Delivery Driver Math: DoorDash vs Uber Eats
Both apps advertise great hourly pay. Both omit gas, depreciation, and taxes. Here's the real math — and the multi-app strategy that beats either app alone.
The honest hourly, after costs
| DoorDash | Uber Eats | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross/hr (busy shift) | $18–$28 | $17–$27 |
| Gross/hr (slow shift) | $12–$16 | $11–$15 |
| Car costs (~$0.35/mi) | −$4–$7/hr | −$4–$7/hr |
| Real net/hr (busy) | $13–$21 | $12–$20 |
| Real net/hr (slow) | $7–$11 | $6–$10 |
Car cost math: ~20 miles per active hour at the IRS-full-cost rate lands near $0.35/mile for a paid-off efficient car — gas plus tires, maintenance, and depreciation. New SUV on payments? Add 50%.
Where each app wins
- DoorDash: more orders in most US markets, better scheduling (Schedule ahead vs fight for orders), stronger suburban coverage.
- Uber Eats: better dense-city batching, smoother app, easier combined rideshare+delivery switching if you also drive passengers.
- Tips: comparable; both hide full tip info upfront to varying degrees. Never accept under ~$1.50/mile all-in.
- Slow markets: neither pays. Rural and oversaturated zones deliver minimum-wage math — check local driver forums before committing.
The multi-app edge
Top earners run both apps and accept only the best offers from either — cherry-picking the top 30% of pings. This alone adds $3–$6/hour versus single-app loyalty. Rules: never double-book overlapping pickups, pause one app during the other's delivery, and track miles with an app from day one (the tax deduction is the highest-ROI habit in gig work).
Tax warning: you're a contractor — set aside 20–25% for taxes and track every mile. The IRS Gig Economy Tax Center is genuinely readable. Start there.
Quick answers
Which pays more?
They trade the lead by market. Nationally both net $10–$18/hour after car costs on decent shifts. Multi-apping beats either alone.
Is delivery worth it after costs?
As a flexible side gig, yes ($12–$18/hr net in decent markets). Full-time, the math is thin — no benefits, full depreciation.