How to complete HITs on MTurk

Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is a powerful platform that allows individuals to earn money by completing small online tasks, known as Human Intelligence Tasks (HITs). Whether you’re looking to supplement your income, work from home, or explore flexible side hustles, MTurk can be a great opportunity. However, success on the platform requires understanding how to navigate it effectively, choose the right tasks, and optimize your workflow. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about completing HITs on MTurk, from getting started to maximizing your earnings, with practical tips, examples, and answers to common questions.

How to complete HITs on MTurk?

Amazon Mechanical Turk is an online marketplace where businesses and individuals (called “requesters”) post tasks that require human intelligence, such as surveys, data entry, content moderation, or image tagging. Workers, often referred to as “Turkers,” complete these tasks for small payments, typically ranging from a few cents to a few dollars per task. The beauty of MTurk is its flexibility—you can work at your own pace, choose tasks that suit your skills, and earn money from anywhere with an internet connection.

However, MTurk isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. Success depends on strategy, efficiency, and persistence. This guide will help you understand how to complete HITs effectively and make the most of your time on the platform.

Getting Started with MTurk

Before diving into completing HITs, you need to set up your MTurk account and understand the platform’s basics.

1. Sign Up for an MTurk Account

To start working on MTurk, you’ll need to create an account. Here’s how:

• Visit the MTurk Website: Go to the official MTurk worker website (mturk.com) and click “Sign up as a Worker.”

• Provide Required Information: You’ll need an Amazon account, a valid email address, and personal details like your name, address, and Social Security Number (for U.S. workers) or tax information (for international workers in supported countries).

• Wait for Approval: Amazon reviews applications, and approval can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Be patient, as this step is crucial.

Tip: Ensure your Amazon account is in good standing, as issues like unpaid balances can delay or prevent approval.

2. Understand the MTurk Dashboard

Once approved, log in to your MTurk worker dashboard. This is your hub for finding and completing HITs. Key sections include:

• HITs Available to You: Lists tasks you’re eligible to work on.

• Your HITs: Shows tasks you’ve accepted or completed.

• Earnings: Tracks your pending and approved payments.

• Qualifications: Displays any special permissions or skills you’ve earned, which unlock higher-paying HITs.

3. Set Up Your Payment Method

MTurk pays workers through Amazon Payments or direct bank transfers (in supported countries). For U.S. workers, you can transfer earnings to a bank account or an Amazon gift card. International workers may face restrictions, so check MTurk’s policies for your country.

Example: Sarah, a new Turker from the U.S., sets up her bank account for direct deposits. She verifies her identity and tax information to ensure smooth payments, avoiding delays when cashing out her earnings.

Understanding HITs: What Are They and How Do They Work?

HITs are the core of MTurk. Each HIT is a small task posted by a requester, with specific instructions, a time limit, and a reward. Common types of HITs include:

• Surveys: Answer questions for academic or market research.

• Data Entry: Input information into spreadsheets or forms.

• Content Moderation: Review images, videos, or text for appropriateness.

• Transcription: Convert audio or video into text.

• Image Tagging: Label or categorize images for AI training.

Each HIT has:

• Reward: The amount you’ll earn (e.g., $0.10 to $5.00).

• Time Allotted: The maximum time you have to complete the task.

• Expiration Date: When the HIT becomes unavailable.

• Qualifications: Special requirements, like a minimum approval rating or specific skills.

Example: John finds a HIT titled “Identify Objects in Images” paying $0.50 for 5 minutes of work. The instructions ask him to label 10 images as “cat,” “dog,” or “other.” He completes it in 3 minutes and earns $0.50.

How to complete HITs on MTurk

Finding high-paying, worthwhile HITs is key to maximizing your earnings. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use Filters and Search Tools

MTurk’s dashboard allows you to filter HITs by:

• Reward Amount: Set a minimum payment (e.g., $0.50).

• Qualifications: Show only HITs you’re eligible for.

• Time Allotted: Focus on tasks with reasonable time limits.

