In the vast landscape of the gig economy, where freelancers and remote workers thrive, Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) stands out as a unique platform offering micro-tasking opportunities.
Launched in 2005, MTurk has evolved into a bustling marketplace connecting individuals and businesses, enabling the completion of tasks that require human intelligence.
In this review, we delve into the workings of MTurk, its earning potential, payment methods, and the overall experience for users.
What is MTurk and How Does it Work?
MTurk operates on a simple premise: requesters post tasks, known as Human Intelligence Tasks (HITs), which workers complete for monetary compensation.
These tasks vary widely, including data entry, content moderation, image tagging, surveys, and more.
Requesters set the price for each task, and workers choose which tasks to complete based on their interests and skills.
The platform serves as a bridge between businesses and a global workforce, offering flexibility for both parties.
Requesters benefit from accessing scalable labor at competitive prices, while workers enjoy the freedom to work from anywhere and choose tasks according to their schedule.
How to Make Money with MTurk:
Getting started on MTurk is relatively straightforward. Users sign up as workers, providing basic information and completing identity verification.
Once registered, they gain access to the marketplace and can browse available HITs.
To make money on MTurk, it’s essential to understand the dynamics of HITs. Some tasks offer higher payouts but may require specialized skills or qualifications, while others are simple and open to all.
Users can filter HITs based on factors like reward amount, time required, and HIT type to find opportunities that align with their abilities and preferences.
Here is an example of the current available HITs on my dashboard:
To start working on a task just click “Accept & Work” and you will be taken to the task page with instructions. You will also see a timer counting down, this is the time you have to complete the task.
Consistency is key to maximizing earnings on MTurk. By dedicating time each day to completing tasks, users can gradually build up their earnings.
Additionally, cultivating relationships with requesters and earning qualifications for specific tasks can lead to access to higher-paying opportunities.
Earning Potential:
Many HITs are $0.01 to $0.05 but are simple tasks that can be completed multiple times, which means you can rack up your earnings easily doing one thing over and over again.
Other HITs such as surveys usually pay $0.50 to $5.00+ but can only be completed once per user.
The monthly earning potential on MTurk varies widely depending on factors such as task availability, user efficiency, and the time invested.
While some users report earning a few dollars per day, others have managed to generate a substantial part time or even full time income by focusing on higher-paying tasks and optimizing their workflow.
Personally speaking, on my most profitable days I earned over $40, however this is not typical. Over a period of a month I only average about $5 per day working casually.
For the average person it’s essential to approach MTurk as a supplementary source of income rather than a primary livelihood. You can also consider Joining Multiple Extra Income Sites to increase your overall earning potential.
How to Cash Out:
MTurk offers multiple options for cashing out earnings, providing flexibility for users. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the limitations and availability of each cash-out method.
Here are the primary methods:
- Amazon Gift Cards (No Minimum Threshold): Users can redeem their earnings in the form of Amazon gift cards, which can be used for purchases on the platform. This option is universally available to all users and does not have a minimum payment threshold, making it accessible for users with varying earning levels.
- Transfer to Amazon Payments Account (No Minimum Threshold): Earnings can be transferred to an Amazon Payments account, providing a convenient way to manage funds within the Amazon ecosystem. Like Amazon gift cards, there is no minimum payment threshold for transferring earnings to an Amazon Payments account, ensuring accessibility for all users.
- Bank Transfer (Limited Availability): Bank transfer is an option available only to select users, typically based on geographical location and other factors. Users should check their account settings to determine if this option is available to them and if they meet the necessary requirements.
Additionally, some users may explore alternative methods, such as exchanging their Amazon gift cards for PayPal cash through online forums or third-party platforms. While not directly supported by MTurk, these avenues provide an opportunity for users to convert their earnings into cash for broader use.
Earnings are automatically transferred every week. You can see all your earnings in the “Transfer History” page, here’s a look at mine:
By the way, I also recommend you check out my Top Extra Income Sites which are other sites I personally use to earn some extra income online every month. It’s good to know that these sites offer PayPal as a cash out method in case you’re not too fond of gift cards.
Does MTurk Pay Users?
Absolutely. Many people including myself have been paid by MTurk many times.
Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is a legitimate platform that compensates users for completing tasks. As part of Amazon, MTurk operates with transparency and reliability.
Requesters fund their tasks beforehand, ensuring there’s money available for compensation. Payments for completed tasks are prompt, and MTurk provides mechanisms for dispute resolution if needed.
Pros:
- Flexibility: MTurk offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing users to work from anywhere and choose tasks according to their preferences and schedule.
- Variety of Tasks: With a diverse range of HITs available, users can explore different types of work and find opportunities that match their skills and interests.
- Accessibility: MTurk is open to users worldwide, providing access to a global marketplace of tasks and opportunities.
- Low Barrier to Entry: Getting started on MTurk requires minimal setup and investment, making it accessible to individuals from all walks of life.
Cons:
- Low Earning Potential: While MTurk can provide a steady stream of income, the earning potential for individual tasks is often relatively low, especially for those without specialized skills or qualifications.
- Task Availability: Task availability on MTurk can be unpredictable, with periods of high demand followed by lulls in activity. This can make it challenging for users to consistently earn income.
- Limited Bank Transfer Availability: While MTurk offers various cash-out options, including bank transfer, it’s important to note that this option is not universally available to all users. Factors such as geographical location and banking regulations may restrict access to bank transfers for some individuals.
Conclusion:
Amazon Mechanical Turk offers a unique opportunity for individuals to earn money by completing micro-tasks online.
With its flexibility, accessibility, and variety of tasks, MTurk has become a popular choice for freelancers and remote workers seeking supplemental income.
While it may not be a viable option for those seeking to replace traditional employment, MTurk provides a valuable source of income for those willing to invest time and effort.
By understanding the dynamics of the platform, optimizing their workflow, and staying proactive in seeking out opportunities, users can unlock the full potential of MTurk as a legitimate earning avenue in the gig economy landscape.