How to Make $500 a Week With DoorDash in 2025? [10 PRO Tips!]
Looking to earn an extra $500 a week with DoorDash? You’re not alone. Whether you’re trying to cover bills, build savings, or just want a flexible side hustle, DoorDash is one of the most popular (and profitable) gig apps out there in 2025.
But here’s the thing—while making $500 a week on DoorDash is absolutely possible, it’s not just about working long hours. It’s about working smart.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to make $500 or more per week with DoorDash, using proven strategies and real-world tips from top Dashers. So if you’re ready to turn your car into a cash machine, let’s get started!
💡 Can You Really Make $500 a Week With DoorDash?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, many Dashers earn between $100–$200 per day during peak hours and weekends. That means with just 25–30 hours a week of strategic dashing, you could hit the $500 mark—or even more.
Here’s what it takes:
- Choosing the right delivery zones
- Timing your dashes strategically
- Mastering multi-apping (using other delivery apps alongside DoorDash)
- Staying efficient with navigation and drop-offs
Now, let’s break down the top pro tips to help you reach that $500/week goal.
🏆 10 PRO Tips to Make $500/Week With DoorDash
1. Dash During Peak Hours (Lunch & Dinner)
Timing is everything in food delivery. The best times to dash are:
- Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Dinner: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
These hours have higher order volume and often include Peak Pay, which boosts your earnings per delivery.
Pro Tip: Use the in-app “Peak Pay” alerts to know when and where to dash for extra money.
2. Work the Weekends
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are gold mines for DoorDash drivers. People are home, ordering food, and tipping more generously.
Why it matters: You’ll often earn more in 6 weekend hours than you would during a full weekday shift.
3. Choose High-Demand Zones
Not all areas pay the same. Focus on zones with:
- A high density of restaurants
- Apartment complexes or office buildings
- Active Peak Pay incentives
Use the hotspot feature in the DoorDash app to locate these zones, and be ready to move if your current area slows down.
4. Avoid Low-Paying Orders
This is key: Don’t accept every order. Learn to decline ones that aren’t worth your time.
Use the “$2 per mile” rule:
- Only accept orders that pay at least $1.50–$2 per mile or more.
- Decline anything under $5 unless it’s going a very short distance.
Pro Tip: Cherry-picking better orders will increase your hourly average significantly.
5. Stack Orders Smartly
DoorDash allows you to accept multiple orders at once, especially if they’re going in the same direction. This is called order stacking.
Stacking saves time and gas, helping you knock out more deliveries per hour and boosting your earnings.
Just be careful: Don’t accept stacked orders that drag you too far from a hotspot.
6. Track Mileage and Expenses
Keep a log of your miles, fuel costs, and maintenance. Why? Because your expenses are tax-deductible—which can save you hundreds (or thousands) at tax time.
Use mileage-tracking apps like:
- Stride
- Hurdlr
- Everlance
This is a pro move many part-time Dashers overlook!
7. Use Other Apps (Multi-App Strategy)
Don’t rely on DoorDash alone. Top earners also sign up for:
- Uber Eats
- Grubhub
- Instacart
- Spark (Walmart deliveries)
Using multiple apps means you’ll always have access to high-paying orders, even when DoorDash is slow.
Pro Tip: Use two phones (or split-screen apps) to manage orders smoothly.
8. Drive a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
If you’re driving a gas-guzzler, you’re cutting into your profits. A fuel-efficient or hybrid car will maximize your take-home pay.
Some Dashers even rent affordable economy cars for deliveries, which can be more cost-effective than using a personal truck or SUV.
9. Be Fast—but Smart
Speed matters, but accuracy and communication are equally important. Delivering quickly (without mistakes) increases your:
- Customer ratings
- Tip amounts
- Priority for high-paying orders
Pro Tip: Use a good navigation app like Google Maps or Waze for the fastest routes and real-time traffic alerts.
10. Stay Consistent With Your Schedule
The best Dashers treat it like a business. Create a weekly dashing schedule and stick to it. You’ll learn:
- Which hours pay the best in your area
- What zones are the most profitable
- How to maximize repeat tips from happy customers
🔍 Realistic DoorDash Earnings Breakdown
Here’s what a realistic $500/week schedule might look like:
| Day | Hours Worked | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 0 | $0 |
| Tuesday | 3 hrs | $60 |
| Wednesday | 3 hrs | $60 |
| Thursday | 3 hrs | $60 |
| Friday | 4 hrs | $100 |
| Saturday | 5 hrs | $120 |
| Sunday | 5 hrs | $100 |
| Total | 23 hrs | $500+ |
As you can see, it doesn’t take 40+ hours a week to reach your goal—just smart dashing during the best hours.
🧠 Advanced Strategies for DoorDash Pros
Want to earn even more? Try these next-level tactics:
- Use a thermal bag: Keeps food hot and your ratings high.
- Communicate with customers: Send quick updates like “Just picked up your order, on the way!”.
- Know restaurant wait times: Avoid slow restaurants that waste your time.
- Schedule dashes in advance: Reserve shifts during high-demand periods to secure your spot.
- Referral bonuses: Refer friends to DoorDash and earn up to $500 per person (depending on your location).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make $500 a week with DoorDash part-time?
Yes, absolutely. Many drivers hit $500/week with just 20–25 hours by working smarter and targeting the best zones and times.
Q: How do I know which orders to decline?
Avoid orders under $5, ones that require long drives, or ones with no tip. Use your “$2 per mile” rule and trust your gut.
Q: Is DoorDash income taxable?
Yes, it is. DoorDash doesn’t withhold taxes, so you’ll need to report earnings and track deductions like mileage and gas.
Q: Does DoorDash pay for gas?
No, Dashers are responsible for their own gas. That’s why fuel efficiency and smart driving are so important.
Q: Can I use a bike or scooter?
In some cities, yes! Bikes and scooters are great for short deliveries and avoid traffic.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Can You Really Make $500/Week on DoorDash?
Yes, you can—and you don’t need to grind nonstop to do it.
The key is to treat DoorDash like a flexible business. That means:
- Planning your shifts
- Knowing your hotspots
- Avoiding low-paying orders
- Using multiple apps to stay busy
- Tracking your expenses and income
With just a bit of strategy and consistency, hitting $500 (or more) each week becomes very realistic.
So whether you’re doing DoorDash full-time, part-time, or just to supplement other income—these 10 pro tips can help you work smarter and boost your earnings in 2025.
