Delivery Earnings Calculator
Calculate true earnings for DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Grubhub, and Amazon Flex after vehicle costs and taxes. Compare all platforms side-by-side.
How to Use This Calculator
- 1.Select your delivery platform
- 2.Enter average base pay and tips per delivery
- 3.Add deliveries per hour and weekly hours
- 4.Review net earnings and compare platforms
Maximizing Delivery Earnings
Multi-apping: Most experienced drivers run 2-3 apps simultaneously. This minimizes dead time between orders and lets you cherry-pick the best-paying deliveries.
Strategic Timing: Peak pay periods (lunch 11-2, dinner 5-9) typically pay better, but competition is also higher. Some drivers find late-night hours (9pm-midnight) more profitable.
Accept/Decline Strategy: Most pros recommend declining orders under $1/mile, ideally aiming for $2/mile or better. Low-tip orders rarely make financial sense once you factor in vehicle costs.
Common Questions
Which delivery app pays the best?
It varies by market. Instacart often has higher per-order pay ($15-25) but fewer orders/hour. DoorDash and Uber Eats offer more orders ($7-12 each). Amazon Flex pays block rates ($18-25/hr). Try multiple apps to see what works in your area.
How much can I make doing food delivery?
Gross earnings typically range $15-25/hour during busy times. After vehicle costs and taxes, net is usually $10-18/hour. Peak hours (lunch 11-2, dinner 5-9) pay better. Weekends often outperform weekdays.
Should I accept every delivery order?
No. Most experienced drivers decline orders under $1/mile. Low-tip orders rarely make financial sense after vehicle costs. Being selective improves your effective hourly rate, though acceptance rate matters on some platforms.
Is multi-apping worth it?
Yes, for most drivers. Running 2-3 apps minimizes dead time between orders. Just don't accept orders from multiple apps simultaneously - late deliveries hurt ratings and can get you deactivated.
Earnings vary significantly by market, time of day, and driving strategy. Platform pay structures change frequently. Track your own data for accurate figures. This is not financial advice.