Comparing these two is useful mainly because it clarifies the shape of the whole sector. They sit at opposite ends of it.
What the listings actually pay
Outlier is the open, high-volume end. Large project catalogue, very broad language coverage, low barrier to starting. You can be working relatively quickly, and the rate reflects that accessibility.
| # | Role | Advertised rate | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oncologist | $350 to $450 an hour | Mercor |
| 2 | BigLaw lawyers | $140 to $400 an hour | micro1 |
| 3 | Principal Research Scientist (Computer Science / Computational Physics) | $100 to $400 an hour | micro1 |
| 4 | Cardiologist | $350 to $350 an hour | Mercor |
| 5 | Luxury Automotive Strategy Expert | $300 to $350 an hour | Mercor |
| 6 | Arts, Media & Design Expert | $150 to $350 an hour | micro1 |
| 7 | Corporate Attorney | $140 to $350 an hour | micro1 |
| 8 | Breast Imaging Radiologist | $300 to $300 an hour | Mercor |
Source: 1814 live listings on this board that publish a rate, read directly from each posting on 2026-11-09. Listings without a published rate are excluded rather than estimated.
What moves your rate
Handshake AI is the gated end. It runs structured programmes and specialised projects for people with verifiable expertise, such as lawyers, physicians, PhDs in hard sciences and graduate students in high-demand fields. The credential is the product, and the rate is attached to it.
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 need a degree for Handshake AI?
Its specialised work is built around verifiable expertise, so advanced degrees, professional licences and graduate study in high-demand fields are what it selects for.
Can I start on Outlier and move up?
Many people do use accessible platforms to build experience while applying to credential-gated work in parallel. They are not mutually exclusive.
Which has more available work?
Outlier has far more volume by design. Gated programmes are smaller because the eligible pool is smaller, which is also why they pay more.
Is a PhD worth it for this work alone?
No. Do not pursue a multi-year degree for contract work with no guaranteed hours. If you already have one, it is genuinely valuable here.
Where do I see what each pays?
Our board lists live roles with their own published rates, so you can compare actual engagements rather than advertised averages.
See every live role
The full board updates several times a week, with the advertised rate on each listing and closed roles removed.