Question 1

How much do DoorDash drivers actually make per hour after expenses?

Accepted Answer

Most DoorDash drivers earn between $10 and $15 per hour after accounting for gas, vehicle wear, insurance, phone costs, and self-employment taxes. While gross earnings often look like $20-$30/hr, platform fees, vehicle expenses averaging $0.30-$0.50 per mile, and 15.3% self-employment tax cut the real number roughly in half. Use this calculator to find your personal number.

Question 2

Do I have to pay self-employment tax on gig work in the US?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you earn $400 or more from gig work in a year, you owe self-employment tax of 15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare) on top of regular income tax. This is the tax that replaces what an employer would normally pay on your behalf. You can deduct the employer-equivalent portion (7.65%) from your adjusted gross income.

Question 3

What expenses can I deduct as a gig worker?

Accepted Answer

Common deductions for gig workers include mileage ($0.67/mile in 2026 for the US), phone and data plan costs used for work, vehicle maintenance and insurance (proportional to work use), insulated bags and delivery supplies, and the portion of your phone bill used for gig apps. In Canada, you can deduct vehicle costs at $0.70/km for the first 5,000 km and $0.64/km after that.

Question 4

How are gig workers taxed in Canada?

Accepted Answer

In Canada, gig workers pay both CPP contributions (11.9% of net self-employment income in 2026, covering both the employee and employer portions) and federal/provincial income tax. If your annual revenue exceeds $30,000, you must also register for and charge GST/HST. You can deduct vehicle expenses, phone costs, and supplies from your taxable income.

Question 5

Is it worth driving for Uber or DoorDash as a side hustle?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your specific situation. Many drivers are surprised to learn their true hourly rate is 40-60% lower than what the app shows. The key factors are your vehicle costs (newer cars cost more per mile), how many miles you drive per delivery, your local market rates, and your tax bracket. This calculator helps you see the real numbers before committing your time.

Side Hustle True Cost Calculator -- How Much Are You Really Making?

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