Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is a crowdsourcing platform run by Amazon that connects businesses with workers who complete small, simple tasks in exchange for payment. These tasks, known as Human Intelligence Tasks (HITs), include data entry, surveys, content moderation, image labeling, and more.
For individuals looking to make money online, MTurk provides an accessible way to earn extra cash by completing these HITs. While it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, thousands of freelancers, students, stay-at-home parents, and gig workers use the platform to supplement their income.
How Does Amazon Mechanical Turk Work?
When you sign up as a worker, you gain access to a list of available tasks posted by requesters—companies or researchers needing human input for tasks that AI can’t handle effectively. You can choose tasks based on pay rate, difficulty level, and estimated completion time.
Once a task is completed and approved by the requester, you receive payment through Amazon Payments or direct deposit. However, your earnings depend on factors like task availability, efficiency, and reputation within the platform.
Who is MTurk For?
Amazon Mechanical Turk is best suited for:
✅ Beginners looking for an easy way to earn money online without prior experience.
✅ Freelancers & side hustlers who want to maximize earnings through small but consistent tasks.
✅ Students or stay-at-home parents who need a flexible income stream.
✅ People looking to work remotely with a low-effort, no-commitment side gig.
While Amazon MTurk is a legitimate platform, it’s important to understand that earnings can vary. Some workers earn just a few extra dollars per day, while others optimize their strategies to make a more significant amount. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to sign up, get approved, choose the best tasks, and maximize your earnings efficiently.
Ready to Get Started?
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of joining MTurk, understanding the different types of tasks, and learning the best tips for making the most out of your time on the platform.
Step 1: What Is Amazon Mechanical Turk and How Does It Work?
What Is Amazon Mechanical Turk?
Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is a crowdsourcing marketplace run by Amazon that allows businesses, researchers, and developers to outsource small, repetitive, and time-consuming tasks to human workers. These tasks, called Human Intelligence Tasks (HITs), require skills that artificial intelligence (AI) and automation struggle to perform accurately—such as data entry, categorization, image recognition, transcription, and surveys.
For gig workers and freelancers, MTurk provides an opportunity to make money online by completing these microtasks in exchange for payment. Unlike traditional jobs, there are no interviews, long-term commitments, or technical skills required to get started. Instead, anyone with an internet connection and a bit of patience can sign up and begin working.
How Companies Use MTurk for Outsourcing Microtasks
Businesses, academic researchers, and developers use Amazon Mechanical Turk to get human input on tasks that require critical thinking, subjective judgment, or data refinement. Some common use cases include:
✅ AI Training & Data Labeling – Tech companies use MTurk to improve machine learning models by having workers label images, videos, or audio clips.
✅ Market Research & Surveys – Academic institutions and businesses rely on MTurk workers to answer surveys that help shape their products or research.
✅ Data Entry & Categorization – Companies use MTurk for organizing and classifying information, such as tagging content or cleaning up large datasets.
✅ Content Moderation – Online platforms hire MTurk workers to review and flag inappropriate content, ensuring safer user experiences.
By leveraging thousands of remote gig workers, companies save both time and money while gaining access to a scalable, on-demand workforce.
Is MTurk a Legit Way to Make Money Online?
Yes! Amazon Mechanical Turk is a legitimate platform, backed by one of the largest tech companies in the world. However, while MTurk is not a scam, it’s important to set realistic expectations.
- ✅ Legit Pros: No upfront costs, flexible work schedule, and a variety of available tasks.
- ❌ Challenges: Low pay for beginners, some requesters reject work unfairly, and earnings depend on task availability.
MTurk won’t replace a full-time job, but it can be a great way to earn extra cash, especially for students, stay-at-home parents, retirees, and side hustlers looking for quick online gigs.
Now that you know what Amazon Mechanical Turk is and how it works, let’s move on to the next step: how to sign up and get approved to start working!
Step 2: How to Join Amazon Mechanical Turk & Get Approved
Amazon Mechanical Turk is an open platform, but not everyone gets approved instantly. To start earning, you first need to apply, pass Amazon’s review process, and set up your account correctly. In this step, we’ll walk you through the sign-up process, explain the Amazon MTurk approval process, and give you tips to increase your chances of getting accepted faster.
