> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.dscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.dscout.com/usability-tests/what-are-usability-tests-in-dscout/how-much-should-a-usability-test-pay.md).

# How much should a usability test pay?

{% hint style="info" %}
**A note on niche recruits:** The following guidance does not apply when recruiting from our Partner Panels. Partner Panels offer access to niche, B2B recruits whose expertise is hard to source. Their schedules are tight, and the compensation you offer should reflect that. Expect to pay somewhere between $150 and $600 for just 15 to 30 minutes with a C-suite exec, clinician, etc.
{% endhint %}

When choosing an incentive for usability tests, the overall length of the mission is important, but so is the number of open-ended questions participants will have to answer. Most usability tests offer an incentive between $10 and $50. Use these specific guidelines to determine the right incentive for your mission:

| Question type                                 | Baseline incentive |
| --------------------------------------------- | ------------------ |
| Every task question                           | $8                 |
| Every 3 talk-out-loud or open-ended questions | $5                 |
| Every 10 closed-ended questions               | $5                 |

### Incentive ranges by recruitment approach

How you recruit for your mission determines how much you’re able to offer as an incentive. This is for a few reasons, including the risk associated with each type approach.

Use the table below to understand your options for each recruitment method:

| Recruitment approach                         | Available incentive range                              |
| -------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Auto-recruit from the Dscout Scout Panel** | $2–200                                                 |
| **Auto-recruit from Partner Panels**         | $5–200                                                 |
| **Add from screeners**                       | $1–200                                                 |
| **Invite via share link**                    | No enforced range as payment happens outside of Dscout |
| **Invite from Partner Panels**               | No enforced range as payment happens outside of Dscout |


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