top of page
Search

Is Amazon MTurk Still Worth It in 2025? My Honest Take After 2,500+ Tasks


If you're new here, I break down side hustles that real people can do- from microtasks to full-blown business ideas. Today, we’re digging into Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) in 2025.


I’ve personally completed over 2,500 tasks on MTurk and made over $600 throughout the years. But with platforms constantly changing, I decided to revisit MTurk this year and ask the real question: Is Amazon MTurk still worth it in 2025?





What is Amazon Mechanical Turk?

Amazon Mechanical Turk, commonly known as MTurk, is a microtask platform where workers (aka "Turkers") complete small online tasks for pay. These tasks are called HITs (Human Intelligence Tasks) and typically require a human to make a decision a computer can't.

HIT page on amazon mechanical turk

Where is MTurk available?

MTurk is available in several countries, including the U.S., Canada, India, and a few others. Your country of residence can affect both the tasks you qualify for and how you get paid.

How do you get paid?

Workers can choose to be paid through:

  • Amazon gift cards

  • Direct deposit to your bank account (available in certain countries)

One big perk? There’s no minimum payout threshold, unlike many survey and gig apps.

Payout from amazon mechanical turk

What Kind of Tasks Can You Do on MTurk?

Here are some examples of common MTurk HITs you’ll see:

  • Surveys – Usually posted by universities or marketing researchers

  • Data entry – Categorizing products, inputting information

  • Transcription – Listening to audio and typing it out

  • Image and video tagging – Great for training AI

  • Content moderation – Flagging inappropriate or offensive content

Each task is paid differently, but keep in mind: most HITs pay less than $1, and many require qualifications.

Example of MTurk tasks available

How Do MTurk Qualifications Work?

To access higher-paying tasks, you’ll often need qualifications.

  • Some are granted automatically as you complete more HITs.

  • Others require you to pass a test (like reading instructions carefully or tagging images correctly).

  • And then there are exclusive qualifications, only given to long-time or highly rated Turkers.

These qualifications can make or break your MTurk experience, especially if you’re aiming for decent hourly earnings.

My Experience on MTurk in 2025

I recently spent a FULL DAY on MTurk in 2025 to see if it’s still a viable way to earn money. Here's what I found:

1. Fewer High-Value Tasks

It could’ve been the timing (I did this on a Tuesday), but most tasks paid under $2, with many in the $0.20–$0.60 range. A few years ago, it was easier to find HITs that paid $5+.

2. Spammy HITs

I noticed more spammy listings, like tasks that required signing up for external websites. I reported most of them, but I tried one out of curiosity. What happened? It got rejected, and I didn’t get paid.

3. Qualification Barriers

I no longer had access to some of the best-paying HITs because I lacked updated or advanced qualifications. If you're new or haven't used MTurk in a while, this can really limit your earnings.

4. Time vs. Pay Isn’t Great

Many tasks take 10–15 minutes for less than $0.50. While you do get instant credit (and in some cases, direct deposit), the hourly rate is often below minimum wage. That said, if you're in a country where cashout options are limited, this may still appeal to you.


Is Amazon MTurk Still Worth It in 2025?

Here’s my honest opinion on if Amazon MTurk is still worth it:

✅ Still worth it if you:

  • Are just starting out with online income

  • Live in a country where MTurk offers direct deposit

  • Don’t mind repetitive, low-paying tasks


🚫 Not worth it if you:

  • Want to earn more than $5/hour

  • Don’t have qualifications (or time to build them up)

  • Are looking for serious side hustle income

My earnings and payment overview for MTurk

Better Alternatives to MTurk

If you’re looking for better-paying platforms, consider these articles:

Final Thoughts

MTurk is no longer the goldmine it once was, but it still has a place for those looking to make a few dollars with no upfront commitment. It’s accessible and low-risk, but not a high-reward hustle in 2025.

If you've tried MTurk recently, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Have you had success? Or have you moved on to better-paying side gigs?

And if you're into earning money online, don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly side hustle reviews and tutorials.



💬 Leave a comment:

Have you used MTurk recently? What was your experience like?


📌 Tags:

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only. While I strive to keep the content accurate and up to date, I cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or correct. Always do your own research and verify directly with the companies mentioned before signing up. Additionally links above may contain affiliate commissions.

bottom of page