How to Sign Up for Amazon Mechanical Turk
✅ Step 1: Go to the Official MTurk Website
- Visit www.mturk.com and click on “Get Started with Amazon Mechanical Turk.”
- Choose the “I want to work on tasks” option.
✅ Step 2: Log in with Your Amazon Account
- If you already have an Amazon account, you can use it to sign in.
- If not, you’ll need to create a new Amazon account to proceed.
✅ Step 3: Complete Your MTurk Application
- Fill out your personal information, including your name, country, and email address.
- Read and agree to the MTurk Worker Agreement (Amazon’s terms and conditions).
✅ Step 4: Submit Your Application & Wait for Approval
- After applying, Amazon will review your application to determine if you qualify.
- This process can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks.
- If approved, you’ll receive an email confirmation allowing you to start working.
Amazon MTurk Approval Process: What You Need to Know
Not everyone gets instant approval to join Amazon Mechanical Turk. Amazon reviews applications based on region, past account history, and demand for workers. Here’s what you should know:
✅ Approval Time Varies – Some applicants get approved within 24 hours, while others may wait several weeks.
✅ Location Restrictions Apply – MTurk is available in many countries, but some regions have limited access due to fraud concerns and tax regulations.
✅ Amazon May Reject Applications – If your application is denied, you can reapply after a few months, but Amazon doesn’t always give a reason for rejections.
✅ Tips to Increase Your Chances of Approval:
- Use an Amazon account that has a purchase history (brand-new accounts are sometimes flagged).
- Apply using a stable internet connection and a unique IP address to avoid potential fraud detection issues.
- Fill out all required fields accurately and avoid incomplete applications.
What Happens After You’re Approved?
Once Amazon approves your MTurk account, you can:
✅ Start working on available HITs immediately
✅ Set up your payment method (Amazon Payments or bank deposit)
✅ Complete beginner-friendly tasks to build your reputation
Congratulations! Now that you have successfully joined MTurk, let’s move on to the next step: understanding the types of tasks available and how to choose the best ones to maximize your earnings!
Step 3: Understanding Amazon Mechanical Turk Tasks (What Jobs You Can Do)
Now that your Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) account is approved, it’s time to start working. But before you dive in, it’s important to understand what types of tasks (HITs) are available, which ones pay the most, and how to qualify for higher-paying work. This step will guide you through the different types of HITs, how to find the best-paying tasks, and what you need to know about qualification tests.
What Are HITs? (Human Intelligence Tasks)
Amazon Mechanical Turk operates through HITs (Human Intelligence Tasks)—small online jobs that requesters post for workers to complete. These tasks vary in complexity, and payouts can range from a few cents to several dollars per task. The key to making money on MTurk is knowing which HITs are worth your time.
Types of Amazon Mechanical Turk Tasks (Best HITs to Work On)
Not all HITs are created equal. Here are the most common MTurk task categories, along with which ones tend to pay the most:
✅ Surveys & Market Research
- Companies and researchers post short surveys, opinion polls, and market research questionnaires.
- Pros: Easy to complete, no special skills required.
- Cons: Can be low-paying unless you qualify for high-reward surveys.
✅ Data Entry & Categorization
- Involves copying data, organizing information, tagging images/videos, or transcribing documents.
- Pros: Simple and quick to complete.
- Cons: Very low pay per task (best for beginners).
✅ Content Moderation & Flagging
- Reviewing and flagging inappropriate content, spam, or low-quality data.
- Pros: Pays slightly more than basic data entry tasks.
- Cons: Can be repetitive and time-consuming.
✅ Audio & Video Transcription
- Listen to audio recordings or watch videos, then type out the spoken words.
- Pros: Higher payouts than surveys or data entry.
- Cons: Requires accuracy and patience; some tasks need prior experience.
✅ AI & Machine Learning Training
- Labeling images, identifying objects, and verifying AI-generated data.
- Pros: Some of the best-paying tasks on MTurk.
