Which Pays More? DoorDash vs. Uber Eats vs. Amazon Flex
Are you thinking about making extra money as a delivery driver? Many people wonder which app pays the most, DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Amazon Flex. The answer isn't as simple as you might think. This detailed guide breaks down what you need to know to make the most money in the gig delivery world. We'll look at real earnings data, examine the hidden costs that eat into your profits, and share strategies from experienced drivers to help you maximize your income.
DoorDash vs. Uber Eats vs. Amazon Flex: Which Delivery App Pays Best?
| Pay Component | DoorDash | Uber Eats | Amazon Flex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertised Hourly Rate | $15-$25 | $15-$25 | $18-$25 |
| Base Pay | $2-$10 per delivery Based on time, distance, and desirability |
$2-$4 per delivery Based on pickup fee, drop-off fee, and distance |
$18-$25 per hour for scheduled blocks |
| Tips | 100% goes to driver Average: $2-$5 per delivery |
100% goes to driver Average: $2-$5 per delivery |
100% goes to driver Only on grocery deliveries (not regular packages) |
| Bonus Types | • Peak Pay: $1-$5 extra per delivery during busy times • Challenges: Complete X deliveries for bonus $Y • Streaks: Complete consecutive deliveries for bonus |
• Surge: Higher rates during high demand • Boost: Multipliers in certain areas/times • Quests: Bonuses for completing X deliveries in a time period |
• Surge pricing for blocks during high demand • Higher rates during holidays and bad weather |
| Scheduling | • "Dash Now" anytime if area is busy • Schedule shifts up to a week in advance |
• Log on/off anytime • No advance scheduling required |
• Reserve blocks 3-7 days in advance • Blocks are typically 2-6 hours |
| Minimum Pay Guarantee | No guaranteed minimum | No guaranteed minimum | Yes - guaranteed payment for entire block even if you finish early |
| Payment Frequency | Weekly or daily with DasherDirect card | Weekly or instant cashout for fee | Weekly |
| Average % of Advertised Pay Actually Kept | 35% | 40% | 30% |
| Actual Take-Home | $5.91/hour | $7.38/hour | $5.67/hour |
Understanding Gig Delivery Work
Before we dive into the numbers, let's understand what it means to be a gig delivery driver.
Gig delivery drivers are "independent contractors," not employees. This means:
- You don't receive a regular salary or hourly wage
- You use your own car (or bike in some cases)
- You pay for your own gas, car maintenance, and insurance
- You don't get benefits like health insurance or paid time off
- You're responsible for your own taxes
- You can choose when and where to work
This flexibility is appealing, but it comes with costs that many new drivers don't fully understand.
How Delivery Drivers Get Paid
Each delivery platform has its own way of calculating pay, but they all include these basic elements:
Base Pay
This is the minimum amount you receive for each delivery or block of time. It's usually based on:
- Distance (how far you drive)
- Time (how long the delivery takes)
- Desirability (how likely other drivers are to take the order)
Tips
Money that customers give you directly. On all three platforms, you keep 100% of your tips.
Bonuses and Promotions
Extra money you can earn during busy times or for completing a certain number of deliveries.
Breaking Down How Each Platform Pays
Let's look more closely at how each platform calculates your pay.
DoorDash Pay Structure
DoorDash uses this formula: Total Earnings = Base Pay + Promotions + Tips
Base Pay ($2-$10+ per delivery)
- Higher base pay for:
- Longer distance deliveries
- Deliveries that take more time
- Orders other drivers might not want to take
- This amount doesn't change based on customer tips
Peak Pay ($1-$5+ extra per delivery)
- Extra money during busy times
- Clearly marked in the app with a plus sign
- Can significantly increase your hourly earnings
Challenges
- Example: "Complete 15 deliveries this weekend to earn an extra $30"
- These bonuses can add up if you drive regularly
Tips
- Customers can tip when they place their order or after delivery
- Average tips range from $2-$5, but can be much higher for large orders
- Some areas have better tipping cultures than others
DoorDash Pay Example
Order #1:
Base pay: $4.50
Peak pay: $3.00
Customer tip: $5.00
Total: $12.50
Order #2:
Base pay: $3.00
Peak pay: $3.00
Customer tip: $4.00
Total: $10.00
Two deliveries in one hour = $22.50 gross hourly payUber Eats Pay Structure
Uber Eats calculates pay as: Total Earnings = Base Fare + Surge/Boost + Promotions + Tips
Base Fare ($2-$4+ per delivery)
- Made up of:
- Pickup fee
- Drop-off fee
- Distance fee
- Usually lower than DoorDash's base pay
Surge Pricing
- Automatically increases during high demand times
- Shown as colored areas on the map, with higher multipliers in darker colors
- Can increase base fares by 1.1x to 3.0x or more
Boost Promotions
- Scheduled increased pay rates in specific areas
- Example: "1.4x boost in downtown from 5-9pm"
Quests
- Bonuses for completing a set number of deliveries in a time period
- Example: "Complete 12 deliveries before Sunday for an extra $25"
Tips
