Paid research studies in the United States
From the US you can join every major platform: Prolific, User Interviews, Askable, UserTesting, Respondent and uTest. What they pay, how you cash out, taxes.
What is available
The United States is the largest market for paid research. It is on the official country lists of Prolific, User Interviews and Askable (checked on 15 September 2026), UserTesting accepts contributors from anywhere in the world, and Respondent says most of its members live in the US.
In our catalogue on 15 September 2026, US residents could join 68 of the 142 live uTest projects, more than any other country. For comparison, the UK had 28 and Germany 18.
The highest amounts in the US are paid for expert interviews. Respondent advises researchers to pay a broad audience about $90 for a remote session and professionals from $100 to $600 depending on seniority. On its participant page it says most sessions pay $50–250. In our catalogue the median of 1,013 live Respondent listings was $35, and half paid between $20 and $80.
Where to start as a beginner in the US. Prolific is the only platform with a published minimum rate, and you see what each study pays before you start. User Interviews says more than 5,000 studies launch on the platform every month: interviews, focus groups, diaries and surveys, including in-person sessions in cities. Askable lets you create an account from age 13, but paid studies require an identity check that confirms you are 18 or over. Sign up on two or three platforms with different formats and fill in your profile completely: invitations arrive irregularly, and several platforms give a steadier flow.
| Platform | Availability | Pay | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prolific | on the country list | at least $8 an hour, $12 recommended | PayPal, from $6 |
| User Interviews | on the country list | average over $45 | gift cards or as the researcher decides |
| Askable | on the country list | amount shown when you apply | PayPal or gift card |
| UserTesting | worldwide, fluent English | amount shown before the test | PayPal, about 14 days later |
| Respondent | most members are in the US | median in our catalogue $35 | Tremendous, usually within a few days |
| uTest | 68 projects in our catalogue | depends on project and rating | PayPal, Payoneer |
| TestingTime | not a core market | average €40 / £50 per study | PayPal or bank |
How the money arrives
Almost every platform pays US participants through PayPal: Prolific from a $6 balance, UserTesting about 14 days after the test. Respondent sends money through Tremendous, where you can pick PayPal, a virtual card or a gift card, usually within a few days after the session is verified. Clickworker can also pay US workers straight to a bank account via ACH.
Platforms do not withhold tax on your study income: UserTesting says outright that reporting the income is the participant’s responsibility. The IRS requires you to report gig income on your tax return even if you did not receive a Form 1099. Keep a record of payouts from every platform.
Which language
For a US participant there is no language barrier: almost all studies are in English. UserTesting also supports French and German, PlaytestCloud requires commentary in English, and most of its playtests are for players in the US, the UK and Canada.
What matters is not language but profile. Respondent and User Interviews select people by job title, industry and experience, so a complete professional profile directly affects how many invitations you get.
What to watch out for
Platforms check your country: Prolific requires a verified account, and your PayPal must match your country of residence. Using a VPN to "become" American from another country is a direct route to a ban.
Large amounts go to a minority. 23% of live Respondent listings in our catalogue paid $100 or more, and the rest paid less. Treat this as a side income, not something to live on.
Questions and answers
Which paid research sites work in the US?
Prolific, User Interviews and Askable, which list the US officially, plus UserTesting, Respondent, uTest, PlaytestCloud and Clickworker.
How much do research studies pay in the US?
Prolific guarantees at least $8 an hour. In our catalogue the median Respondent listing pays $35 and 23% pay $100 or more. Expert interviews go up to $600, per Respondent’s examples.
Do I pay tax on research study income in the US?
Yes. The IRS requires you to report gig income on your tax return, even without a Form 1099. Platforms do not withhold the tax.
Do in-person studies pay more?
Usually, yes. User Interviews quotes $40–1,000+ for in-person studies and $20–1,500+ for online ones. In-person sessions tend to take place in large cities, so where exactly you live matters.
How can I get paid without PayPal?
Respondent pays through Tremendous, where you can choose a card, and Clickworker pays US workers straight to a bank account via ACH.
Sources
- Prolific: Who can participate in studies on Prolific?
- Prolific: Underpaying studies (minimum pay rate)
- User Interviews: Countries where you can participate in studies
- Askable: Countries Askable recruit from
- UserTesting: Applicant FAQ
- Respondent: The verified participant panel
- Respondent: What is the correct incentive amount for my research project?
- TestingTime: FAQ Test users
- PlaytestCloud: Rewards summary
- Clickworker: Is it possible to work for clickworker from many countries all over the world?
- User Interviews: Get paid for surveys, focus groups, and studies
- Askable: Identity verification
- IRS: Gig Economy Tax Center
- LazyBounty catalogue: live studies on 15 September 2026 (our own data)