- Cons: Often require qualification tests or specialized skills.
✅ Writing & Editing
- Some requesters hire MTurk workers to write product descriptions, edit content, or proofread text.
- Pros: Higher-paying tasks for those with writing experience.
- Cons: Requires good grammar and attention to detail.
How to Find the Best-Paying MTurk Tasks
Not all HITs are worth your time. Here’s how to maximize your earnings by choosing the best tasks:
✔ Look for HITs with high pay per minute – Calculate the estimated hourly rate before accepting a task.
✔ Avoid requesters with low ratings – Some requesters reject work unfairly and don’t pay workers.
✔ Join MTurk worker forums & communities – Websites like TurkerView and MTurk Crowd share the best-paying HITs daily.
✔ Use browser extensions – Extensions like MTurk Suite help filter out low-paying or scammy HITs.
MTurk Qualification Tests: How to Unlock Better Jobs
Some of the best-paying HITs require qualification tests to prove that you can complete them accurately. Here’s what you need to know:
🔹 What Are Qualification Tests?
- Some requesters require workers to pass a test before allowing them to work on their tasks.
- These tests can include multiple-choice questions, data entry samples, or short transcription exercises.
🔹 Why Take Qualification Tests?
- Once you pass, you gain access to higher-paying tasks.
- Some qualification-based HITs pay 2-3x more than regular tasks.
🔹 How to Pass MTurk Qualification Tests
✔ Read the instructions carefully – Many workers fail because they rush through the test.
✔ Look up answers when possible – Some tests allow you to Google information before answering.
✔ Practice with sample tests – Some requesters post practice versions before the real test.
What’s Next? Choosing the Right Tasks for Maximum Earnings
Now that you understand how Amazon Mechanical Turk tasks work, it’s time to start earning money efficiently. In the next step, we’ll cover how much you can realistically make on MTurk and how to maximize your earnings over time.
Step 4: How Much Can You Make on Amazon MTurk? (Real Earnings Breakdown)
One of the most common questions people ask before joining Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is: “How much money can I actually make?” While MTurk is a legitimate way to earn money online, your earnings depend on several factors, including task availability, requester quality, and efficiency.
In this step, we’ll break down realistic earnings expectations, factors that affect your income, and strategies to maximize your earnings on MTurk.
How Much Can You Make on Amazon Mechanical Turk?
There’s no fixed income on MTurk since each worker sets their own pace, but here’s a general breakdown of realistic earning potential:
✅ Beginners (First 2 Weeks): $2 – $5 per hour
✅ Casual Workers (Few Hours a Week): $20 – $50 per week
✅ Experienced Workers (Optimized Strategy): $100 – $300+ per month
✅ Top Earners (Full-Time Turkers): $500 – $1,000+ per month
👉 Important Note: Most workers don’t earn much at first because higher-paying HITs require experience and qualifications. However, as you complete more tasks and build a strong reputation, your earning potential increases.
Factors That Affect Your MTurk Earnings
Not all workers earn the same amount on Amazon Mechanical Turk. Here are the biggest factors that impact your income:
🔹 Task Availability – The number of HITs posted daily varies, and some days have better-paying tasks than others.
🔹 Requesters & HIT Quality – Some HITs pay as little as $0.01, while others pay $5 or more per task. Choosing the right tasks is key to making more money.
🔹 Approval Rating – MTurk tracks your accuracy, and requesters can reject your work. A high approval rate (above 98%) helps unlock better-paying HITs.
🔹 Your Speed & Efficiency – The faster you complete tasks without sacrificing accuracy, the more you can earn per hour.
🔹 Qualification Tests – Unlocking higher-paying HITs requires passing MTurk qualification tests (covered in Step 3).
How to Calculate Your Hourly Earnings on MTurk
To see if a HIT is worth your time, calculate your estimated hourly rate:
1️⃣ Look at the task payout (e.g., $0.50 per HIT)
2️⃣ Estimate how long it takes to complete (e.g., 2 minutes per HIT)
3️⃣ Calculate your earnings per hour:
- 30 HITs per hour x $0.50 = $15 per hour
👉 Pro Tip: Many workers aim for at least $6 – $10 per hour by choosing only high-paying HITs.
