Remote · Flexible · No Experience Required

Get paid to train the machines.

A running board of legit AI-training and data-labeling gigs: what the work actually looks like, how the pay works, and where referral bonuses are on the table.

See open listings How it works

Contains referral links. Full disclosure at the bottom.

Referral
Verified
2026

Do The Math

See how simple this is

Drag the slider to your available hours, pick a rough pay tier that matches the platform you're eyeing, and see a rough weekly and monthly range. These are estimates to show the shape of it, not a promise. Actual pay depends entirely on the platform, task, and your own output.

Rough pay tier:
Per week $150
Per month $650
Start with Ethos → Best fit for this rate range

Illustrative only, based on the hourly ranges listed on this page. Not a guarantee of earnings: actual pay varies by platform, task availability, and approval into referral programs.

The Process

Three steps, start to first paycheck

Every platform below follows roughly the same shape. Here's what to expect before you sign up for anything.

01

Apply & qualify

Create an account and pass a short skills or background assessment. Most take under 30 minutes.

02

Pick up tasks

Log in whenever you want and claim available tasks: labeling data, rating AI responses, or testing agent behavior.

03

Get paid, refer others

Payout schedules vary by platform. Many also pay you a bonus once someone you refer completes their first stretch of work. See which ones are live now.

Open Listings

Where to sign up

Ethos is live below with an active referral link. The rest link straight to the official sign-up page; swap in your own referral code for each once you're approved as a contractor.

Top Pick
AI Agent Training

Ethos

Verified

Contributes to training AI agents by completing structured tasks and reviewing agent behavior. Sign-up includes a short qualification step.

Work typeTask-based, remote
Pay stylePer task, check current rate
Apply Now →
Top Pick
Expert Vetting Network

micro1

Verified

AI-driven talent network that matches subject-matter experts (engineering, science, business, legal, and more) to AI training projects through a referral-driven vetting process.

Work typeProject-matched, remote
Pay styleVaries by role; current listings span roughly $15–$150/hr
UpdatedManually set
Apply Now →
Top Pick
Expert Talent Network

Mercor

Verified

Marketplace connecting domain experts (doctors, lawyers, engineers, and other specialists) with AI labs that need real professional knowledge to train models.

Work typeProject-matched, remote
Pay styleVaries by expertise and project
Apply Now →
Top Pick
Research Participant

Terac

Verified

Different from the AI-training work above: this pays you to be a research participant, recording video interview sessions used to help build AI interview tools. No task queue, no ongoing tasks, just paid interview recordings as they're needed.

Work typeInterview sessions, remote
Pay stylePer session, check current rate
Apply Now →

Side by Side

Quick comparison

Rates and referral terms change often. Always confirm the current numbers on the platform before you commit time.

PlatformBest forFlexibilityReferral program
Ethos →AI agent task reviewHighActive (link above)
micro1 →Expert-matched project work ($15–$150/hr roles)MediumActive (link above)
Mercor →Expert-matched project workMediumActive (link above)
Terac →Research participant, interview sessionsLowActive (link above)

Start with the one that's live.

Ethos has an active referral link right now. The rest are one signed-up account away from earning you a bonus too.

Apply to Ethos →

Level Up

Skills that raise your rate

The expert-tier gigs above pay more because they need real skills: coding, specific domain knowledge, or a working understanding of how AI models actually work. These courses cover the basics if you're starting from zero.

Foundations

AI & Prompt Engineering

Covers how large language models work and how to write effective prompts, directly useful for tasks that involve rating or improving AI responses.

Start Learning →
Foundations

Data Annotation & Labeling

Structured courses on how data annotation and labeling work in practice, useful background for the data-labeling platforms listed above.

Start Learning →
Expert Tier

Python for Data Work

Basic coding skills open the door to the higher-paying "expert" tier tasks on platforms like DataAnnotation and Mercor.

Start Learning →

Kit Up

The Starter Kit

Nothing fancy required to start, but a few basics make longer task sessions easier on you.

Amazon Basics wireless on-ear headphones
Comfort

Wireless On-Ear Headphones

Foldable, portable, with a 35-hour battery and built-in mic, good for long task sessions or calls without being tethered to your desk.

See options →
Lamicall adjustable laptop stand
Comfort

Laptop Stand

Keeps your neck and wrists in a better position if you're doing this for more than an hour at a stretch.

See options →
ASUS 24 inch monitor
Productivity

Second Monitor

Makes a real difference on tasks where you're cross-referencing instructions and your workspace side by side.

See options →
Ergonomic vertical wireless mouse
Comfort

Ergonomic Wireless Mouse

A vertical or ergonomic grip cuts down on wrist strain during long stretches of clicking through tasks.

See options →
LED desk lamp with clamp mount
Productivity

LED Desk Lamp with Clamp

Stepless dimming and a clamp mount, useful for late sessions or workspaces without great overhead lighting.

See options →
Neuro Energy and Focus peppermint gum
Comfort

Energy & Focus Gum

Peppermint gum with added caffeine, a quick option for a mid-session pick-me-up without brewing coffee.

See options →

Questions

Before you sign up

Is training AI models a real way to make money?

Yes. Companies building AI models need huge volumes of human-labeled data, human feedback, and human-reviewed conversations. Platforms like Outlier, DataAnnotation, Remotasks, and Ethos pay contractors to do this work remotely, usually on a flexible, task-by-task basis.

How much do these gigs actually pay?

Pay varies by platform, task complexity, and your qualifications. Most pay hourly or per completed task, and rates change over time, so always check the current rate on the platform itself before you start, rather than relying on numbers from any third-party site, including this one.

Are referral bonuses for these platforms legit?

Many AI training platforms run official referral programs where both the referrer and the new contractor can earn a bonus once the referred person completes a set amount of work. Terms vary by platform and change often, so confirm current terms directly on each site.

Do I need special skills?

Most entry-level tasks require no special background: just a laptop, reliable internet, and attention to detail. Some platforms offer higher-paying specialized tasks for people with coding, writing, science, or language expertise.

Are these jobs 1099 contract work?

Typically yes. Most of these platforms classify contributors as independent contractors, not employees. That means no tax withholding, and you're generally responsible for tracking and reporting your own income. This isn't tax advice, so check with a tax professional for your specific situation.

How this site stays free: Some of the "Apply Now," "Start Learning," and "See options" links on this page are referral or affiliate links. Clicking through and signing up or purchasing may earn the site owner a commission, at zero extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, GigLedger earns from qualifying purchases. That's what keeps this page updated and ad-free instead of paywalled. GigLedger is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ethos, micro1, Mercor, Terac, Outlier, DataAnnotation, Remotasks, Appen, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, Western Governors University, or Amazon. Pay rates, referral terms, course pricing, and program availability are set by each platform and change without notice, so always verify details directly on the official site before signing up.
Apply to Ethos →