8 Best Apps to Pick Up Shifts in 2024

Try one or more of these apps:

1. Shifts by Snagajob

Shifts by Snagajob is a product of Snagajob.com, a platform for finding part-time and full-time hourly jobs. The majority of the gigs posted on Shifts are in the service industry.

The platform will notify you whenever there’s a shift opening that fits your schedule; you can then apply for it. Bear in mind that multiple workers may be competing for the same shift, and Shifts operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Whoever applies the fastest will be hired.

Fees or commissions: None for the worker.

Age requirement: Not specified; many jobs require you to be 18 years or older.

Other requirements: For you to qualify as a shift worker, Snagajob needs to manually approve your application, and you’ll need to complete a questionnaire interview. Additionally, there’s a mandatory onboarding process, which includes passing a free background check.

Payment schedule: Every Friday.

Payment method: Direct deposit to a linked bank account.

Where to download Shifts by Snagajob

App Store Google Play

Other places to sign up: Via Snagajob’s website.

2. Upshift

Upshift allows you to apply for and accept shifts in various industries, including food service, catering, and warehouse and manufacturing.

You can clock in and out on the app to track your work hours. Note that if you want to work over 40 hours in one week for a single employer or client, you’ll need to get approval from them.

By receiving good reviews and adding relevant professional certifications to your profile, you can build your reputation and potentially get higher-paying shifts.

Note that if any of your Upshift clients ever offers you a job outside the platform based on the strength of your work with them, you’re eligible for a $100 bonus on Upshift.

Fees or commissions: None for the worker.

Age requirement: 18 years or older.

Other requirements: You need to complete an application, which entails answering questions about yourself, passing an online assessment, and going through an onboarding procedure. Upshift claims that this must be done at one of their offices, although there are anecdotal reports of workers doing it online in smaller cities that don’t have their own office yet.

Payment schedule: You’ll typically be paid every Friday. You may qualify for same-day payments via Earnin after receiving two direct deposits from Upshift.

Payment method: Direct deposit to your bank account or cash card.

Where to download Upshift

App Store Google Play

Other places to sign up: Via Upshift’s website.

3. shiftNOW

shiftNOW connects people looking for flexible work with businesses in the hospitality industry that need extra staff.

To apply for shifts, just click the “Apply Now” button in the app. You’re allowed to withdraw your application at any time (and can reapply for the same shift if your schedule opens up at the last minute).

Fees or commissions: None for the worker.

Age requirement: 18 years or older.

Other requirements: You need to create a profile on the app and pass a vetting process to be verified as a “Shifter.”

Payment schedule: You’ll typically be paid within 48 hours after the completion of each shift. You can get paid immediately with the Instant Payout feature if you’ve connected a supported debit card to your wallet in the app, but this will incur a 3% fee.

Payment method: Each payment will be sent to your wallet in the shiftNOW app and then delivered to your bank account via Stripe. To transfer your earnings, click the Payout button in the app.

Where to download shiftNOW

App Store Google Play

4. Shifts.com

Shifts.com is designed for professionals working in the healthcare industry (especially nurses).

As a clinician, you can apply for shifts or per diem jobs that fit your expertise, schedule, and desired pay rate.

Clinicians doing per diem shifts must live within a 1.5-hour drive of the facility (sometimes within 50 miles as well) and have 1–2 years of relevant experience. There are no limits to the number of shifts you can take on, but you’re required to be available for at least 4 days per month.

Fees or commissions: None for the worker.

Age requirement: Nominally 18 years (although since you must also be a qualified clinician, in practice, you have to be older).

Other requirements: As part of the application process, a recruiter will “credential” you (verify your background and gather any necessary documentation).

Payment schedule: Every Friday.

Payment method: Direct deposit.

Where to download the Shifts.com app

App Store Google Play

Other places to sign up: Via Shift’s website.

5. Bacon

Bacon is an on-demand staffing app that workers can use to find temp work in various industries, including:

• Warehouse
• Catering
• Events / service industry
• Cleaning
• General labor

As on similar apps, you can browse through a list of shifts and apply for the ones that interest you and fit your schedule. At the end of each shift, your employer will give you a 1–5 star rating, after which the app will pay you.

Fees or commissions: None for the worker.

Age requirement: 18 years or older.

Other requirements: You need to pass a basic background check.

Payment schedule: You’ll typically be paid within 72 hours of the completion of your shift. If you choose Everee as your payment provider, you’ll have the option to be paid within one business day; this comes with a small fee.