How to Maximize Your Amazon MTurk Earnings
Want to make more money on MTurk? Here are proven strategies to boost your earnings:
✔ Prioritize High-Paying HITs – Use tools like MTurk Suite to filter out low-paying tasks.
✔ Join MTurk Worker Forums – Websites like TurkerView and MTurk Crowd share daily lists of the best HITs.
✔ Maintain a High Approval Rating – Requesters reject low-quality work, so always follow instructions carefully.
✔ Take Qualification Tests Early – Unlock higher-paying tasks faster by passing MTurk qualification tests.
✔ Use Browser Extensions & Scripts – MTurk Suite and Panda Crazy help automate task searching, saving you time.
✔ Work During Peak Hours – Many HITs are posted in the morning and early afternoon (U.S. time).
Is Amazon Mechanical Turk Worth It for Making Money?
MTurk is a legit way to make extra money online, but it’s not a full-time income source. If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn extra cash, it’s a great option. However, if you need a high-paying side hustle, consider combining MTurk with other freelance or gig economy jobs.
Now that you know how much you can make on Amazon MTurk, let’s move on to the next step: how MTurk’s payment system works and how to get paid efficiently!
Step 5: How Amazon MTurk Pays You & Payment Options
Now that you understand how much you can make on Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), it’s time to get paid! MTurk offers different payment methods, but there are important details you need to know about payout processing times, minimum withdrawal limits, and common payment issues.
In this step, we’ll cover how MTurk’s payment system works, the different payout options, and tips to avoid payment delays.
How Does Amazon MTurk Pay Workers?
Amazon Mechanical Turk processes worker payments through two main options:
1️⃣ Amazon Payments Account (U.S. & Some International Workers)
- Your earnings are deposited into an Amazon Payments balance.
- You can transfer the money to your linked bank account.
- Processing time: Transfers typically take 1–3 business days.
2️⃣ Amazon Gift Card Balance (Non-U.S. Workers)
- If you live outside the United States, Amazon may only offer gift card payouts instead of cash.
- The funds are added to your Amazon gift card balance, which can be used for Amazon purchases.
👉 Important: Some countries are restricted from withdrawing cash, so check Amazon’s policies before signing up.
How to Set Up Your Payment Method on MTurk
To receive your earnings, follow these steps:
✅ Step 1: Link Your Bank Account (for U.S. users)
- Go to MTurk’s account settings and add your bank details.
- You’ll need to verify your identity and bank account to enable direct transfers.
✅ Step 2: Choose Amazon Payments or Gift Cards
- Select your preferred payment method based on availability in your country.
- If you’re outside the U.S., check if cash withdrawals are allowed.
✅ Step 3: Request a Payment Transfer
- Once your earnings are approved, you can withdraw funds at any time.
- Payments are processed within a few days, depending on your chosen method.
How Long Does It Take to Get Paid on Amazon MTurk?
Your MTurk earnings are not paid instantly—requesters must first approve your completed HITs. Here’s how the payment timeline works:
📌 Step 1: You complete a HIT – Your submission is sent to the requester.
📌 Step 2: The requester reviews and approves your work – This can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days.
📌 Step 3: Funds are added to your Amazon Payments balance – Once approved, the money becomes available for withdrawal.
📌 Step 4: You transfer the money to your bank – This takes 1–3 business days to process.
👉 Pro Tip: Some requesters approve HITs faster than others. If you want to get paid quicker, focus on tasks from requesters with a fast approval history.
Common Payment Issues & How to Avoid Them
🔹 “My HIT was rejected, and I didn’t get paid!”
✔ Always follow task instructions carefully to avoid rejections.
✔ Check TurkerView for requester ratings before accepting HITs.
🔹 “My payment is taking too long!”
✔ Some requesters take several days to approve HITs—be patient.
✔ Stick to requesters with a fast approval rate for quicker payouts.
🔹 “I can’t withdraw my money!”
