DoorDash has become a leading platform for flexible gig work, allowing individuals to earn money by delivering food from restaurants to customers. However, earnings can vary significantly based on location, demand, and delivery efficiency. Below is a breakdown of average Dasher earnings in each U.S. state based on available data.
National Average Earnings
- The average hourly pay for DoorDash drivers across the United States is approximately $16.87/hour, with earnings ranging from $13 to $25/hour depending on location.
- Some high-demand cities allow Dashers to make over $1,000 per week with consistent work.
State-by-State Breakdown of DoorDash Driver Salaries
Alabama
- Average Hourly Pay: $13.30
- Dashers in Birmingham and Mobile tend to make more due to higher demand.
Alaska
- Average Hourly Pay: $18.50
- Higher due to increased delivery fees and fewer drivers available.
Arizona
- Average Hourly Pay: $17.90
- Cities like Phoenix and Tucson offer higher earnings due to strong demand.
Arkansas
- Average Hourly Pay: $14.10
- Limited demand in rural areas reduces earnings potential.
California
- Average Hourly Pay: $19.91
- Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego offer some of the highest earnings in the country.
Colorado
- Average Hourly Pay: $17.50
- Denver and Boulder have strong demand, leading to higher pay.
Connecticut
- Average Hourly Pay: $16.40
- Hartford and New Haven provide the best earnings opportunities.
Delaware
- Average Hourly Pay: $15.80
- Smaller market, but steady demand near major cities.
Florida
- Average Hourly Pay: $16.70
- Miami and Orlando offer strong order volume for Dashers.
Georgia
- Average Hourly Pay: $15.60
- Atlanta is the best market, with significant delivery opportunities.
Hawaii
- Average Hourly Pay: $20.40
- High cost of living leads to increased fees and better pay.
Idaho
- Average Hourly Pay: $14.20
- Boise has better opportunities compared to rural areas.
Illinois
- Average Hourly Pay: $17.30
- Chicago Dashers earn above the national average.
Indiana
- Average Hourly Pay: $15.20
- Indianapolis has the highest demand in the state.
Iowa
- Average Hourly Pay: $14.50
- Des Moines offers better earnings than rural areas.
Kansas
- Average Hourly Pay: $14.10
- Kansas City and Wichita provide the best pay.
Kentucky
- Average Hourly Pay: $14.00
- Louisville Dashers earn more than those in rural areas.
Louisiana
- Average Hourly Pay: $15.10
- New Orleans has strong demand for food delivery.
Maine
- Average Hourly Pay: $15.50
- Portland and Bangor provide good earnings potential.
Maryland
- Average Hourly Pay: $16.80
- Baltimore is a high-paying market for Dashers.
Massachusetts
- Average Hourly Pay: $18.90
- Boston Dashers earn well above the national average.
Michigan
- Average Hourly Pay: $15.40
- Detroit provides steady demand for food delivery.
Minnesota
- Average Hourly Pay: $16.10
- Minneapolis is the best area for Dashers.
Mississippi
- Average Hourly Pay: $13.00
- Lower earnings due to fewer high-density areas.
Missouri
- Average Hourly Pay: $14.80
- Kansas City and St. Louis are the best markets.
Montana
- Average Hourly Pay: $14.00
- Lower demand outside of Billings.
Nebraska
- Average Hourly Pay: $14.30
- Omaha provides more deliveries than other cities.
Nevada
- Average Hourly Pay: $18.70
- Las Vegas offers high-paying opportunities.
New Hampshire
- Average Hourly Pay: $15.40
- Steady demand in Manchester and Concord.
New Jersey
- Average Hourly Pay: $17.60
- Dashers near New York City earn the highest.
New Mexico
- Average Hourly Pay: $14.90
- Albuquerque has the most orders.
New York
- Average Hourly Pay: $19.30
- NYC Dashers can make over $25/hour during peak hours.
North Carolina
- Average Hourly Pay: $15.80
- Charlotte and Raleigh offer steady demand.
North Dakota
- Average Hourly Pay: $14.10
- Limited demand outside of Fargo.
Ohio
- Average Hourly Pay: $15.20
- Columbus and Cleveland are the best cities for Dashers.
Oklahoma
- Average Hourly Pay: $14.50
- Oklahoma City provides the most orders.
Oregon
- Average Hourly Pay: $17.80
- Portland is a strong market for Dashers.
Pennsylvania
- Average Hourly Pay: $16.50
- Philadelphia offers the highest earnings in the state.
Rhode Island
- Average Hourly Pay: $15.70
- Providence is the busiest for food delivery.
South Carolina
- Average Hourly Pay: $14.80
- Charleston and Columbia provide the best earnings.
South Dakota
- Average Hourly Pay: $14.20
- Sioux Falls has the most orders.
Tennessee
- Average Hourly Pay: $15.10
- Nashville is the best market for Dashers.
Texas
- Average Hourly Pay: $17.20
- Houston, Dallas, and Austin are top cities for earnings.
Utah
- Average Hourly Pay: $15.90
- Salt Lake City provides good demand.
Vermont
- Average Hourly Pay: $15.10
- Smaller market, but decent demand in Burlington.
Virginia
- Average Hourly Pay: $16.40
- Northern Virginia sees high earnings.
Washington
- Average Hourly Pay: $18.80
- Seattle offers the highest pay in the state.
West Virginia
- Average Hourly Pay: $13.70
- Limited demand in rural areas.
Wisconsin
- Average Hourly Pay: $15.30
- Milwaukee provides the best opportunities.
Wyoming
- Average Hourly Pay: $14.00
- Less demand due to lower population density.
Final Thoughts
Earnings for Dashers vary widely depending on the state, city, and delivery strategy. Urban areas tend to offer higher pay, while rural regions provide fewer opportunities. Prospective Dashers should focus on high-demand cities, peak hours, and efficient deliveries to maximize their earnings.
