DoorDash Earnings 2026: What Drivers Actually Make
Most DoorDash drivers earn $15-$25 per hour gross. But after expenses like gas, maintenance, and taxes, net hourly profit drops to $12-$18. Here is the full breakdown.
$15-25
Gross $/hour
-30-40%
Expenses + taxes
$12-18
Net $/hour
Where DoorDash Money Goes
The gap between gross and net is where most drivers get surprised. Gas, vehicle depreciation, maintenance, phone costs, and self-employment taxes (15.3%) eat into your earnings significantly. Tracking every expense is essential to understanding your true hourly rate.
How Top Dashers Earn More
The highest-earning DoorDash drivers focus on peak hours, selective order acceptance ($2+/mile minimum), multi-apping during slow periods, and meticulous expense tracking. They also use their mileage deduction to significantly reduce their tax burden.