In 2025, 1 in 4 Australians engaged in secondary income sources, as the side hustle trend grows under economic pressure.

Paid surveys have become a popular micro-income stream, offering Australians a flexible way to earn extra cash. These platforms allow you to participate in market research, with pay varying depending on survey length and complexity.

Not a replacement for full-time income, paid surveys can top up the household budget. Active participants can earn between $30 to $90 per month, depending on the number of surveys completed and time invested.

Australians prefer cash-like options, with 75% choosing PayPal or direct bank transfers over gift cards.

Looking ahead, the paid surveys landscape is changing. AI-driven survey matching, blockchain-based identity verification and immersive AR/VR survey experiences will enhance user engagement and streamline the survey process.

The Evolution of Paid Surveys in Australia

The early 2000s were dominated by long, text-based questionnaires that paid slow. By 2015, platforms started introducing mobile apps and PayPal cashouts, making earnings quicker and more reliable. Guides like “How to Make Money from Paid Surveys Online” reflect this change.

Looking ahead, surveys may integrate with Web4 ecosystems, where tasks unfold inside AR/VR spaces, with adaptive AI-generated questions. With 91% smartphone penetration nationally, Australians are well placed to adopt these innovations.

Why Are Australians Embracing Online Surveys?

Cost of living is a big concern for Australian households. The ABS’s Selected Living Cost Indexes for June 2025 showed that living costs for all household types increased by 0.4% to 1.0% in the June quarter, with annual rises of 1.7% to 3.1%. Housing and food were the main contributors to these increases, while transport and insurance costs offset some of the rises.

Many Australians are turning to online surveys to supplement their income. These surveys are a convenient way to earn extra money during downtime, like during your Sydney Metro or Melbourne tram commute.

To protect consumers, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) regulate the survey platforms, so you can tell the legit ones from the scams.

What to Look for in the “Best” Paid Surveys?

Australians are turning to online surveys as a way to top up their income. The Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) Consumer Payments Survey shows 70% of Australians prefer instant digital payouts like PayPal or AfterPay.

Today’s top survey platforms:

• Payouts: Competitive earnings per survey, with Octopus Group up to $16.80 per hour.
• Payment Speed and Options: Instant digital payouts via PayPal or AfterPay, like 70% of Australians.
• Transparency and Sustainability: Clear terms and conditions, some platforms carbon-neutral hosting.

Updated Landscape: Australian Paid Survey Platforms (2025)

10 Best Highest Paying Online Surveys

Paid surveys remain a pretty popular side gig in Australia. While they won’t be making you rich, a lot of Aussies are using them to make some extra cash, grab some vouchers, or squeeze out a bit more towards their savings goal. Here are the key highlights of the top survey platforms that are currently doing the rounds in 2025 – I’ll give you the low down on how they work and what you can expect to take home.

1. Octopus Group

Octopus Group is reckoned to be one of the best-paying survey platforms in Australia – they’re offering users the chance to earn a decent $10-16 per hour, which will depend on the length and complexity of the survey. One thing that sets them apart is their “screen-out rewards” feature – even if you get booted off a survey midway through, you’ll still get some small credits for your time.

How to Get Started with Octopus Group?

Just sign up on the Octopus Group website and fill out your profile so they can match you with surveys that are a good fit. Once that’s done, they’ll send you survey invites based on your demographic profile. You can complete the surveys on either your desktop or mobile, giving you the freedom to fit it around your schedule.

How to Earn with Octopus Group?

• Survey Invites: As soon as you’re all set up, Octopus will start sending you survey invites based on your profile.
• Getting to the End: Once you’ve finished a survey, you’ll get paid in credits (which are redeemable for cash, of course) depending on its length and complexity.
• Getting Paid: Your earnings will be paid out via bank transfer or gift cards once you’ve cleared the minimum cash-out threshold.