• HITs Available: Prioritize tasks with many available instances to avoid missing out.

Tip: Start with low-paying HITs to build your approval rating, which unlocks access to better tasks.

2. Leverage Browser Extensions and Scripts

Experienced Turkers use tools to streamline their workflow. Popular options include:

• Turkopticon: A browser extension that shows requester ratings based on worker reviews. Avoid requesters with low scores for fairness or payment issues.

• MTurk Suite: Enhances the MTurk interface with features like HIT sorting, auto-accepting tasks, and time tracking.

• Panda Crazy: Automatically grabs HITs as they become available, saving you time.

Example: Lisa installs MTurk Suite and sets it to alert her when HITs paying at least $0.75 appear. This helps her snag high-paying surveys before they’re taken by others.

3. Look for High-Paying Requesters

Some requesters consistently offer well-paying HITs. Check forums like r/mturk on Reddit or Turkopticon to identify trusted requesters. Examples of reliable requesters include academic institutions or companies conducting large-scale research.

4. Avoid Low-Value HITs

Not all HITs are worth your time. A $0.05 HIT that takes 10 minutes isn’t as valuable as a $1.00 HIT that takes 5 minutes. Calculate the hourly rate by dividing the reward by the estimated completion time.

Formula: Hourly Rate = (Reward ÷ Time in Hours) × 60 Example: A $0.50 HIT takes 5 minutes (0.083 hours). Hourly rate = ($0.50 ÷ 0.083) × 60 = $36/hour. Compare this to a $0.10 HIT taking 5 minutes: ($0.10 ÷ 0.083) × 60 = $7.20/hour.

Strategies for Completing HITs Efficiently

Once you’ve found good HITs, completing them quickly and accurately is crucial. Here are practical strategies:

1. Read Instructions Carefully

Each HIT comes with specific instructions. Missing a detail can lead to rejection, hurting your approval rating. For example, a survey might require you to answer “attention check” questions correctly to prove you’re paying attention.

Tip: Skim instructions first to gauge the task’s complexity, then read thoroughly before starting.

2. Batch HITs for Efficiency

Batch HITs are groups of similar tasks from the same requester, like tagging multiple images. These are ideal for beginners because they allow you to get into a rhythm, completing tasks faster.

Example: Mike finds a batch of 100 HITs paying $0.20 each for categorizing product reviews as positive or negative. By focusing on one type of task, he completes 50 HITs in an hour, earning $10.

3. Manage Your Time

Set a timer for tasks with tight deadlines to avoid wasting time. If a HIT takes longer than expected, return it to avoid losing money. MTurk allows you to return uncompleted HITs without penalty, though it may affect your ability to work with that requester again.

4. Maintain a High Approval Rating

Your approval rating (percentage of accepted HITs) determines your eligibility for premium tasks. Aim for at least 95% approval. To achieve this:

• Double-check your work before submitting.

• Avoid requesters with a history of unfair rejections (check Turkopticon).

• Complete “qualification tests” to access exclusive HITs.

Example: Emily completes 100 HITs in her first week, but 5 are rejected due to small errors. Her approval rating is 95% (95/100). She focuses on simpler tasks to boost it to 98% over the next week.

5. Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Many HITs involve repetitive actions, like selecting radio buttons or typing responses. Learn keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Tab to move between fields, Enter to submit) to speed up your work.

Maximizing Your Earnings on MTurk

To earn a meaningful income, you need to optimize your approach. Here’s how:

1. Set Realistic Goals

Beginners might earn $10–$20 per day, while experienced Turkers can make $50 or more. Set a daily target (e.g., $15) and track your progress using MTurk’s earnings dashboard or a spreadsheet.

2. Work During Peak Hours

HITs are posted more frequently during U.S. business hours (9 AM–5 PM EST). If you’re in a different time zone, adjust your schedule to align with peak availability.

