If you have searched for AI training work at all, these two names came up first. Both are real, both pay real people, and both generate a steady stream of frustrated reviews for the same underlying reason.
What the listings actually pay
Outlier, operated by Scale AI, has the widest language coverage in the sector and a very large volume of projects. That breadth is its genuine advantage, particularly for non-English work. The recurring complaints are platform bugs and slow support.
| # | 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
DataAnnotation qualifies people through an assessment rather than credentials, and has a stronger reputation for rates, particularly on coding work. Its recurring complaint is communication, or the absence of 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
Which should I join first?
Whichever matches what you can offer. If you speak a less common language, breadth of language projects favours Outlier. If you write or code well, DataAnnotation's assessment is a direct route.
Are either of them scams?
No. Both are established operations that pay contributors. The frustrations people report are about availability, support and platform reliability, not about payment itself.
Why do reviews vary so wildly?
Because experience depends heavily on what projects you happen to be matched to and when. Two people on the same platform in the same month can have completely different experiences.
Can I work on both?
Yes, and it is the sensible approach. There is no exclusivity, and having more than one source of tasks is the main defence against empty periods.
Is there better paid work than either?
Often yes, if you hold a professional credential. Specialist listings reach $450 an hour on our board, and those are a different market from general task work.
See every live role
The full board updates several times a week, with the advertised rate on each listing and closed roles removed.