✔ If your bank account isn’t verified, complete the identity verification process in Amazon Payments.
✔ Check if your country is eligible for cash payouts—some users can only receive Amazon gift cards.
Maximizing Your MTurk Payments
To ensure smooth payments and maximize your earnings, follow these best practices:
✔ Check requesters’ approval times before working on HITs.
✔ Avoid low-rated requesters who frequently reject work.
✔ Transfer your earnings regularly to prevent payment delays.
✔ Track your completed HITs to ensure all approved work gets paid.
What’s Next? Boosting Your Earnings with Expert Tips
Now that you know how Amazon MTurk pays workers, it’s time to level up your strategy. In the next step, we’ll cover expert tips to earn more money on MTurk, work more efficiently, and find the highest-paying HITs.
Step 6: Best Amazon MTurk Tips for Beginners to Earn More Money
Now that you know how Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) pays workers, it’s time to optimize your strategy and start making the most money possible on the platform. While MTurk won’t replace a full-time job, applying the right techniques, tools, and strategies can significantly increase your hourly rate.
In this step, we’ll cover expert tips to boost your earnings, avoid low-paying tasks, and work more efficiently.
1. Prioritize High-Paying HITs
Not all HITs are worth your time. Some pay as little as $0.01, while others offer $5 or more per task. Here’s how to find the best-paying HITs:
✔ Use HIT Filtering Tools – Extensions like MTurk Suite help filter out low-paying tasks automatically.
✔ Sort HITs by Reward & Approval Time – Avoid wasting time on slow-paying requesters.
✔ Look for Batch Tasks – Some requesters post multiple HITs at once, allowing you to complete them quickly and efficiently.
2. Maintain a High Approval Rating
Your approval rating matters because many requesters only allow workers with a 98%+ rating to access their tasks. To avoid rejections:
✔ Follow task instructions carefully – Read all requirements before submitting HITs.
✔ Start with easy HITs to build a strong rating – Stick to simple surveys or categorization tasks at first.
✔ Check requesters’ ratings before working for them – Use TurkerView to see if they reject work unfairly.
3. Take Qualification Tests to Unlock Higher-Paying HITs
Some of the best HITs on MTurk require passing a qualification test before you can access them. These include:
🔹 Transcription Tests – Unlocks higher-paying transcription HITs.
🔹 Content Moderation Tests – Gives access to AI training and image review tasks.
🔹 Academic Surveys – Some requesters require pre-screening surveys before offering higher-paying studies.
👉 Pro Tip: Take as many qualification tests as possible when starting. It will increase your earning potential significantly over time.
4. Use Browser Extensions & Scripts for Automation
Boost your efficiency by automating task searching and filtering. Here are some of the best tools for MTurk workers:
✔ MTurk Suite – Filters out low-paying tasks and provides alerts for high-value HITs.
✔ Panda Crazy – Helps you automatically catch and reserve HITs before they disappear.
✔ TurkerView – Shows requester ratings so you can avoid scammers and unfair rejections.
5. Join MTurk Communities to Find the Best HITs
The best MTurk workers share their tips and highest-paying HITs in online forums. Join these top MTurk communities:
📌 TurkerView – Reviews of good and bad requesters.
📌 MTurk Crowd – Daily HIT lists and worker discussions.
📌 Reddit’s r/mturk – News, strategies, and tips from experienced workers.
These communities will help you find the best-paying HITs faster and avoid scams.
6. Work During Peak Hours for the Best Tasks
Many high-paying HITs are posted during specific times of the day. To increase your earnings, try working during:
⏰ Morning (8 AM – 12 PM EST) – Most academic surveys and AI tasks go live.
⏰ Afternoon (12 PM – 4 PM EST) – Steady stream of market research and transcription tasks.
⏰ Late Evening (8 PM – 11 PM EST) – Fewer tasks, but some batch HITs and image labeling jobs still appear.
👉 Pro Tip: Refresh the HIT page frequently during peak hours to grab the best-paying tasks before they fill up.
7. Track Your Earnings and Improve Over Time
To maximize your income, it’s important to track your daily progress and identify what works best for you.