Earnings Potential with Octopus Group

• Cash-out threshold: You’ll need to have at least AU $20 banked before you can cash out.
• Earning Range: If you’re really committed, you might be able to squeeze out around AU$40-80 per month – though this will depend on how often there are available surveys and how much time you’re willing to put in.

Pros of Octopus Group

• The payouts are pretty high compared to a lot of other platforms.
• Their system is pretty transparent, and you can earn rewards for both finishing surveys and getting screen-shot.

Cons of Octopus Group

• The number of surveys available can be pretty hit-and-miss, which means you might not always have a steady stream of work to do.
• Some users have reported that they don’t always get enough invites to earn a decent amount.

2. Toluna Australia

Toluna is a global survey site that allows Australians to earn extra cash by sharing their opinions on various products and services. Here’s how it works and what you can expect to earn:

How do Toluna Australia Work?

• Sign-Up & Profile Setup: Free to join. After registering you’ll complete a demographic profile so you can be matched with relevant surveys.
• Survey Participation: Toluna has a range of surveys:
  • Quick Surveys: 5-10 minute surveys.
  • Premium Surveys: 30-90 minute surveys.
  • Sponsored Polls: Single question polls that reward points.
  • Thumb-It: Quick response to questions with a thumbs up or down.
  • Community Engagement: Participate in discussions and create topics to earn extra points.
• Earning Points: Each activity earns you points which can be accumulated and redeemed for rewards.

Earning Potential in Toluna Australia

• Survey Rewards: Surveys can earn you 2,000 to 12,000 points depending on length and complexity.
• Cash-Out Threshold: You can cash out via PayPal or gift cards once you have 30,000 points (approximately AU$10).
• Monthly Earnings: Regular users can expect to earn AU$20 to AU$50 per month depending on frequency of surveys and time invested.

Payment Methods

• PayPal: Cash payments to your PayPal account.
• Gift Cards: Redeem points for gift cards from Coles, Woolworths, JB Hi-Fi and more.

Pros of Toluna Australia

• Regular Surveys: Toluna has a steady stream of surveys especially for users who keep their profiles up to date.
• Mobile Friendly: The site is mobile accessible so you can do surveys on the go.
• Community Engagement: The community aspect adds a social element to the survey taking experience.

Cons of Toluna Australia

• Points Accumulation: Earning points takes time and some users may find it slow.
• Reward Processing Time: There can be delays in processing rewards with some users waiting 7-14 days.* Survey Availability: Survey availability is dependent on your demographic profile and some users may have periods with less surveys.

3. PureProfile

PureProfile is a well established survey site that has been popular in Australia for its easy to use system and consistent payout structure. It’s known for allowing Australians to earn extra income by taking surveys, watching videos and completing various online activities.

How PureProfile Works?

• Sign-Up & Profile Setup: Joining PureProfile is free and users need to complete a profile to match them with relevant surveys. The more detailed your profile the better your chances of getting survey invites that match your interests and demographics.
• Survey Participation: PureProfile has various types of surveys:
  • Product Surveys: Provide opinions about products or services.
  • Brand Research: Surveys about the latest products in the market.
  • Polling & Market Research: General surveys about social trends, preferences and consumer habits.
• Additional Earning Options: Apart from surveys PureProfile also allows users to earn by:
  • Watching Sponsored Videos: Quick earnings by watching ads or promotional content.
  • Referrals: Users can earn points by referring friends to join the site.
  • Profile & Data Contribution: Occasionally users can share personal data insights for extra rewards.
• Earning Points: Each survey or activity rewards users with points. Points accumulate and can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards.

Earning Potential in PureProfile

• Survey Rewards: Each survey can reward you 2,000 to 12,000 points, depending on the length and type of survey.
• Cash-Out Threshold: To redeem your points you need to have 30,000 points, which is approximately AU$10. This is lower than many other survey sites so more accessible for frequent users.
• Monthly Earnings: Regular users can earn AU$30 to AU$60 per month depending on how often you participate in available surveys and tasks.

