The practical question behind all the tax mechanics is just this: when money lands, how much of it is not mine? Getting to a number you trust is what turns tax from a recurring shock into a line item.
What the listings actually pay
Start from the parts. Self-employment tax is 15.3%. Income tax sits on top and depends on your bracket and your other income. State tax may apply. Deductions pull the total down. For many people doing this work the combined result lands somewhere between a quarter and a third of what they earn.
| # | 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
Which is why a flat 20% rule, repeated widely, is often too low, particularly if you already have a salaried income pushing these earnings into a higher bracket. Being over-reserved costs you nothing but a transfer back. Being under-reserved costs you a scramble.
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
What percentage should I set aside?
Many people plan on 25% to 35%, but the right figure depends on your bracket, your state and your deductions. If you already have salaried income, lean toward the higher end.
Is 20% enough?
Often not, especially once self-employment tax at 15.3% is combined with income tax. It is a commonly repeated figure that leaves a lot of people short.
Where should I keep the money?
A separate account you do not touch. The specific account matters less than the separation, because money sitting in your main balance gets spent.
What if I set aside too much?
You get it back. That is a far better problem than the alternative, and the discipline is worth more than the small amount of idle cash.
Does this change if AI work is my only income?
Yes, usually favourably, since your total income may sit in lower brackets. The self-employment tax portion still applies from a low threshold.
See every live role
The full board updates several times a week, with the advertised rate on each listing and closed roles removed.