The rate you are quoted is not the money you keep. That sentence catches out more people entering AI training work than anything else, because nearly all of it is 1099 contract work and nothing is withheld for you.
What the listings actually pay
Across 1456 live listings on our board that publish a rate, the median top-of-range is $90 an hour. On a W-2 job, a number like that arrives with income tax, Social Security and Medicare already taken out. Here, none of it is. You receive the full amount and you owe the tax later, in a lump, on a schedule nobody tells you about.
| # | Role | Advertised rate | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oncologist | $350 to $450 an hour | Mercor |
| 2 | BigLaw lawyers | $140 to $400 an hour | micro1 |
| 3 | Cardiologist | $350 to $350 an hour | Mercor |
| 4 | Arts, Media & Design Expert | $150 to $350 an hour | micro1 |
| 5 | Corporate Attorney | $140 to $350 an hour | micro1 |
| 6 | CUDA Engineering Expert | $300 to $300 an hour | Mercor |
| 7 | Equity Research Expert | $175 to $300 an hour | micro1 |
| 8 | Street Performing Musician | $100 to $300 an hour | micro1 |
Source: 1456 live listings on this board that publish a rate, read directly from each posting on 2026-10-24. Listings without a published rate are excluded rather than estimated.
What moves your rate
The three things that surprise people: self-employment tax is 15.3% on top of income tax, because you now pay both halves of Social Security and Medicare. Payments are due quarterly, not in April. And you are running a small business for tax purposes, which means legitimate expenses reduce what you owe.
How to apply
Every role above links to its own page with the full requirements and a direct application link. Applications are completed on the hiring platform and typically take a few minutes, with a short skills assessment in place of an interview.
Two things are worth doing before you apply. Check whether the role accepts applicants from your country using the eligibility checker, and run the advertised rate through the take-home calculator, because this is contract work and the headline rate is before self-employment tax.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get a W-2 from AI training platforms?
Almost never. This work is contract work, so you receive a 1099-NEC or 1099-K instead, and no tax is withheld on your behalf. The full advertised rate arrives in your account and the tax is settled separately.
How much tax will I actually owe?
It depends on your total income and where you live, but a common planning figure is 25% to 35% of what you earn from this work, covering both self-employment tax and income tax. Setting money aside as you go is far easier than finding it later.
When do I have to pay?
Quarterly, if you expect to owe a meaningful amount for the year. Waiting until April can mean an underpayment penalty on top of the tax itself.
Can I deduct anything?
Yes. Genuine costs of doing the work, such as a share of your internet, a computer used for the work, and a home office that meets the requirements, reduce your taxable income. Keep records as you go.
Is this advice I can rely on?
No, and please do not treat it that way. It is general information to help you plan and ask better questions. Tax outcomes depend on your full circumstances, so confirm with a qualified professional.
See every live role
The full board updates several times a week, with the advertised rate on each listing and closed roles removed.