Payment Methods

• PayPal: Direct payment into your PayPal account.
• Gift Cards: Redeem your points for vouchers to major retailers like Coles, Woolworths, Myer or JB Hi-Fi.

Pros of PureProfile

• Local Relevance: PureProfile is an Australian based site so it’s focused on Australian interests and provides opportunities for local consumers.* Referral Program: One of the best features is the referral program where you can earn extra points by inviting others to join the site.
• Consistent Opportunities: Regular survey invites make it easy to participate and earn.

Cons of PureProfile

• Survey Availability: Some users report that surveys can be scarce for niche demographics.
• Moderate Payouts: The reward per survey is not as high as other premium sites like Octopus Group.
• Time to Accumulate Points: While you can redeem at a lower threshold, it can take time to accumulate enough points for regular payments if surveys are infrequent.

4. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is one of the most well-established reward platforms on the block, giving users a heap of ways to earn, from surveys to shopping to watching videos to completing online offers. While surveys have always been the core feature of the site, Swagbucks really stands out with its sheer variety of earning options.

How do Swagbucks work?

• Getting started is a breeze: Creating a Swagbucks account is free – you just need to sign up and then fill out a profile that helps match you up with surveys, videos, and offers that suit your interests. The more you tell us about yourself, the more relevant the opportunities are likely to be.
• Earning possibilities: Swagbucks has got a few different ways for you to earn, including:
  • Surveys: Yeah, surveys are still super popular – and for good reason. You can earn some decent money just from sharing your thoughts.
  • Watching videos: If you’re happy to watch some short ads, you can earn a few points.
  • Shopping & Offers: Get cashback or points when you shop at certain stores or complete special offers.
  • Using the Search Engine: Search the web using Swagbucks and earn a few points for your trouble.
• Earning Points: Anything you do on Swagbucks earns you SB points, which you can build up and then redeem for rewards. The points system is pretty flexible – there’s heaps of different ways to earn, depending on your time and interests.

Potentially How Much You Can Earn With Swagbucks

• Survey Payouts: The amount you earn from surveys varies, but you’re usually looking at 50-200 SB per survey. On average, 1 SB = around 1 cent, so the survey rewards are lower than some other sites – but they’re still worth doing.
• When you can cash out: You can get your rewards as soon as you’ve accumulated AU$5 worth of gift cards, which is pretty low – so even if you’re only using the site casually, you can still get something back.
• How much you can earn a month: For people who just do a few surveys a month, along with some other activities, the average monthly earnings are around AU$15-40.

Payment Options

• PayPal: If you want, you can get your earnings sent straight to your PayPal account.
• Gift Cards: You can also get gift cards from popular places like Coles, Woolworths, Amazon, JB Hi-Fi – or whatever else you like.

The Good and the Not So Good of Swagbucks

• The variety of earning options: What really sets Swagbucks apart is its versatility – you can earn cash through surveys, videos, shopping, and a whole bunch of other things.
• Lower threshold for cashing out: At AU$5, the threshold for cashing out is way lower than most other sites – so you don’t have to be in it for the long haul to get something back.
• Easy to use: Swagbucks is pretty user-friendly – the layout makes sense, the system is easy to understand, and getting around is no problem.
• But…: Some of the surveys – especially the higher paying ones – can be a bit scarce if you’re not in the right demographic.
• Surveys don’t always pay as much as you might like: To be honest, some other sites are a bit better at paying out for surveys, so you might find you need to do a few more to reach your target.

5. YouGov

YouGov: The go-to survey platform for Australians who want to have their say on the big issues. Its credibility is second to none and it’s the perfect place for those who love debating the latest current events and social issues.

How Does YouGov Work?

