GigSmart is a Denver-based staffing platform with two apps: Get Workers for businesses and Get Gigs for people doing the work. In Get Gigs, anyone 18 or older can pick up hourly shifts in areas like moving, events, warehouses, retail and cleaning, or bid on small projects. You’re paid after the business approves your timesheet, through GigSmart’s payout partner, Branch.
At a glance
| Type of work | Hourly shifts and small projects with local businesses |
| How you earn | Hourly pay set on each shift, or your bid on a project |
| Worker status | Mostly 1099 contractor shifts; W-2 shifts through Ascen, an employer of record |
| Cost to join | Free to download and browse; GigSmart deducts a Trust and Support fee from earnings |
| Payout | After timesheet approval, through Branch: free to a Branch account, or to your own bank |
| Requirements | 18+, verification steps, any skills or equipment the shift needs |
| Where it works | Across the US |
How GigSmart works
You download Get Gigs, build a profile with your skills and experience, and complete verification. Businesses post shifts with the role, hours, pay and requirements. You apply or accept offers, show up, clock in and out in the app, and submit your timesheet. Once the business approves it, payment is released.
Some businesses also post projects, where you can offer a price for a defined job rather than working by the hour. Businesses can favorite workers and send them shifts directly, which is how regulars build steady work.
1099 and W-2 shifts
Most GigSmart work is independent contractor work, so you handle your own taxes. GigSmart also offers W-2 shifts, where you’re employed for the shift through Ascen, an employer of record, after completing Ascen’s own onboarding. Contractor shifts come with occupational accident insurance arranged through a contractors’ association, which is unusual for gig apps.
How you get paid
Payment happens after the business approves your timesheet. In 2026, GigSmart moved all payouts to Branch, replacing Stripe. You can take payouts free to a Branch digital account and debit card, instantly send funds from there to another debit card for a small fee, or have them paid to your existing bank account. Standard payouts arrive within about two business days of approval.
GigSmart deducts what it calls a Trust and Support fee from worker earnings. Check the breakdown on each shift so you know your net pay before accepting.
Watch out for fake recruiters
Shift apps attract scammers posing as recruiters who ask for personal details or money upfront, or try to move you off the app. Keep all shift communication inside Get Gigs, and never pay anyone to get work. GigSmart also has a direct payment policy: businesses that pay workers they met on the platform outside it can owe GigSmart a fee, so off-app offers are a red flag for both sides.
Owen’s take
GigSmart is a solid, unflashy way to find hourly local work, and the accident insurance on contractor shifts is a genuine plus most rivals don’t offer. The project option is useful if you have a trade skill and want to price your own jobs. My main caution is pay timing: you depend on the business approving your timesheet, and a slow approver means slow money. Favor businesses that approve quickly and rebook you, and it becomes a dependable top-up.
Who it suits
It suits people who want varied, in-person hourly work, especially in moving, events and general labor, and those with trade skills who want to bid on small projects. It suits less well anyone who needs guaranteed same-day pay regardless of the business.
Similar options
- Instawork is the closest alternative for local shifts.
- Qwick specializes in hospitality shifts.
- GoShare pays more for moving work if you own a truck or van.
More options are in Gig Work.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Wide range of shifts and small projects
- Occupational accident insurance on contractor shifts
- Free payouts to a Branch account
Cons
- Pay waits for the business to approve your timesheet
- Trust and Support fee comes out of your earnings
- Fake recruiters target users, so caution is needed
FAQ
How does GigSmart pay workers?
After the business approves your timesheet, through Branch. You can take payouts free to a Branch account or to your own bank, and standard payouts arrive within about two business days.
Does GigSmart take a fee from workers?
Yes. GigSmart deducts a Trust and Support fee from worker earnings. Check each shift’s breakdown before accepting.
Is GigSmart W-2 or 1099?
Mostly 1099 contractor work, with some W-2 shifts through Ascen, an employer of record.
What’s the difference between Get Gigs and Get Workers?
Get Gigs is the app for people looking for work. Get Workers is the app businesses use to post shifts and hire.
