Prolific
Real academic studies with the best hourly pay
$40–$90estimated earnings per month
Prolific is the preferred platform for researchers at universities worldwide to recruit participants. Studies are real, well-explained, and payment is guaranteed. Average earnings range from $8–$12 per hour, far above any standard survey platform.
How to get started step by step
- 1Create your account. Sign up at prolific.com with your email. The process is quick and requires no banking details upfront.
- 2Fill in your profile thoroughly. Prolific uses your profile to match you with relevant studies. The more complete it is, the more studies you'll receive. Spend 15 minutes filling it in well.
- 3Accept available studies. When studies are available for your profile you'll get a notification. You have limited time to accept them before spots fill up.
- 4Complete the study. Studies last between 5 and 60 minutes. Once done, the researcher reviews your submission and approves payment.
- 5Get paid via Circle. Prolific pays through Circle (formerly Payoneer). Payments are usually processed within 1–2 business days after researcher approval.
Pros
- ✓Average pay far above standard surveys ($8–$12/h)
- ✓Quality studies from real universities
- ✓Guaranteed payment after completing the study
- ✓Wide variety of topics (psychology, economics, health, tech)
- ✓Active community and responsive support
Cons
- ✗Studies are not always available — depends on your profile
- ✗Most studies require a computer
- ✗Payment system (Circle) may be less familiar than PayPal
Tip to maximize earnings
Enable browser or app notifications. The best-paying studies fill up in minutes. Keep your profile updated regularly to appear in more researcher searches.