• Sign up and get started : Just sign up for free and fill out a profile with your details so YouGov can match you up with surveys that are a good fit. YouGov tends to focus on current events and hot topics in politics, which makes it an awesome choice for people who love staying up to date with what’s going on in the world.
• Filling out surveys : YouGov’s surveys are all about:
  • Politics and social issues : They want to know your thoughts on the big picture stuff – politics, public policies, and social trends.
  • Brands and consumer habits : Occasionally, they’ll ask you about how you feel about certain brands and products.
• Earning points : Every survey you complete will earn you points which can be saved up and swapped for rewards.

How Much Can You Earn With YouGov?

• Survey rewards : You’ll typically get around 1,000 to 3,000 points per survey, depending on how long and complex it is. And 1,000 points = AU$1, so that’s AU$1-3 per survey.
• Cash-out threshold : You can swap your points for cash via PayPal or gift cards once you’ve got 20,000 points (that’s around AU$20).
• Monthly earnings : If you’re lucky enough to get a lot of survey invites, most users can expect to earn between AU$10 to AU$30 per month. But it really depends on how many surveys are available and how much time you’ve got to fill them out.

Payment options

• PayPal : Get your earnings paid straight into your PayPal account.\
• Gift cards : You can swap your points for vouchers from popular Aussie retailers like Coles, Woolworths, or JB Hi-Fi.

Good Stuff About YouGov

• Reliable and trustworthy : YouGov is a well-respected company that does its surveys properly and pays people on time.
• Interesting surveys : Users really enjoy doing YouGov’s surveys, especially if you’re into politics and current events.
• Global reach : YouGov’s big and international reach, which means Australians can participate in studies that are happening all around the world.

Not So Great Stuff About YouGov

• Fewer surveys : Compared to some other platforms, YouGov doesn’t do as many surveys in total – especially for people who aren’t into politics or social issues.
• Variable survey availability : Some users might find that there aren’t as many surveys available as they’d like.

6. Valued Opinions

Valued Opinions is a well known and trusted survey site in Australia where you can earn rewards by sharing your opinions on various topics including consumer products, services and lifestyle trends. It’s a good option if you want to earn extra income with higher per-survey rewards.

How Valued Opinions Works?

• Sign-Up & Profile Setup: Joining Valued Opinions is free and you need to complete a profile so you can get the most relevant surveys. The more detailed your profile the more likely you are to get matched with surveys that fit your demographic and interests.
• Survey Participation: Valued Opinions has a wide range of surveys that usually focus on:
  • Consumer Product Feedback: Share your thoughts on products you use in your daily life, such as household goods, tech products and more.
  • Brand and Service Reviews: Participate in surveys related to brand perception and service quality, helping companies improve their offerings.
  • Lifestyle and Social Surveys: Answer questions about lifestyle choices, social issues and trends.
• Earning Points: After completing a survey you’ll earn points which accumulate over time and can be redeemed for rewards.

Earning Potential in Valued Opinions

• Survey Rewards: Valued Opinions pays well compared to other sites, $2 to $7 per survey depending on the survey length and complexity.
• Cash-Out Threshold: You can redeem your points for gift cards from popular Australian retailers once you reach $20 in earnings.
• Monthly Earnings: For consistent participants Valued Opinions can provide $25 to $50 per month depending on survey availability and time invested.

Payment Methods

• Gift Cards: Valued Opinions rewards users with gift cards to major Australian retailers such as Coles, Woolworths, Myer and more, so you can use your earnings for groceries, shopping or personal items.

Pros of Valued Opinions

• Higher Per-Survey Rewards: Valued Opinions generally offers better payouts per survey compared to many other sites.
• Reliable Payouts: Users consistently report receiving their rewards once they reach the cash-out threshold.
• Wide Range of Retailer Options: The availability of gift cards from top retailers gives users flexibility in how they use their earnings.

Cons of Valued Opinions

• Long Processing Times: While payouts are reliable, some users report 7-14 business days delay in processing and receiving rewards.
• Screen Outs: Users often get screened out towards the end of the survey, after investing time in answering questions.

