What Is Amazon Mechanical Turk?
Amazon Mechanical Turk, commonly referred to as MTurk, is a crowdsourcing platform where businesses and researchers post small tasks—called HITs (Human Intelligence Tasks)—that workers can complete for pay. These tasks range from identifying objects in images to transcribing audio or answering surveys.
MTurk is designed to handle tasks that require human judgment and can’t easily be done by machines. The platform has been around since 2005 and has grown into a go-to for companies needing quick, low-cost labor for repetitive or cognitive tasks.
How Does MTurk Work?
- Sign Up: Create a Worker account on MTurk.com.
- Browse Tasks: Once approved, you can browse available HITs.
- Complete Tasks: Click a task, follow the instructions, and submit your work.
- Get Paid: Payments are deposited into your Amazon Payments account or can be transferred to your bank.
The platform pays anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars per task, depending on complexity.
Pros of Using Amazon Mechanical Turk
✅ Low Barrier to Entry
No special skills or degrees are needed. Anyone can apply and start quickly.
✅ Work From Anywhere
All you need is a computer and internet connection. Perfect for remote, flexible work.
✅ Microtasks = Microcommitments
Tasks are short—many take just a few minutes. Great for people who only have small pockets of time.
✅ Build Up Over Time
As you complete more tasks and build a reputation, you gain access to higher-paying HITs.
Cons of Using Amazon Mechanical Turk
❌ Low Pay (Especially at First)
Most tasks pay under $1, and you may earn just $2–$5 per hour when starting.
❌ Approval Required for Better HITs
Some of the higher-paying tasks require qualifications you don’t automatically have.
❌ No Benefits or Job Security
This is gig work—no insurance, no PTO, no guarantees.
❌ Repetitive and Boring Tasks
Data tagging and survey answering can feel mind-numbing over time.
Is MTurk Worth It as a Side Hustle?
MTurk isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a low-effort, flexible way to make a little extra money (think: paying for your Netflix subscription or saving for small purchases), it might be worth it. But if you’re looking for substantial income or scalable long-term potential, you might be better off with other side hustles like freelance writing, online tutoring, or selling on eBay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much can I realistically earn with MTurk?
A: Beginners usually earn $2–$5 per hour. Experienced users with high approval ratings can make $7–$15 per hour, but it takes time to get there.
Q: Is MTurk legit or a scam?
A: MTurk is a legitimate platform owned by Amazon. That said, some HITs may come from shady requesters. Always check HIT reviews on sites like Turkopticon before accepting tasks.
Q: How do I get better-paying tasks?
A: Consistently complete tasks accurately, avoid rejections, and aim to unlock qualification HITs. Over time, your approval rate and stats will help you access better-paying work.
Q: Do I need to pay taxes on MTurk income?
A: Yes. MTurk earnings are considered self-employment income in the U.S. Amazon may issue a 1099-K if you earn over a certain amount.
Q: Can I do MTurk on mobile?
A: Some tasks may be mobile-friendly, but the best experience is usually on a desktop or laptop.
Final Thoughts
Amazon Mechanical Turk is best viewed as a micro-earning side hustle. It’s easy to start and highly flexible but comes with low pay and limited growth. If you have time to kill and want to make a few extra bucks, it’s worth a try. But for a more lucrative side hustle, you may want to look elsewhere.