The world of work is rapidly evolving, with technology opening up opportunities for remote and flexible jobs. One such opportunity is Amazon Mechanical Turk (often abbreviated as MTurk), a platform that allows workers to complete tasks, known as HITs (Human Intelligence Tasks), and earn money. MTurk is popular among individuals looking to earn extra income during their free time. In this guide, we will explore how you can become an Amazon Mechanical Turk worker, what to expect, how to maximize your earnings, and the advantages and disadvantages of working on MTurk.

What is Amazon Mechanical Turk?

Amazon Mechanical Turk is a crowdsourcing platform where businesses or "requesters" post tasks that require human intelligence. These tasks are usually simple but require some degree of human insight, judgment, or manual input. Examples of common tasks on MTurk include:

  • Categorizing products or images
  • Data entry
  • Completing surveys
  • Transcribing audio or video files
  • Verifying data accuracy
  • Writing short descriptions

These tasks, called HITs, are posted by requesters and can be completed by workers, or Turkers, from anywhere in the world. Each HIT has a specific payout, and after completing the task, the worker gets paid for their efforts.

Why Become an Amazon Mechanical Turk Worker?

MTurk offers a great way to make money on your own time. Here are a few reasons why people choose to work on the platform:

  • Flexibility: There is no fixed schedule. You can work whenever you want and from wherever you have internet access.
  • Variety of Tasks: The range of tasks available on MTurk means that workers can pick and choose tasks they feel comfortable with.
  • Easy to Get Started: Signing up to become a worker on MTurk is a straightforward process, and you can begin earning money relatively quickly.
  • Supplemental Income: Many use MTurk to earn extra income outside of their primary jobs or to supplement their income while studying or caring for family members.

How to Get Started on MTurk

Step 1: Sign Up



To become an MTurk worker, you need to create an account on the platform. Here's how to do it:

  1. Visit the Amazon Mechanical Turk Website: Go to mturk.com and click on "Get Started with Amazon Mechanical Turk."
  2. Create an Account: If you don't already have an Amazon account, you will need to create one. If you have one, you can use it to sign in.
  3. Apply to be a Worker: You will be prompted to fill out an application form that asks for basic information such as your name, email address, and country of residence. This process may take some time, as Amazon reviews each application individually.
  4. Wait for Approval: It can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks to be approved. Once approved, you'll receive an email notification, and you can start working on tasks right away.

Step 2: Understand the Interface

Once you log in to your account as a worker, you'll see a dashboard displaying available HITs. Each HIT will include the following details:

  • Title of the Task: A brief description of the task.
  • Reward: How much you'll earn for completing the HIT.
  • Time Allotted: The time you have to complete the task.
  • Qualifications: Some HITs require specific qualifications or ratings to participate. For example, you might need to be a worker from a certain country, have completed a minimum number of tasks, or have a high approval rating from previous tasks.

You can filter tasks based on reward, time required, or the type of work, helping you find the most suitable ones.

Step 3: Take Qualification Tests

Many HITs require you to meet certain qualifications before you can complete them. These qualifications could involve taking a short test, verifying your identity, or simply meeting specific criteria (e.g., being a U.S. resident).

Taking qualification tests is essential if you want to access higher-paying tasks. As you work on MTurk, you will accumulate experience and improve your qualifications, unlocking access to more lucrative jobs.

Step 4: Completing Tasks and Getting Paid

After selecting a task, carefully read the instructions and complete it within the allotted time. Once you submit your work, the requester will review it and either approve or reject your submission. Upon approval, the payment will be added to your MTurk account.

You can transfer your earnings to your bank account via Amazon Payments or, if you're in the U.S., you can opt to receive Amazon gift cards instead.

Maximizing Earnings on MTurk

While MTurk offers a lot of flexibility, it’s important to note that the platform is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Some HITs pay only a few cents, and maximizing your earnings requires strategic planning. Here are some tips to make the most of your time on MTurk:

  1. Choose HITs Wisely: Focus on HITs with higher rewards and shorter completion times. Avoid tasks that require too much time for very little pay.
  2. Work Efficiently: Try to improve your speed without sacrificing quality. The faster you can complete tasks, the more you can earn.
  3. Monitor Your Approval Rate: Requesters can approve or reject your work. If your approval rate falls below a certain threshold, you may lose access to higher-paying tasks. Aim for an approval rate of 98% or higher.
  4. Use MTurk Forums: There are several online forums and communities dedicated to MTurk workers. These forums provide insights into which HITs are worth your time and help you avoid poor-paying or scammy requesters.
  5. Work on Qualification Tests: Many high-paying HITs require specific qualifications. By focusing on gaining these qualifications early, you'll gain access to better-paying tasks over time.
  6. Batch HITs: Some tasks are available in large quantities, known as batches. Working on these batch HITs can be an efficient way to earn money since you can complete the same task repeatedly without needing to read new instructions.

Advantages of Working on MTurk

  1. No Set Schedule: You are free to choose when and how much you want to work. This flexibility makes MTurk a popular choice for students, stay-at-home parents, and people with irregular schedules.
  2. Remote Work: MTurk is an online platform, meaning you can work from anywhere with an internet connection.
  3. Diverse Tasks: The variety of tasks available keeps the work interesting and allows workers to avoid getting stuck in repetitive jobs.
  4. Fast Payouts: Payments are processed quickly, usually within a few days of task completion.

Disadvantages of Working on MTurk

  1. Low Pay for Some Tasks: Not all HITs are lucrative. Many tasks pay only a few cents, and if you're not careful, you could spend hours working for very little compensation.
  2. Competition: MTurk has a large global workforce, and high-paying tasks can get snapped up quickly.
  3. Limited Availability: Some tasks are only available to workers in specific countries, and there can be dry periods with fewer HITs available.
  4. Rejections: If a requester rejects your work, not only do you lose out on the payment, but it can also negatively affect your approval rating, limiting your future opportunities.