7. LifePoints

LifePoints – An awesome and super user-friendly online survey platform that every Aussie should know about. Its ridiculously low redemption threshold and the sheer variety of survey topics on tap make it perfect for anyone looking to earn some extra cash without having to worry about building up loads of points.

How LifePoints Works?

• Sign-Up & Getting Your Profile Sorted: Joining up is free, but to get the most out of LifePoints you’ll need to fill out a profile to make sure you get surveys that actually suit your interests. And the good news is that LifePoints sends out a ton of surveys – especially if you’re all set up and ready to go.
• Getting Surveys: Once you’re in the system LifePoints has a huge range of surveys to choose from. These can include:
  • Quickies: Most of the surveys are pretty short, and you can pretty much get in and out in 5-10 minutes – perfect for those busy days.
  • Product and Brand Feedback: The surveys tend to focus on everyday products and brands, so LifePoints is looking for your honest opinions on the things you buy and use.
  • Lifestyle and Social Stuff: You’ll also get asked about your views on lifestyle trends, entertainment and all sorts of other social issues.
• Earning Those Points: Each time you finish a survey you get rewarded with points, which add up over time. LifePoints has a super straightforward points system where 1000 points = $1, and you can redeem your points for rewards in no time.

How Much Can You Earn with LifePoints?

• Survey Rewards: Depending on how long or complicated the survey is, you can earn 500-3000 points. That’s a nice bit of cash for a bit of work.
• The Cash-Out Threshold: One of the best things about LifePoints is that it’s really easy to get your hands on your cash – you only need to earn $5 to redeem your points and get paid.
• Monthly Earnings: If you’re a regular user, you can expect to earn around $20-40 per month – but of course, that all depends on how many surveys you get invited to and how often you can fit them in.

Payment Options

• PayPal: LifePoints will pay out to PayPal, so you can just transfer your earnings straight into your bank account.
• Gift Cards: Alternatively, you can redeem your points for gift cards at loads of top Aussie retailers like Coles, Woolworths and Myer.

The Good Stuff About LifePoints

• Low Cash-Out Threshold: With a cash-out threshold of just $5, you can get your hands on your cash more often than you would on most other platforms.
• Loads of Surveys: LifePoints is great at sending out survey invites, so if you want to earn regularly this is a great option.
• Choose Your Payment Method: With both PayPal and gift card options available, LifePoints makes it super easy to get paid in a way that suits you.

The Not-So-Good Stuff About LifePoints

• Payment Delays: Payments do take a bit of time – you’re looking at 7 to 10 business days for payments to clear.
• Survey Availability: The number of surveys you get invited to will depend on your profile, so you might find there are fewer surveys available during certain times of the year.

8. PrizeRebel

PrizeRebel is a pretty versatile platform that does a mix of different earning opportunities , including surveys, offers, and tasks. Not as focused on surveys as some other platforms, but still a way for Aussies to make a bit of extra cash, especially through its many different reward options.

How PrizeRebel Works?

• Sign-Up & Profile Filling Out Stuff: First you need to sign up for free, then fill in the basic profile which helps PrizeRebel match you with stuff you’re actually eligible for. This is so you get the right kind of surveys & tasks.
• Ways To Earn: PrizeRebel has a bunch of activities to earn points:
  • Surveys: Like most survey sites, they’ll ask you to do some surveys in exchange for points (not huge, but some points is better than no points, right ?)
  • Offers: Earn some points by doing special offers like free trials or signing up for accounts – just be sure you’re not committing to anything you don’t want.
  • Tasks: Watch some videos, write a review or check out a new app – its all a way to earn some extra points.
• Getting Your Points: You get points for doing each task. Once you’ve got enough to cash out – which isn’t a ton – you can grab some rewards like PayPal cash or gift cards.

