Get paid to train AI — from someone actually doing the work
I do paid AI training work, mostly reviewing model outputs and evaluating code. Since June 2026 it's paid me nearly $30,000. This site is what each platform actually paid, how hard it was to get in, and whether the work showed up. When a number is only a listed rate, I say so.
My platform rankings
Where each platform lands based on my applications, screening, and paid work. Pay shown is what I received unless noted.
Worth your time
- micro1 $12,408.75 paid so far
Three projects at $80–$90/hr, and one is still running. The Zara interview is hard; I failed my first.
- DataAnnotation $14,263.79 since July
Usually $50/hr coding work, up to $75. My top pick for programmers who can pass the assessment.
Strong, with a catch
- Ethos $100/hr on my project
Hired at $100/hr after a short AI voice interview, and the screening tasks are paid. Questions often go unanswered.
Good pay, uneven hours
- Mercor $85–$95/hr, paid weekly
Both contracts came as instant offers. The work arrives in weekend sprints with long gaps between them.
Only for the right role
- Handshake AI $100–$125/hr projects
Some of the best- and worst-paid roles around. Expect giant Slack channels and a real chance of being offboarded.
- Alignerr $75–$95/hr received
The pay rules changed mid-project. Under one version, a failed four-hour task paid $0.
Skip it
- Outlier $0 earned
The long, unpaid screening was not worth my time.
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Guides & reviews
- Ethos AI (AskEthos) Review 2026: Hired at $100/hr, Still Waiting to Start
Hired at $100/hr after a voice-only AI interview, then the client pushed my start date. The screening is paid, and my first payout is due October 14.
- DataAnnotation Review (2026): $14K Paid for Coding Work Since July
DataAnnotation has paid me $14,263.79 for coding work since July, usually at $50/hr. It's slowed down a bit lately. I can't vouch for the generalist track.
- How to Apply for AI Training Jobs
Resume tweaks, fresh listings, targeted roles, and the order I would apply in.
- Alignerr Review (2026): I Got $75-$95/hr, but One Four-Hour Task Paid $0
Alignerr has paid me $75-$95/hr and never shorted me on qualifying work. The catch: the pay rules kept changing, and one four-hour task that failed paid $0.
- Outlier Review (2026): Why It's Last on My List
I've earned nothing on Outlier, and the long, unpaid screening wasn't worth my time.
- DataAnnotation vs micro1 vs Mercor vs Ethos vs Handshake AI vs Alignerr vs Outlier (2026)
Seven platforms ranked by what they've paid me, how hard they are to get into, and the order I'd apply in.
- How Much Does AI Training Pay? What I've Made Since June 2026
Nearly $30,000 in four months, mostly from two platforms, plus what 1,167 open roles list.
- Handshake AI Fellowship Review (2026): $919.99 Paid So Far, but Projects Come and Go
Legit and quick to apply to. My first $100/hr project dropped me after a week; my current $125/hr one has paid $540 while I wait for the client.
- Mercor Review (2026): $1,423.88 Earned at $85–$95/hr, but the Work Comes in Sprints
Mercor has paid me $1,423.88 since July, and my contracts pay $95/hr and $85/hr. Great rate. The hours come in weekend sprints with long gaps.
- micro1 Review (2026): $12K Earned on $80–$90/hr Projects and the Zara Interview
I failed my first Zara interview and still landed a role five days later. Since then, micro1 has paid me $12,408.75 across three projects at $80–$90/hr.