📊 Set a Daily Earning Goal – Start with $5/day and increase it as you get faster.
📊 Record Which Tasks Pay the Most – Keep track of which requesters and HITs give the best hourly rates.
📊 Analyze Your Most Productive Hours – Work when the highest-paying tasks are available.
Tracking your progress will help you identify patterns and optimize your workflow for higher earnings.
What’s Next? Final Steps to Getting Started
By applying these expert MTurk strategies, you can maximize your earnings and make your time on the platform more profitable. Now, let’s move on to Step 7: Getting Started with Amazon MTurk Today—a final checklist to help you take action and start earning!
Step 7: Getting Started with Amazon MTurk Today (Final Checklist)
Now that you have a complete understanding of Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) and how to maximize your earnings, it’s time to take action. Getting started can feel overwhelming, but by following these simple steps, you can set yourself up for success and start making money right away.
In this final step, we’ll provide a quick-start checklist, highlight key takeaways, and outline your next steps to begin working on MTurk efficiently.
✅ Quick-Start Checklist for Amazon MTurk
Before you begin working, make sure you’ve completed these essential steps:
✔ Sign up & get approved – Follow the steps in [Step 2: How to Join Amazon Mechanical Turk & Get Approved].
✔ Set up your payment method – Choose between Amazon Payments or gift cards (covered in [Step 5: How Amazon MTurk Pays You & Payment Options]).
✔ Complete your first HITs – Start with easy, low-risk tasks to build up your approval rating.
✔ Take qualification tests – Unlock higher-paying HITs by passing relevant MTurk qualification exams.
✔ Install MTurk tools & extensions – Use MTurk Suite and Panda Crazy to automate task searching and filtering.
✔ Join MTurk communities – Stay updated with TurkerView, MTurk Crowd, and Reddit’s r/mturk for insider tips.
✔ Track your progress – Set earning goals, identify high-paying requesters, and analyze your most productive hours.
Once you’ve completed this checklist, you’re ready to start working efficiently and increasing your earnings!
📌 Key Takeaways: What You’ve Learned About Amazon MTurk
Throughout this guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know to succeed on Amazon Mechanical Turk:
📌 What is Amazon Mechanical Turk? – A crowdsourcing platform where workers complete small online tasks (HITs) for money.
📌 How to Join & Get Approved – Some users are approved instantly, while others may face waiting periods or restrictions.
📌 Types of HITs Available – Surveys, data entry, AI training, transcription, content moderation, and more.
📌 How Much You Can Earn – Beginners make $2-$5 per hour, while experienced workers earn $100-$300+ per month.
📌 MTurk Payment System – Earnings are sent to Amazon Payments or Amazon Gift Cards (depending on location).
📌 How to Earn More – Prioritize high-paying tasks, maintain a high approval rating, and use automation tools to work efficiently.
Next Steps: Start Earning with Amazon MTurk Today!
If you’re ready to start making money with Amazon Mechanical Turk, here’s what you should do next:
1️⃣ Log in to your MTurk account and browse available HITs.
2️⃣ Complete your first HITs carefully to maintain a high approval rating.
3️⃣ Join MTurk forums and install automation tools to find the best-paying tasks.
4️⃣ Gradually work your way up to higher-paying HITs and specialized tasks.
5️⃣ Track your progress and refine your strategy to increase your earnings over time.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to making consistent income with MTurk!
Conclusion
Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) offers a flexible, beginner-friendly way to make money online by completing simple tasks in your spare time. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle to earn extra cash, a way to stay productive at home, or an entry point into the gig economy, MTurk provides an accessible platform to get started.
While MTurk won’t make you rich overnight, it can be a great stepping stone for those who are willing to learn the system, improve efficiency, and qualify for higher-paying HITs. By following the strategies outlined in this guide—choosing the right HITs, maintaining a high approval rating, and using automation tools—you can maximize your earnings and make the most of your time on the platform.
If you’re ready to start, don’t wait! Sign up for Amazon Mechanical Turk today and complete your first tasks to get familiar with the platform.