Earning Potential in PrizeRebel

• Survey Rewards: Surveys usually pay out around 100-200 points each, but to be honest, you won’t be raking it in.
• Cash-Out Barrier: The cash-out threshold is $5, which isn’t bad – but getting enough points to reach that can take some time
• Monthly Earns: If you just do a little bit on PrizeRebel, you might get around AU$10-20 per month – but if you get more involved, you can do a bit better by doing more offers or tasks.

Payment Options

• PayPal: PrizeRebel lets you grab your points for PayPal cash, which is fast and hassle free.
• Gift Cards: Or if you prefer, you can use your points for gift cards to places like Coles , Woolworths, Amazon , or loads of other big Aussie retailers.

Why You Should Try PrizeRebel

• Easy Come, Easy Go: The AU$5 cash out limit is really handy if you don’t want to wait ages to get your money.
• Lots Of Ways To Earn: PrizeRebel has a whole bunch of tasks beyond just surveys – like offers, product trials, and tasks – which makes for a bit more variety.
• Good Range Of Rewards: You can grab your points for PayPal cash or a bunch of different gift cards – which is pretty versatile

Why You Might Not Love PrizeRebel

• Not Super Rewarding: The pay for surveys isn’t the best – and the time it takes to earn can feel pretty long if you’re relying on it.
• Tasks Come And Go: Some users might find the surveys and tasks aren’t as frequent as they would like, especially compared to some other survey sites.

9. Ipsos i-Say

Ipsos i-Say is run by Ipsos, one of the biggest and most trusted market research companies globally. This platform allows Australians to participate in surveys about public opinion, consumer behaviour and political views. Because of its credibility and long history, Ipsos i-Say is a popular choice for those looking for reliable survey sites.

How Ipsos i-Say Works?

• Sign-Up & Profile Setup: After signing up for free, you’ll complete a demographic profile. This profile will match you with surveys that suit your interests, preferences and location. By keeping your profile up to date you’ll increase your chances of getting surveys that match your profile.
• Survey Participation: Ipsos i-Say offers a range of surveys:
  • Consumer Feedback: Give your opinion on consumer products, services and brands.
  • Political and Social Research: Share your views on political issues, social topics and public policies.
  • Market Research: Participate in surveys that help companies understand market trends and consumer preferences.
• Earning Points: Each survey earns you points, which accumulate and can be redeemed once you reach the cash-out threshold. Ipsos i-Say surveys are worth AU$1–3 each, depending on the length and complexity.

Earning Potential in Ipsos i-Say

• Survey Rewards: Each survey is worth 1,000 to 3,000 points, which is around AU$1 to AU$3 per survey.
• Cash-Out Threshold: You can redeem your points once you reach AU$10, which is the cash-out threshold.
• Monthly Earnings: For consistent users, the earning potential is around AU$20–40 per month, depending on survey availability and time invested. However, users who qualify for higher value surveys or participate in longer focus groups may earn more.

Payment Methods

• PayPal: Ipsos i-Say allows users to redeem their points for PayPal cash, it’s a convenient and secure way to get your earnings.
• Gift Cards: Or you can redeem your points for gift cards from popular retailers like Coles, Woolworths, JB Hi-Fi and more.

Pros of Ipsos i-Say

• Trusted Brand: Ipsos i-Say is part of the Ipsos Group, a global market research company, so it’s a reliable and trustworthy survey site.
• Consistent Survey Flow: Ipsos i-Say has regular surveys, so users have a steady stream of earning potential.
• Flexible Payment Options: The site offers PayPal and gift card redemption, so users have choice in how they get their earnings.

Cons of Ipsos i-Say

• High Competition for Higher Value Surveys: Some users report high competition for the best surveys, so it may be harder to qualify for higher paying ones.
• Survey Availability: While the site generally has a good range of surveys, availability can be limited at times, especially for certain demographics.

10. Pinecone Research

Pinecone Research is an invite-only survey platform that offers high-quality surveys and product testing. It’s known for its reliability and higher payouts, one of the more sought after platforms for those who get an invite. Although the entry process is selective, once you’re in, Pinecone Research is a consistent and rewarding experience.

