Interested in earning extra cash from home? Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (mTurk) offers data entry jobs that might be just what you’re looking for. Let’s explain how it works and whether it fits you well.
What is Mechanical Turk?
Mechanical Turk, or mTurk, is like a job board run by Amazon. People post small tasks, like entering data or categorizing images; others complete them for pay. It’s a flexible way to earn money in your spare time.
Examples:
- Entering data from receipts
- Describing images briefly
How Does Mechanical Turk Work?
Getting started on Mechanical Turk (mTurk) is simple:
1. Create an Account on Mechanical Turk:
- Visit the official Mechanical Turk website at https://www.mturk.com/.
- Click on the “Sign Up” button.
- Fill out the registration form with your details and answer some questions about your skills and preferences.
- Wait for approval, which usually comes via email within a few days.
2. Choose Tasks:
- After your account is approved, log in to the mTurk platform.
- Browse through the available tasks listed on the dashboard.
- Pay attention to the payment amount and task requirements before accepting any task.
3. Complete Tasks:
- Select a task that interests you and matches your skills.
- Read the task instructions carefully and follow them precisely.
- Complete the task to the best of your ability.
- Submit your work through the designated process provided by the requester.
- Once the requester approves your work, you’ll receive payment directly to your mTurk account.
Example:
- Signing up for an account on the Mechanical Turk website.
- Browsing available tasks on the platform.
- Completing a data entry task according to the provided instructions.
- Submitting the completed task and receiving payment upon approval.
How Much Do Data Entry Jobs at mTurk Pay?
Payments vary depending on the task’s complexity. Simple tasks may pay a few cents, while more involved ones offer better rewards. Your speed and accuracy matter, too!
Example:
- Quick tasks may pay cents per task.
- More complex jobs offer higher pay.
How to Find HITs That Count
To make the most of mTurk, focus on tasks that pay well for your time:
- Choose Quick Tasks:
- Pick tasks you can do in short breaks.
- Build Experience:
- Start with more straightforward tasks to unlock better-paying ones.
- Check Time vs. Pay:
- Make sure the pay is worth the time spent.
- Filter Tasks:
- Use search filters to find tasks that match your interests.
Example:
- Doing tasks during TV ad breaks
- Gradually accessing better-paying tasks with experience
Pros and Cons of Mechanical Turk
Consider these points before diving in:
Pros:
- Flexibility: Work when it suits you.
- Simple Tasks: No special skills are required.
- Preview Option: Check tasks before accepting them.
Cons:
- Low Pay: Many tasks offer minimal pay.
- Task Threshold: Some better-paying tasks require completing lower-paying ones first.
Are Data Entry Jobs at mTurk Worth It?
mTurk can be a good option for those seeking flexible, part-time work-from-home gigs. However, the low pay might not suit everyone.
Example:
- mTurk is excellent for those exploring remote work with minimal commitments.
Explore More Ways to Make Money Online
If mTurk doesn’t meet your earning goals, there are other options:
- Selling photos or feet pics
- Answering surveys on platforms like Swagbucks or MyPoints
- Donating plasma for cash
- Renting out space via Neighbor
Example:
- Trying out different online income streams beyond mTurk
Diversifying your income sources allows you to find opportunities that fit your skills and financial needs. Just remember to research each option and choose what works best for you.