3. Qualify for Premium HITs

Many high-paying HITs require qualifications, such as a minimum number of completed HITs (e.g., 1,000) or a high approval rating (e.g., 98%). Some requesters offer tests to unlock their tasks.

Example: Tom completes a qualification test for a transcription requester, earning access to $3 HITs that take 15 minutes each. This boosts his hourly rate significantly.

4. Diversify Your Tasks

Don’t rely solely on surveys or batch HITs. Explore different task types to find what suits your skills. For instance, transcription HITs might pay more but require strong typing skills, while surveys are easier but less consistent.

5. Track Your Income and Expenses

MTurk earnings are taxable, so keep records of your income. Use tools like TurboTax or a simple spreadsheet to track earnings and expenses (e.g., internet costs, computer upgrades).

Tip: Save 20–30% of your earnings for taxes to avoid surprises during tax season.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

MTurk isn’t without its hurdles. Here’s how to tackle common issues:

1. Dealing with Rejections

Rejections can lower your approval rating and morale. If a rejection seems unfair, politely contact the requester through MTurk’s messaging system to explain your case. Some requesters reverse rejections if you provide evidence of your work.

2. Avoiding Scams

While MTurk is generally safe, some requesters may post low-paying HITs or reject work unfairly. Use Turkopticon to check requester reviews and avoid those with poor ratings.

3. Managing Fatigue

Completing repetitive tasks can be mentally draining. Take breaks every hour to stay focused and avoid burnout. Set a daily work limit (e.g., 3 hours) to maintain productivity.

4. Handling Slow Periods

HIT availability fluctuates. If tasks are scarce, use this time to take qualification tests, explore forums for tips, or try other microtask platforms like Clickworker or Prolific.

Tools and Resources for MTurk Success

To excel on MTurk, leverage these tools and communities:

• Forums and Communities: Join r/mturk, MTurk Crowd, or MTurk Forum to connect with other Turkers, share tips, and find high-paying HITs.

• Scripts and Extensions: Use MTurk Suite, Panda Crazy, or Turkopticon to streamline your workflow.

• Time Tracking Apps: Tools like Toggl can help you monitor how long tasks take, ensuring you focus on high-value HITs.

FAQs About How to complete HITs on MTurk

Based on common questions found on search engine results pages (SERPs), here are answers to help you succeed:

Q: How much can I earn on MTurk?
A: Earnings vary widely. Beginners might earn $10–$20 per day, while experienced Turkers can make $50–$100 or more by focusing on high-paying HITs and using scripts. Your hourly rate depends on task selection and efficiency.

Q: How long does it take to get paid?
A: Payments are typically approved within a few days to a week after completing a HIT. Once approved, you can transfer funds to your bank or Amazon gift card balance. Bank transfers may take 1–5 business days.

Q: Are there any fees for using MTurk?
A: MTurk doesn’t charge workers fees, but Amazon takes a percentage from requesters. As a worker, you’re responsible for taxes on your earnings.

Q: Can international workers use MTurk?
A: Yes, but MTurk is primarily available in the U.S. Some countries, like India and Canada, are supported, but options may be limited. Check MTurk’s website for eligibility.

Q: What happens if my HITs are rejected?
A: Rejections lower your approval rating, which can limit access to premium HITs. Contact the requester to appeal unfair rejections, and focus on high-quality work to maintain a strong rating.

Q: How do I avoid low-paying HITs?
A: Use filters to set a minimum reward, calculate the hourly rate before accepting a HIT, and rely on tools like Turkopticon to identify trustworthy requesters.

Conclusion

Completing HITs on Amazon Mechanical Turk is a viable way to earn extra income, but it requires strategy, patience, and the right tools. By choosing high-value tasks, optimizing your workflow, and maintaining a high approval rating, you can maximize your earnings and make the most of this flexible platform. Start small, experiment with different task types, and use the tips and resources in this guide to build your MTurk success story. Whether you’re saving for a big purchase or looking for a side hustle, MTurk offers opportunities to achieve your goals—one HIT at a time.