your-own-schedule type of job — a frequently mentioned “pro” by Dashers.

You can schedule shifts in advance, but popular time slots (like lunch or dinner) can fill up fast. Alternatively, you can use Dash Now, which lets you jump in immediately when your area is busy (shown as red zones on the heat map in the app).

You also get to choose which deliveries you want to accept, giving you control over how much you work and how much you make each day.

What Do Dashers Say?

One Dasher I spoke with said, “Overall, my experience was meh. I stopped, because the money wasn’t as good as I needed. It averaged to $10/hour without calculating gas.”

Other Dashers mention additional cons like paying for parking, busy schedules filling up, or unpredictable delivery times. These are all factors to consider before signing up.

On the plus side, reviewers on Glassdoor often say the app is easier to use compared to similar delivery apps, and they cite the convenient, flexible schedule as a major perk.

There are also occasional catering opportunities (perhaps 2–3 per day) that “can net half or one-third of my day’s pay.” Not too shabby.

I did get a chance to chat with a person who delivers for DoorDash to get the DoorDash pros and cons straight from the source if you're interested!

Want to Go Ahead And Give DoorDash a Try?

If you want to try being a DoorDasher, go here to get started on your application. Good luck to you.