DataAnnotation vs micro1 for AI trainers
DataAnnotation has 113 open AI trainer jobs with a median pay of $83 an hour. micro1 has 264 open jobs with a median of $73 an hour. Both numbers come from live job boards and change every 5 minutes.
DataAnnotation, the worker platform of Surge AI, offers tasks such as rating chatbot answers and checking AI code. You pick your own projects and hours. Most micro1 projects ask for about 15 to 20 hours a week. DataAnnotation starts with a Starter Assessment of about 1 hour, which you can take only once. micro1 uses a spoken AI interview with Zara, 20 to 40 minutes. DataAnnotation pays through PayPal, about 7 days after the work. micro1 pays twice a month through Deel. On Trustpilot, micro1 has 4.7 and DataAnnotation 3.9. DataAnnotation fits people who want flexible hours. micro1 fits experts who can give set weekly hours.
Side by side
| Detail | DataAnnotation | micro1 |
|---|---|---|
| Open jobs | 113 | 264 |
| Median pay | $83/hr | $73/hr |
| Middle half | $33–83/hr | $48–115/hr |
| Jobs at $50/hr or more | 70 | 190 |
| Entry level jobs | 1 | 15 |
| Founded | 2020 (Surge AI) | 2022 |
| Founders | Edwin Chen (CEO of Surge AI) | Ali Ansari (CEO) |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | San Francisco, USA |
| Funding | Self-funded ($1.2B revenue in 2024) | Over $100M at a $4B valuation (2026) |
| Workers | Independent contractors | Contractors, through Deel |
| Payment | PayPal | Deel |
| Paid | 7 days after the work | Twice a month |
| Reviews | 3.91,973 on Trustpilot | 4.710,686 on Trustpilot |
Which one is for you
- DataAnnotation pays more per hour overall: a median of $83, against $73 at micro1.
- micro1 has more open jobs right now: 264, against 113 at DataAnnotation.
- DataAnnotation pays more for coding and languages work.
- micro1 pays more for legal, medical, and finance work.
- Only micro1 has creative, generalist, voice & video, and robotics jobs open now.
- For a first AI training job, micro1 has more entry level openings: 15, against 1 at DataAnnotation.
Median pay by category
| Category | DataAnnotation | micro1 |
|---|---|---|
| Legal | $83/hr8 jobs | $110/hr39 jobs |
| Medical | $83/hr13 jobs | $103/hr36 jobs |
| Finance | $83/hr20 jobs | $100/hr22 jobs |
| Coding | $95/hr11 jobs | $75/hr42 jobs |
| STEM | $83/hr16 jobs | $85/hr37 jobs |
| Creative | Fewer than 3 | $60/hr15 jobs |
| Generalist | Fewer than 3 | $45/hr36 jobs |
| Languages | $33/hr42 jobs | $25/hr22 jobs |
| Voice & Video | Fewer than 3 | $18/hr5 jobs |
| Robotics | Fewer than 3 | $14/hr3 jobs |
How hiring works at DataAnnotation
- Sign up on dataannotation.tech and take the Starter Assessment for your track, such as general, coding, math, or a language. It takes about 1 hour, and you can take it only once.
- Wait for the result. DataAnnotation says it replies in a few days, but many workers say they waited weeks or months, and some never hear back.
- If you pass, take the longer Core assessment or a specialist test, then verify your identity with a government ID and a selfie.
- Projects then show on your dashboard. Pick the ones you want. More specialist tests unlock better-paid projects.
How hiring works at micro1
- Apply to a job on the micro1 job board.
- Do a spoken AI interview with Zara, 20 to 40 minutes. Human recruiters review it.
- When a project picks you, sign the contract and verify your identity in Deel, then pass a background check.
- Most projects ask for about 15 to 20 hours a week. Hourly projects track time with Hubstaff.
See 113 DataAnnotation jobsMedian $83/hrSee 264 micro1 jobsMedian $73/hrFrequently asked questions
Which pays more, DataAnnotation or micro1?
DataAnnotation pays more right now: a median of $83 an hour, against $73 at micro1. Pay depends on the field, so compare the category you work in.
Which is better for beginners, DataAnnotation or micro1?
micro1 has more entry level jobs open now: 15, against 1 at DataAnnotation. Entry level jobs ask for no degree, but often for strong writing or a second language.
How do DataAnnotation and micro1 pay?
DataAnnotation pays through PayPal, 7 days after the work. micro1 pays through Deel, twice a month. See each company page for the details.
What is an AI trainer job?
AI trainers help companies improve AI models. You review and rate model answers, write example answers, find mistakes, or record voice and video data. Experts in law, medicine, coding, languages, and other fields teach models how a professional thinks. Most of this work is remote, flexible, and paid by the hour.
Are AI trainer jobs remote?
Yes. Every job on this site is remote, and most have flexible hours. Some jobs accept people from certain countries only, so check the 🌍 location on each job before you apply.
What skills or degrees do I need?
It depends on the job. Generalist jobs need clear writing and attention to detail. Expert jobs usually ask for a degree or work experience in the field, such as a law license or medical training. Language jobs need native or fluent skill in that language. Coding jobs need real programming experience.
