UPDATE: A surge in AI training job opportunities has emerged as major tech companies like Meta and OpenAI expand their workforce to enhance chatbot performance. With reports confirming that freelancers can earn up to $100 per hour, the industry is attracting a diverse group of individuals eager to capitalize on this lucrative side hustle.
Five contractors from across the United States have opened up about their experiences, revealing not only how they broke into this booming field but also how much they earn. These stories highlight the growing significance of human contributors in AI training, a sector that’s gaining momentum as companies exhaust their existing data sources.
Just announced: Freelancers are finding flexible and rewarding opportunities in AI training, taking on roles that involve evaluating AI responses and improving data quality. As more organizations hire thousands of data labelers, the potential for earnings and career growth in this field is unprecedented.
Jessica Hamilton from Illinois started her AI training journey to supplement her income while running her e-commerce business. After joining the platform Prolific in 2023, she has earned between $1,000 and $1,200 monthly, using her earnings to pay off student loans and fund her travels. “This work has helped me pay for experiences like attending the Olympics in Paris,” she shared.
In Florida, Elizabeth Boyd transitioned from content creation to AI training after a recruiter from Scale AI reached out in July 2023. With weekly payments and bonuses, she now works around 30 to 35 hours a week, earning between $35 and $50 per hour. “AI training has become my main income source,” she explained, emphasizing the attractive pay and opportunity for skill development.
Ryan Adams from Virginia has been freelancing on the Outlier platform for about a year and a half, alongside his full-time nonprofit job. He has earned approximately $31,000 from AI projects, which is about one-third of his full-time income. “It’s allowed me to build emergency savings and invest more,” he noted.
Fred Nau, a chemistry and physics teacher also from Florida, began working with Outlier in early 2024 after being recruited on LinkedIn. He typically spends around 15 to 20 hours a week on AI tasks, bringing in about $15,000 last year, which he uses for a down payment on a home. “It’s been a valuable opportunity to understand AI better,” he said.
Peter Intile from Wisconsin, with a Ph.D. in microbiology, turned to AI training during the pandemic. He reported earnings of $20 to $100 a day on Prolific, using the side hustle to fund gifts and family vacations. “It feels meaningful because my work helps researchers obtain quality data,” he stated.
As AI training continues to evolve, these freelancers emphasize both the benefits and challenges of the industry, including the lack of job security and tedious tasks. However, the increasing demand for skilled data labelers makes this an attractive option for many.
What’s next? As companies ramp up their hiring efforts, potential candidates should stay alert for new job postings. The AI training landscape offers not just financial rewards but also a chance to participate in a cutting-edge industry, making now the perfect time to join this growing field.