Though it's not likely too distorted, because the average hourly gross pay was similar to what DoorDash cites [we can't tell how close because DD doesn't explain their exact methodology]; just the net pay is very low.

I reread the article. What's super distorted is how they're calculating expenses. Sure the IRS will let you deduct 58c per mile, but that doesn't mean that's what it actually costs. Unless you're stupid, you use an intelligent car like a used Corolla or Fit for a job like this. Maybe a nicely used Prius. A sensible driver would incur expenses of about 20c per mile.

So that means their estimate of expenses is about 200% higher than what it should be. Since they don't really provide sufficient data to recalculate their estimates, it's hard to say exactly what effect this might have on their conclusions, but it probably changes them significantly.

I estimated about $0.25/mile, which includes insurance, repairs, and depreciation. Gas is<$0.10/mile if you get better than 26mpg (assuming $2.60/gallon, which is approximately the average). My estimates:

- insurance - $100/6 months for a second car (from when I was debating selling my second car) - repairs - $400/year (I do most of the routine work myself) - depreciation - $1000/year - misc fees - $150 (registration, parking, occasional tickets, etc)

My second car costs >$1500/year. I bought it used (~7 years old) for $10k, and I've had it for 5 years and it's currently worth ~$5k, so my depreciation estimate seems reasonable, perhaps conservative.

If I drive 10k miles/year (I drive less), that's >$0.15/mile + $0.07/mile (~40mpg Prius), so $0.25/mile seems like a decent low end estimate. If you drive more, depreciation will be higher.