The app shows gross pay. This shows what you actually keep after your car and the IRS take their cut.
Gross hourly
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Vehicle cost (72.5¢/mi)
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Self-employment tax
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Est. income tax
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Your TRUE hourly pay
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Tracking every mile is worth real money
At 72.5¢/mi, a dasher driving 15,000 miles/year deducts $10,875 from taxable income. A mileage tracking app does it automatically. Compare mileage trackers →
How this calculator works
Your true hourly pay is what's left after two costs the DoorDash app never shows: your car and your taxes. We subtract vehicle cost at the 2026 IRS standard mileage rate of 72.5¢ per mile — the IRS's own estimate of the all-in cost of driving, including gas, maintenance, and depreciation. Then we subtract self-employment tax (15.3% on 92.35% of profit) and income tax at the bracket you pick. What remains, divided by your hours, is your real wage.
The number most dashers ignore
Dollars per mile matters more than dollars per hour. Earning $25/hour while driving 25 miles in that hour nets you barely $5 after costs; earning $20/hour on 10 miles nets nearly $12. Use the per-mile readout above to compare zones and decide which orders to decline.
Gross $15–25/hr is common; after vehicle costs and self-employment tax the realistic net is often $8–15/hr depending on how many miles you drive per dollar earned.
Why use 72.5¢ per mile? My gas costs less than that.
The IRS rate covers the full cost of operating a car — gas, maintenance, tires, insurance, and depreciation. Depreciation is invisible week to week but very real when you replace the car.
Do I owe self-employment tax?
Yes — if your net profit is $400+ for the year, you owe 15.3% on 92.35% of profit, on top of income tax. Mileage deductions reduce both.
Estimates for educational purposes only — not tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax rules vary by state and situation; consult a tax professional.