- Customers can tip when ordering or up to 7 days after delivery
- 100% of tips go to the driver
Uber Eats Pay Example
Order #1:
Base fare: $3.25
Surge (1.8x): $2.60
Customer tip: $6.00
Total: $11.85
Order #2:
Base fare: $3.50
Surge (1.8x): $2.80
Customer tip: $4.00
Total: $10.30
Two deliveries in one hour = $22.15 gross hourly payAmazon Flex Pay Structure
Amazon Flex pays differently: Total Earnings = Block Rate + Tips (if eligible)
Block Rate ($18-$25+ per hour)
- You sign up for specific "blocks" of time (usually 2-6 hours)
- Each block has a guaranteed payment
- Example: A 3-hour block at $22/hour = $66 guaranteed
- You get the full amount even if you finish early
- Block rates may increase during high demand periods
Tips
- Only available for certain delivery types:
- Amazon Fresh grocery deliveries
- Whole Foods Market deliveries
- Some "Instant Offers"
- Regular Amazon.com package deliveries do not include tips
- When available, tips can add $5-$15+ per hour
Amazon Flex Pay Example
3-hour block at base rate of $18/hour: $54
If delivering Amazon Fresh (with tips): +$36 in tips
Total for 3-hour block: $90 ($30/hour gross pay)
OR
3-hour block at base rate of $18/hour: $54
If delivering regular packages (no tips): +$0 in tips
Total for 3-hour block: $54 ($18/hour gross pay)
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DoorDash vs. Uber Eats vs. Amazon Flex: Weekly and Monthly Income Potential
For people considering gig delivery as a part-time or full-time job, here's what you might actually take home:
DoorDash vs. Uber Eats vs. Amazon Flex: Weekly Income
| Platform | Part-Time (10-15 hrs/week) | Full-Time (35-40 hrs/week) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertised Weekly | Actual Take-Home | Advertised Weekly | Actual Take-Home | |
| DoorDash | $199 - $232 | $69.65 - $81.20 | $700 - $1,000 | $245 - $350 |
| Uber Eats | $170 - $423 | $68 - $169.20 | $650 - $950 | $260 - $380 |
| Amazon Flex | $312 | $93.60 | $720 - $1,000 | $216 - $300 |
*Take-home accounts for ALL expenses and ALL taxes
DoorDash vs. Uber Eats vs. Amazon Flex: Monthly Income
| Platform | Monthly Income (Part-Time) | Monthly Income (Full-Time) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertised | Actual Take-Home | Advertised | Actual Take-Home | |
| DoorDash | $536 - $720 | $187.60 - $252 | $2,800 - $4,000 | $980 - $1,400 |
| Uber Eats | $431 - $1,136 | $172.40 - $454.40 | $2,600 - $3,800 | $1,040 - $1,520 |
| Amazon Flex | $823 | $246.90 | $2,880 - $4,000 | $864 - $1,200 |
*Take-home accounts for ALL expenses and ALL taxes
The Reality of Expenses: What Actually Goes in Your Pocket
This is the part many new drivers underestimate: your expenses will take a big chunk of your earnings.
Vehicle Expenses
| Expense Type | Typical Cost | How It Affects You |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $0.15-$0.25 per mile | Directly tied to how many miles you drive; higher when gas prices increase |
| Oil Changes | $30-$70 every 3,000-5,000 miles | More frequent with high-mileage driving |
| Tires | $400-$800 per set | May need replacement every 30,000-50,000 miles |
| Brakes | $150-$400 per axle | Wear out faster with frequent stopping (common in delivery) |
| Other Maintenance | $500-$1,500+ per year | Includes filters, fluids, belts, etc. |
| Major Repairs | $500-$2,000+ when needed | Risk increases with more miles driven |
| Car Payments | Varies | Your monthly car payment (if you have one) |
| Depreciation | $0.08-$0.15 per mile | Your car loses value with each mile; invisible but real cost |
Other Business Expenses
| Expense Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Plan | $50-$100+ monthly | Need unlimited data for navigation and apps |
| Phone Replacement | $10-$30 monthly | Setting aside money for eventual upgrade due to heavy use |
| Car Insurance | $100-$300+ monthly | May need special rideshare/commercial coverage |
| Self-Employment Taxes | 15.3% of net income | Covers Social Security and Medicare taxes |
| Income Taxes | 10-24% of net income | Federal, state, local (varies by location and income) |
| Delivery Bags/Supplies | $20-$100 initial cost | Insulated bags, car organizers, etc. |
| Parking/Tolls | Varies by location | Can be significant in urban areas |
DoorDash vs. Uber Eats vs. Amazon Flex: Choosing the Best Platform for Your Situation
Each platform has strengths and weaknesses that might make it better for different people:
Best For Maximum Flexibility
Winner: Uber Eats
- Log on/off anytime without scheduling
- Fastest payout options with instant cash out
- Can often switch between food delivery and passenger rides
Best For Consistent Income
Winner: DoorDash
- Largest market share means more consistent order volume
- Scheduled dash times can provide more stability
- Balance of flexibility and earning potential
Best For Predictable Hours and Pay
Winner: Amazon Flex
- Guaranteed block pay regardless of delivery volume
- Know exactly when you'll be working and minimum you'll earn
- Better for planning around other commitments
Best For Avoiding Customer Interaction
Winner: Amazon Flex
- Package delivery often requires less customer interaction
- Fewer issues with food quality, missing items, etc.
