Wonolo is a legit app for gig workers that has a variety of gigs and pay ranges. As a full time traveler and freelancer, gig work is a great option to supplement our income or do something new.
The more we do gig work, the more we prefer Wonolo as our go-to gig work app because it’s reliable, pays well, and has gigs around the country – and no, Wonolo didn’t sponsor this blog. This blog was inspired by common questions we got after our last blog that are specific to our Wonolo experience and how it works.
What is a Wonolo job?
Wonolo stands for work now locally (pronounced wuh-NO-low). It’s a user-friendly app that matches gig workers to local in-person jobs. It specifically focuses on gigs, meaning you commit by shift rather than long term projects. Common Wonolo jobs include concession workers at events, event set ups, warehouse/fulfillment, merchandising, delivery, and cleaning.
Do I need experience for Wonolo gigs?
No experience is needed to work a Wonolo gig (part of what makes it a legit gig working app). Gigs don’t require experience, but you may receive a quick training once you arrive. Most of the time, you’d be trained for 10-15 min max. This actually makes Wonolo a great way to gain job experience and boost your resume for other positions.
How much can you make on Wonolo?
Wonolo hourly rates depend on your location. You can expect $20/hr or more in areas with higher cost of living (like Seattle). In areas like Arizona with a relatively low minimum wage, hourly rates typically range between $12 and $17 per hour. That being said, you can make even more than the hourly rates by taking advantage of bonuses.
Wonolo has three types of bonuses:
- $25 referral bonus: this bonus is paid out after you complete your first gig if you use code TAYLOR2159 when signing up. This is the easiest bonus to earn because you get the bonus regardless of the length of your gig. I first got this bonus after working just a 4-hour shift.
- Shift bonus: Wonolo offers this type of bonus when requestor (Wonolo’s version of an employer) is desperate for gig workers. You’ll find these bonuses on last-minute gigs that really need people. They don’t pop up that often, and they’re usually worth snagging when you see them.
- Multigig Wonolo bonus: these bonuses appear on your home screen when there’s a shortage of Wonoloers in the area for a specific time. For example, Wonolo might offer a $100 bonus if you work 5 gigs the week of Memorial Day since many people choose not to work on holidays (a benefit of gig work).
When do you get paid on Wonolo? Does Wonolo pay daily?
Part of what makes Wonolo legit is that they pay daily! You can expect to be paid either the day of your shift or day after, depending on when your shift ends. Wonolo uses direct deposit, so the money may take 3-5 days to actually show up in your account (we’ve found it’s actually faster than this with our bank). Wonolo does have a partnership with wisely with a quick pay option, so that money will hit your wisely account 1-3 days after your gig.
Does Wonolo do background checks?
Yes, Wonolo requires an online background check before you can work your first gig. It usually takes about 48 hours, but it can be longer depending on your history. If your background check is delayed, reach out to customer support and they’ll look into it (this happened to Mike because of an unverified address and they pushed it through quickly).
Some Wonolo gigs require a clear driving record. This would be something like a Jimmy John’s delivery gig. This additional check is optional, but it does open up more gigs.
How do you actually get a Wonolo job?
There are no applications for Wonolo jobs. After you pass your background check, you can immediately start accepting Wonolo gigs. All you do is open the app and scroll through the gig options. If there’s one you like that works with your schedule, just hit ‘Accept’. It’s really that simple (and it’s why Wonolo is truly a legit app). Other gig work apps make you apply to gigs, so you won’t know if you actually will be working the gig until after you hear back from the requestor.
Make sure to read the description in addition to the schedule and hourly pay. Most gigs require certain attire like closed-toe shoes and black pants. You will be turned away from the gig if you don’t abide by these requirements, which turns into a waste of time for both of you.
For more on gig app requirements, check out our YouTube:
Does Wonolo offer benefits?
As a gig worker, you will receive a 1099 from Wonolo. This means you’re an independent contractor and responsible for withholding your own taxes and purchasing your own benefits like health care and retirement. But Wonolo doesn’t leave you hanging, you can find a list of gig-work-friendly partnerships they have in the Wonolo Up section of the app. This includes things like affordable or alternative health insurance, investment accounts, tax support, etc.
Wonolo is extra legit because they offer Flex Time Off to their gig workers; you accrue it after meeting certain Wonolo requirements and can cash it out! You can choose to treat it like PTO and take some time off or just enjoy the extra cash.
Can I work Wonolo gigs full time?
We’ve met people that pick up Wonolo gigs as their only income source, but we don’t recommend that. Diversifying your income as a gig worker or freelancer is key to having sustainable income. Sometimes, there aren’t as many Wonolo gigs, but other apps may have more options during those slow times. Of course, bonuses and Flex Time Off are offered to try and keep your preference on Wonolo.
Mike was actually offered a full time position at every Wonolo gig he worked! So, by working Wonolo gigs, you might even find a full time job that you love with hire pay than you’d make on the app.
What happens if you leave a Wonolo job early?
As a gig worker, you’re expected to stay the entirety of your shift (and potentially a little longer if the event takes longer than expected). If you choose to leave early without the requestor’s consent, you will need to take that up with Wonolo.
Most of the time, you’d only leave a Wonolo job early if there is not enough work for you or the requestor asks you to leave due to behavioral issues. I’m going to assume if you’re reading this article, you’ll be on your best behavior during the gig, so let’s talk about the former situation. When a requestor asks you to end your shift early because of lack of work, you’ll only be paid for the hours you work if the gig posting had an hourly rate, which is the case for almost all Wonolo gigs. Make sure to complete the gig early within the app to get paid!
Where can I find gig work if Wonolo isn’t in my area?
This article has a list of other gig work apps that we’ve used around the country, but there are several other websites to find gig work or contract work too! Our Job Search Resource Guide lists our favorite sites for all types of jobs that work well with a nomadic lifestyle – from remote to in person contract to freelance opportunities and everything in between.
We hope this article eased your mind if you were asking “Is Wonolo Legit?” because it really is (don’t forget that $25 bonus with code TAYLOR2159). While it’s our go-to app for gig work, there are plenty of other opportunities as well. Find the platforms that work for you and start embracing the freedom you get from working different jobs in different places everywhere you go. Check out our YouTube channel or find us on all the other channels for more full time travel and alternative income info!
Everything is very open with a very clear description of the challenges. It was really informative. Your site is very helpful. Many thanks for sharing!
You are very welcome! I hope this helps you get some gig work!