How Pinecone Research Works?

• Sign-Up & Invite Process: Pinecone Research is invite-only, so you need to get an invite. They invite based on demographics or other factors, so it’s harder to get in compared to other survey sites. But once you’re in, you’ll get regular surveys.
• Survey Participation: Pinecone Research focuses on high-quality surveys and product testing, which are usually well paid. They offer reliable and straightforward surveys with little to no screen-outs, so it’s a good choice for those who hate wasting time.
• Earning Points: Each survey completed earns you points, which you can accumulate and redeem for cash or gift cards once you hit the cash-out threshold.

Earning Potential in Pinecone Research

• Survey Rewards: Surveys on Pinecone Research pay AU$3 per survey or points, which is higher than most other sites. As Pinecone Research rarely screens out participants, it’s good earning potential for those who qualify for surveys.
• Cash-Out Threshold: Pinecone Research has one of the lowest cash-out thresholds in the industry, just AU$3 to redeem your earnings. It’s one of the most accessible platforms to cash out.
• Monthly Earnings: With the high payout per survey, consistent participants can earn around AU$30–60 per month, but availability is limited due to being invite-only.

Payment Methods

• PayPal: Pinecone Research offers PayPal as a payment option, easy and secure way to get your earnings.
• Gift Cards: Or you can choose from various gift cards, including Coles, Woolworths and Amazon.

Pros of Pinecone Research

• High-Quality Surveys: Pinecone Research is known for well paid and high quality surveys that rarely screen out, which is a big plus for those who want to make the most of their time.
• Reliable Payouts: They are known for consistent and on time payouts, a trustworthy experience for users.
• Low Cash-Out Threshold: With a cash-out threshold of AU$3, it’s easy to cash out once you hit the minimum payout.

Cons of Pinecone Research

• Limited Invites: Since Pinecone Research is invite-only, it’s hard to get in. Invites are selective and not everyone will be able to join unless they get an invite.
• Selective Membership: Due to its selective nature, Pinecone Research doesn’t have as big of a user base, so survey availability is limited for those who aren’t consistently invited to participate.

Earnings Potential in 2025-2030

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) puts the average weekly earnings of full-time workers in Australia at around AU$2,010 as of May 2025 – that’s about AU$40 per hour. To be honest, earning money from paid online surveys is a whole different story.

Some of the higher paying options out there include the likes of Octopus Group where users can earn up to AU$16.80 per hour. Even so, other survey sites are going to give you somewhere between AU$5 to AU$12 per hour, taking into account that not all your time is going to be spent on surveys – you’ve got to factor in screen-outs (where they reject you after you’ve already started) and the time it takes to get through each one.

Now, you’re not going to be able to replace a full-time salary with paid surveys alone but they do offer a bit of extra income on the side. Regular users of these sorts of platforms can expect to earn between AU$30 and AU$90 per month, depending on just how many surveys they’re doing and how much time they’re putting into it.

The Final Say & Where We’re Headed

If you’re in Australia, paid surveys remain a genuine side hustle that can help out with your everyday expenses. On average, you can expect to make AU$30-90 per month, which is great for covering the odd bill or two, or maybe even just to help pay for some fuel or groceries. Not going to make you rich, but it’s a bit of extra cash to help out.

To get the most from paid surveys, you want to be sticking with reliable platforms that actually pay up, like Octopus Group, Ipsos i-Say, PureProfile and LifePoints. These places offer decent surveys with clear payouts so you can earn with confidence. At the same time, be wary of any newer or dodgy platforms that might be offering lower quality surveys or failing to pay up.

The Last Word: To stay ahead, Australians need to get with the times and start embracing the new tools and platforms that are coming online. Not just that, but the future of work is all about Automation, Transparency and Secure digital payments – by being on top of these things now, Aussies can make sure they’re prepared for what’s to come.