Instawork Review: Is Instawork a Legit App for Picking Up One-Time Jobs?

Instawork is an on-demand job app that connects contractors with organizations looking to hire workers in various industries. While the shifts you can get on the Instawork app are all in-person shifts, you can find a wide variety of jobs, from skilled roles to manual work that just about anyone can do.

And how does Instawork work? You simply use the Instawork mobile app to find shifts and gigs that match your preferences. Gigs may be same-day, one-time, on-call, part-time, seasonal, and even temp-to-hire. There’s a lot of flexibility in what you’ll find.

Unlike some other work-on-demand job apps, Instawork tries to prepare its contractors for their shifts ahead of time. They receive shift instructions, convenient clocking in and out via the app, and occupational accident insurance (i.e., workers’ comp).

As an Instawork pro, you’ll claim the jobs you want. If you’re too late to claim a gig, you may still have a shot as a “paid backup.” In this case, if the original worker who booked the shift can’t make it, Instawork will pay you for up to 4 hours of work as long as you arrive on site ready to work when the shift starts.

Types of jobs

Instawork gigs mainly fall within just a handful of categories. However, you can find a wide range of positions within those categories. Here are a few examples of popular Instawork jobs:

• Barista
• Bartender
• Busser
• Dishwasher
• Concessions worker
• Food service worker
• Housekeeper
• Janitor
• Line cook
• Merchandiser
• Picker/packer
• Server
• Steward
• Warehouse worker

Instawork categorizes jobs as either “entry level” or “skilled” positions. Anyone can apply for entry level jobs, but skilled shift positions require you to demonstrate that you have proper knowledge and training. To apply for shift positions, you need to complete an application, which Instawork will review.

The variety of job options on Instawork seems to be a big draw for users. For example, Instawork user David Levy, who wrote an article on the app, commented that “Each and every gig is a new experience even if you have worked in the same venue in the past.” 1

Costs and fees

There is no fee to sign up with Instawork. In addition, the app has no service charges. As a contractor, you’ll take home 100% of your earnings through Instawork. You won’t even need to pay for occupational accident insurance—instead, it’s covered by the hiring company.

Instawork Top Pro program

Instawork assesses each worker according to several metrics (like average reviews, number of shifts worked, and reliability) to determine who qualifies for their Insawork Top Pro program. A high enough ranking will get you access to a suite of benefits, including instant payouts after your shifts, early access to gigs, and monetary bonuses.

The program consists of four tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. This isn’t something you can apply for—instead, Instawork will assess your performance on a monthly basis to determine where you stand.

For up-to-date requirements and benefits for each tier, check out Instawork’s guide to the Instawork Top Pro program.

Yes, Instawork is a legit app that’s safe to use. Just ask the 5 million workers who use the Instawork app. A variety of trusted organizations—like Target, Sodexo, Embassy Suites, MoMA, and Stanford University—have used Instawork to find local workers to satisfy their temp and on-demand job needs.

Nevertheless, like the case with many job apps, users have conflicting opinions on whether Instawork is everything it claims to be and whether it’s worth signing up. Here’s a summary of key points that come up in online discussions and reviews from workers regarding Instawork’s legitimacy.

Getting suspended from the app

Reddit user: “Everyone ends up getting suspended for one reason or another. My account was suspended after booking as a paid back up. I was sent home and company marked me as a no show.”

Google Play reviewer: “This app used to be great until they started changing all the rules. Now it’s too much like a real job. I had to cancel a shift for a legit reason, showed them court docs and they still suspended me AND took all my shifts away. They won’t let me rebook them … If you cancel a shift, you have to wait til the following month to get it back.”

Reddit user: “They have long allowed a “glitch” that makes workers get marked as no-shows on a shift AFTER working the full shift, thus resulting in a withholding of their pay … To top off not paying workers, they block their accounts, cancel the future shifts they had scheduled, and don’t allow them to schedule any more shifts until the dispute is resolved.”

Google Play reviewer: “I reported to a gig that was canceled and never alerted to such in the app. I was suspended because they said I was a NO Show which is furthest from the truth. After appealing I was still suspended which was no fault of my own.”

Job availability

Apple Store reviewer: “I have had a really hard time finding work, even with other gig apps the work is hit or miss and you can’t make the type of money you can pay your rent with. With Instawork I have been able to secure decent work at decent pay with great people. This app has work for every person no matter what you are qualified to do, they have something for everyone.”

Google Play reviewer: “I haven’t been able to book one shift with this app. I live in Chicago. About 85% of the gigs are over 70 miles away from me, a lot in other states. When I finally get a gig close to me I get a notification and go to book the shift, the app allows me to try and book just for m to get a notification that booking is full.”

Apple Store reviewer: “If you like to hustle & earn extra income this is the app for you. I’ve personally been working non stop through this app. Since January 24th 2022. That was my first gig. For the next 8 months I was working in a different place almost every single day, I would be going to a new location to utilize my skill set.”

Google Play reviewer: “No jobs in area. And when u do try and find something they are all taken by people who have a certain status. I tried but found finding jobs here is far more frustrating than just going on Indeed or Snag a job!”

User support

Reddit user: “Personally its been up and down for me. Usually up. When I have a problem they for themost part help me out. On the rare occasions something bad has happened it never resulted in lost money that I worked for.”

Google Play reviewer: “I have been working on the platform full time for the past 2 years and I am now finding it almost impossible to get in contact with their support team. I have been waiting 26 days for a response to my issue.”

Google Play reviewer: “I went to do my 1st shift, couldn’t get the code or contact support. I was told by the app and manager to work anyway and it would get fixed. By the end of my shift I was deactivated and never paid. I tried several times to get help and Nothing.”