- Many deliveries can be left at the door with a photo
Best For Maximizing Peak Earnings
Winner: Uber Eats
- Surge pricing can result in highest hourly peaks
- Boost zones provide opportunities for strategic drivers
- Good for those who only want to work during high-demand times
| Market Type | Platform | Advertised/Gross Hourly Pay | ACTUAL Take-Home Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Centers | Uber Eats | $22-30 | $8.80-12.00 |
| Urban Centers | DoorDash | $18-25 | $6.30-8.75 |
| Urban Centers | Amazon Flex | $18-22 | $5.40-6.60 |
| Wealthy Suburbs | DoorDash | $20-28 | $7.00-9.80 |
| Wealthy Suburbs | Uber Eats | $18-25 | $7.20-10.00 |
| Wealthy Suburbs | Amazon Flex | $18-22 | $5.40-6.60 |
| Rural Areas | Amazon Flex | $18-22 | $5.40-6.60 |
| Rural Areas | DoorDash | $15-20 | $5.25-7.00 |
| Rural Areas | Uber Eats | $12-18 | $4.80-7.20 |
| College Towns | Uber Eats | $18-25 | $7.20-10.00 |
| College Towns | DoorDash | $15-22 | $5.25-7.70 |
| College Towns | Amazon Flex | $18-20 | $5.40-6.00 |
| Tourist Areas | Uber Eats | $20-35 | $8.00-14.00 |
| Tourist Areas | DoorDash | $18-28 | $6.30-9.80 |
| Tourist Areas | Amazon Flex | $18-22 | $5.40-6.60 |
Driver Strategies to Increase Earnings
No matter which platform you choose, these strategies can help maximize your earnings:
1. Work During Peak Hours
- Food delivery: Lunch (11:30am-2pm) and dinner (5:30pm-9pm)
- Weekends are typically busier than weekdays
- Bad weather often means more orders and fewer drivers
2. Be Strategic About Location
- Position yourself near popular restaurants or shopping centers
- Learn which neighborhoods tip best
- Avoid areas with difficult parking or apartment complexes with complicated layouts
- Consider driving to busier areas even if slightly farther from home
3. Multi-Apping (Using Multiple Platforms)
Many experienced drivers use multiple apps simultaneously to:
- Reduce downtime between orders
- Be more selective about which orders to accept
- Maximize earnings during each hour worked
Example multi-app strategy:
- Turn on both DoorDash and Uber Eats
- Accept the best offer from either platform
- When nearing completion, turn the other app back on
- Be careful not to accept orders going in opposite directions
4. Be Selective About Orders
Not all delivery offers are worth accepting:
| Good Orders | Bad Orders |
|---|---|
| Short distance (under 5 miles) | Long distance (over 8 miles) |
| High payout ($8+ for short trips) | Low payout (under $6) |
| Going to easy-to-access locations | Going to apartments without clear instructions |
| From restaurants with quick preparation | From restaurants known for long waits |
| During bonus/surge periods | During non-peak hours with no bonuses |
Many experienced drivers aim for a minimum of $2 per mile and decline orders that don't meet this threshold.
5. Track Your Expenses Carefully
- Use a mileage tracking app (like Stride, Everlance, or Gridwise)
- Save all receipts related to your work
- Track hours worked and earnings to calculate your true hourly rate
- Regularly analyze which times and areas are most profitable
6. Take Advantage of Driver Perks
- DoorDash offers gas discounts with DasherDirect card
- Uber Pro provides rewards like car maintenance discounts
- Amazon Flex offers some insurance coverage while on deliveries
What Real Drivers Say About Each Platform
We've collected feedback from drivers to give you a sense of the real-world experience on each platform:
DoorDash Driver Feedback
- "More consistent orders throughout the day compared to other apps"
- "Base pay is often better than Uber Eats for similar distances"
- "Peak pay bonuses are helpful but not as dramatic as Uber's surge"
- "The schedule feature helps secure busy times even when there are many drivers"
- "App is generally reliable and customer service is decent"
Uber Eats Driver Feedback
- "Can make great money during surge times, sometimes $30-40/hour before expenses"
- "Fewer orders than DoorDash in many areas, but they often pay more each"
- "The boost promotions can really add up if you work the right areas"
- "Being able to see the delivery location before accepting is helpful"
- "Instant cashout feature is convenient for quick access to earnings"
Amazon Flex Driver Feedback
- "More predictable than food delivery, know exactly what you'll make"
- "Routes can vary widely - some are easy while others are very spread out"
- "Sometimes you finish early and still get paid for the full block"
- "Harder to get blocks, especially at increased rates"
- "Less wear on your car than constantly stopping for food deliveries"
- "Warehouse wait times can eat into your profitable time"
Wondering which delivery app pays the most in 2025? This full comparison of DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Amazon Flex breaks down earnings, expenses, driver strategies, and real pay data to help you maximize your income.