Payment method: Your payment will be deposited to your profile. You can then transfer the funds to a linked bank account.

Where to download Bacon

App Store Google Play

6. Qwick

Qwick is a staffing platform built for those working in the hospitality industry. Specifically, they target freelance food and beverage workers (e.g., servers, bartenders, baristas, etc.).

Once you’ve created an account and gone through a virtual orientation, you can begin to pick up shifts. Twice before your shift begins (24 hours before, if you scheduled that early, and then again 4 hours before), Qwick will send you a confirmation text. You must accept both confirmations or your shift will be canceled.

After each shift, both you and your employer can rate each other. Your ratings will be reflected in your “QwickScore,” which affects your eligibility to find work on Qwick.

Fees or commissions: None for the worker.

Age requirement: 18 years or older for most jobs. Jobs requiring you to serve alcohol may have stricter standards (e.g., requiring you to be 21+).

Other requirements: You need to have at least 1 year of relevant experience within the past 1–3 years, have a cell phone with an internet connection, and complete a virtual orientation. Some jobs may also require you to have a food handler’s card or an alcohol certification.

Payment schedule: 1–2 business days for Standard Pay, and as quick as 30 minutes after the completion of a shift for Instant Pay. Note that Instant Pay has a 3% processing fee.

Payment method: Via Stripe.

Where to download Qwick

App Store Google Play

Other places to sign up: Via Qwick’s website.

7. Wonolo

Wonolo connects people looking for flexible work with companies in various industries, including retail, food delivery, and warehousing.

Job seekers on the platform (who are referred to as “Wonoloers”) can browse through a list of daily or hourly jobs and apply for the ones that fit their skills and schedules.

Fees or commissions: None for the worker.

Age requirement: 18 years or older.

Other requirements: You must be authorized to work in the US. You may have to complete a background check, depending on the company or client hiring you.

Payment schedule: 1–5 business days after completing your job.

Payment method: Direct deposit to your checking account or debit card (Visa or Mastercard).

Where to download Wonolo

App Store Google Play

Other places to sign up: Via Wonolo’s website.

8. Instawork

Instawork was founded in 2015 with the goal of helping workers find hourly jobs in retail, cleaning, manufacturing, and other industries.

Instawork provides insurance coverage to all workers who find jobs through the platform.

High-performing workers are awarded “Top Pro” status. This comes with several benefits, including:

• Access to the app’s Instapay feature
• An Instawork-branded card that offers 5% cash back on qualifying gas and public transportation purchases
• More shifts on the platform

Fees or commissions: None for the worker.

Age requirement: 18 years or older.

Other requirements: You need to pass Instawork’s vetting process, which includes detailing your relevant work experience (if you have any) and taking an in-app “skills quiz.”

Payment schedule: Payments for your work from the previous Monday to Sunday are processed every Wednesday. The balance for your account will typically be updated by Saturday.

Instawork’s Top Pros qualify for Instapay, which comes with a $3 processing fee unless you use an Instawork card to accept payments.

Payment method: Direct deposit to your bank account or a debit card.

Where to download Instawork

App Store Google Play

Other places to sign up: Via Instawork’s website.

If you have past experience in the service industry (or any of the other industries that you can land shift work in, such as manufacturing), you’re more than qualified to use the apps listed above.

That said, if you’re used to working for traditional employers, there may be a learning curve when you pick up a gig app for the first time. Here’s some advice to help you get started:

• Build a solid profile: Your in-app profile is what you’ll use to introduce yourself to potential employers, so make every section count. Upload a clear and professional photo and list all of your relevant skills. Consider having a friend help you check and proofread your profile—it’s essentially your sales pitch, and you want to make yourself look as reliable and professional as possible.
• Enable notifications: Competition can be fierce on these apps, so remember to turn on notifications to receive real-time updates on open shifts. If you see a gig that you’re interested in, apply for it right away; as mentioned, many apps have a first-come, first-served system in place.
• Do your best on each job: This probably goes without saying, but performing well is extremely important. Most apps have a two-way rating system. Getting good reviews will increase your chances of getting more jobs (and higher-paying jobs) in the future.

Note that, in contrast to regular jobs, you don’t have to commit to working a set number of hours per week on any of the apps we’ve listed. You can pick up exactly as many shifts as you want.

If you create a strong profile, show up with a good attitude, and work as hard as you can, picking up extra shifts can become a reliable and flexible second income stream.