When working with Instawork, you’re responsible for clocking in and out of your shifts via the app. Even if the employer has their own time reporting system, you need to use the app’s time tracker to get paid.

Once you’ve logged your time and completed your shift, Instawork pays you by direct deposit. If you worked a 1099 gig, you’ll receive 100% of your earnings (though you’ll be responsible for paying your own taxes). If you worked a W-2 position, Instawork deducts taxes from your payment.

When does Instawork pay?

Typically, Instawork pays workers once a week for all shifts completed the previous Monday-to-Sunday workweek. Payments get processed on Wednesdays, and the funds hit your account by Saturday at the latest.

Instapay

Instawork rewards its most reliable and top-performing contractors with an instant payout option, known as Instapay. To get instant payments, you need to be at the Silver, Gold, or Platinum level of the Instawork Top Pro program.

To achieve this, you’ll need to do the following every month:

• Complete at least two shifts
• Have zero no-shows, late cancellations, or early cancellations
• Have an average rating of 4.7 or higher

Below is a breakdown of how the pay schedule works for Instapay.

Instapay Payment Schedule

Source: Instawork’s guide to changing your payment settings.

How much you can earn

According to the Instawork website, contractors earn up to $30 per hour, and the average rate across all job types is above $20 per hour. However, pay rates on Indeed show that Instawork gigs tend to pay much less. 2

For example, here are the average hourly earnings per position as of February 2024:

• Server: $19.20
• Bartender: $19.39
• Dishwasher: $15.33
• Prep cook: $16.70
• Line cook: $21.04
• Forklift operator: $15.77
• Warehouse associate: $17.45
• Housekeeper: $21.35
• Janitor: $14.97
• Retail merchandiser: $14.17
• Cashier: $13.92

From another perspective, one Instawork user claims that jobs selling concessions at sports events in their area pay in the range $17.35–$28.00 per hour. 1

Experience and seniority will also have a big effect on how much you earn on Instawork. Becoming a Top Pro can also help as you’ll become eligible for 25% bonuses on certain shifts.

Since the Instawork app mainly lists jobs in the hospitality, retail, and events spaces, you should ideally have some experience working in one of these fields. Ultimately, however, there are only a few basic Instawork requirements you need to fulfill in order to sign up:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Own a smartphone
• Pass a background check
• Be able to provide professional references
• Have relevant work experience from the past 10 years

You may need to meet additional requirements, such as certification, licensing, or training requirements, depending on where you’re located and the type of work you plan to do.

Required work experience

Unlike the case with some other apps for picking up shifts, Instawork doesn’t require workers to have prior experience for the specific positions they apply for. However, some roles (like bartending) require a certification or special training.

When you sign up for Instawork, you’ll need to submit proof of experience along with references and relevant certifications. Once you’re approved, you’ll need to take in-app quizzes to demonstrate your knowledge and skills.

As you complete more shifts and receive employer feedback, Instawork will use this data to give you a performance score and a quality score. These scores enable you to become a Top Pro and access more benefits, better gigs, and higher pay.

Instawork locations

Instawork isn’t available in all cities at the moment. Currently, it operates in over 40 major markets in the United States. You’ll find the full list of available markets at the bottom of the Worker page.

These are the cities with the most Instawork workers:

• Atlanta
• Chicago
• Dallas
• Houston
• Las Vegas
• Los Angeles
• Miami
• New York City
• Philadelphia
• Phoenix
• San Francisco

Plenty of users report being able to take on plenty of gigs where they live. Nevertheless, even if you live in one of these areas, it’s possible that the number of jobs will be limited or the nearest gig will be too far for you to feasibly commute. In other cases, you may be competing with a large pool of workers who regularly beat you to the punch each time a shift opens up.

While there’s plenty of information on Instawork.com, you can’t sign up on the website. You’ll need to download the app to your smartphone or mobile device.

After you’ve done that, here’s what you’ll need to do to get started:

1. Create an account
2. Set up your profile
3. Add details about your work history
4. Add professional references
5. Select the types of gigs you want to work
6. Set your job preferences

If you have relevant skills and certifications, there’s space to list them out as well. Once you’ve completed the questionnaire, you can enter your zip code to start browsing available shifts.

Instawork claims that the whole signup and application process typically takes 1–2 weeks, although you might be put on a waitlist even after approval during periods of high shift volume. 3

Where to download the Instawork app

App Store Google Play

Instawork contractors seem to be divided on whether this on-demand job app is worth using. Some love how easy it is to find temp work and shifts. Others have major complaints about how the operation is run.

Pros and cons of working for Instawork

Not sure if Instawork is right for you? Here’s a summary of the good and the bad:

Instawork app reviews tell us a lot about what it’s like to find work with the app. Those who enjoy using Instawork do so because of the flexibility it offers. They also say it’s a good way to quickly make money.

Those who don’t like Instawork have major grievances with the app or how the business handles its operations. For starters, many claim that they haven’t been paid for documented work that they clocked in for.

Others say that Instawork customer service is too automated or hard to reach. Since the app may automatically “block” you if an employer falsely marks you as a no-show, you could find yourself unpaid and unable to sign up for future jobs due to a simple mistake, and you’ll be at the mercy of app support until they can help you fix the error.

Ultimately, a lot of the other advantages and disadvantages that users report for Instawork are ones that apply to many other gig apps. In the best case, you get a convenient way to make quick money. But there’s also a risk that you won’t find any jobs where you live, and you may struggle to get support from a real human.