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How much does Prolific really pay?
Prolific sets a floor of $8 or £6 an hour and recommends $12 or £9. You cash out from $6, in real money, but studies come only when they fit you.
Prolific matches academic and company researchers with paid participants. It publishes a pay floor, and pays cash rather than points.
What do you need for Prolific?
- To be over 18With a verified account.
- To live in a listed countryMost OECD countries, plus some others.
- PatienceYou wait for studies to fit you.
What Prolific really pays
| Item | Figure | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum rate | $8 or £6 an hour | Researchers must pay at least this |
| Recommended rate | $12 or £9 an hour | Prolific’s advice to researchers |
| Cash-out | $6 or £6 | To PayPal, in cash |
If you complete 5 hours of studies a month at $8, that is $40. That is our example sum, and we do not know how many studies you will be offered.
What it adds up to
| Hours of studies a month | At the $8 minimum | At the $12 Prolific recommends |
|---|---|---|
| 5 hours a month | $40 | $60 |
| 10 hours a month | $80 | $120 |
| 20 hours a month | $160 | $240 |
Only if studies are offered to you: Prolific promises no hours. Our sums on Prolific’s numbers above: an example, not a promise.
When does Prolific pay you?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Paid out at | $6 or £6 |
| How | PayPal, instant after your first 4 cash-outs |
What is the catch with Prolific?
- You cannot plan on any number of studies.
- If a study runs long, your real rate can fall below the floor.
- You must be over 18, with a verified account.
How to start with Prolific
- Check your countryEligibility follows where you live.
- Complete your profileIt decides which studies you see.
- Cash out earlyCheck it works for you.
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Sources
- Prolific: minimum payment rate, checked 5 Nov 2026
- Prolific: payment model, checked 5 Nov 2026
- Prolific: for participants, checked 5 Nov 2026
- Prolific: who can take part, checked 5 Nov 2026