Outlier and DataAnnotation both hire generalists and credentialed experts to train AI. Outlier prices each track on its own page and pays weekly. DataAnnotation lists a starting rate per track, takes one assessment and pays through PayPal. Neither guarantees hours. From each platform’s own pages, read 6 November 2026.
Outlier and DataAnnotation side by side
| Outlier | DataAnnotation | |
|---|---|---|
| Operator | Scale AI, Inc., with its affiliate Smart Ecosystem Inc. trading as Outlier AI | Surge Labs, Inc. |
| How you apply | Onboarding that typically takes 30 to 90 minutes, then onboarding for each project | One Starter Assessment, about an hour for general work and one to two hours for specialised tracks; ID check through Persona |
| Stated pay | Set per track. English generalist: up to $15 USD an hour. No platform-wide rate | Starting rate per track: $25 to $50 general, $25 to $40 multilingual, $40 to $150+ coding, $40 to $125+ STEM and professional |
| How and when paid | Weekly, processed Tuesdays for the previous Tuesday to Monday, by PayPal, AirTM or ACH | PayPal, in US dollars, deposits within a few days of a request |
| Who can apply | 18 or older; no country list published; no visa sponsorship | A bachelor’s degree or equivalent real-world experience, plus fluent English; no country list published |
| Contractor status | Contractor, reported on a 1099; no tax withheld | Independent contractor; you pay your own income and self-employment tax |
| Fees | The FAQ mentions none | No signup fees |
Which pays more, Outlier or DataAnnotation?
On the pages we read, DataAnnotation states the higher figures. Its FAQ gives general work a starting rate of $25 to $50 an hour. Outlier’s English generalist page says up to $15 USD an hour.
Outlier publishes no platform-wide range. Its FAQ says rates vary by expertise, project complexity and location. We did not verify rates for other Outlier tracks, so we give none.
The generalist page also describes a Missions bonus that averages about 7.5% and reaches about 11% for top contributors. DataAnnotation does not say what moves a worker above a starting rate. Neither says how many hours reach you.
Which is easier to get into?
Neither publishes an acceptance rate. Outlier’s onboarding is a stated sequence, and the generalist page lists four application steps. DataAnnotation has one free Starter Assessment, taken once with no retake.
DataAnnotation’s FAQ says the result comes by email within a few days. It says hearing nothing likely means your application is still under review or was not accepted, because it cannot reply to everyone who applies.
Outlier does not say whether onboarding or assessment time is paid.
Who is each one for?
DataAnnotation’s tracks run from general chatbot review to coding, STEM and professional work. STEM work asks for a master’s or PhD, or a bachelor’s plus ten years in the field. Professional work in law, finance or medicine asks for a licence. A generalist with a degree fits the general track.
Outlier sets pay and requirements per track on separate landing pages. It suits someone whose language, field or coding skill matches a track page, where the rate is shown before you start.
How and when does each pay?
Outlier pays weekly. Its FAQ says payments are processed on Tuesdays for work done from the previous Tuesday to Monday, by PayPal, AirTM or ACH.
DataAnnotation pays by PayPal only. Deposits arrive within a few days of a request, and rejected work is unpaid, per its contract terms.
Is either one a scam?
Both are run by named companies. Outlier’s terms of use name Scale AI, Inc. DataAnnotation’s contract terms name Surge Labs, Inc.
The terms let Outlier suspend or end an account immediately, without notice, for any reason. DataAnnotation’s FAQ says poor contributions may cost you access to future projects.
DataAnnotation’s Trust and Safety page warns that fraudsters have misused its brand and that it never takes payment from workers. We found no similar warning on the Outlier pages we read. Treat any request for money before work as fake. Our scam checklist lists the signs.
On 6 November 2026, Trustpilot showed 5,782 reviews for Outlier at an average of 4.0, and 1,979 for DataAnnotation at 3.8. Bloomberg Law reported a WARN Act class action against Scale AI and Outlier AI on 7 October 2024. It also reported a misclassification suit against Surge Labs on 20 May 2025. We do not know the status of either, and an allegation is not a finding.
Read each in full: Is Outlier AI legit and Is DataAnnotation legit.
Which roles state their pay?
We list neither Outlier nor DataAnnotation, and we earn nothing if you apply to either. Right now micro1 has 317 open roles on this site, paying $6–400 an hour. Mercor has 181, paying $15–350 an hour. Each states the rate on the role.
If you are hired through micro1 after applying from a link here and complete 10 hours, micro1 pays this site a referral fee. If you are hired through Mercor after applying from a link here, Mercor pays this site a referral fee. Your pay is unaffected.
Browse micro1 roles or Mercor roles. Our guides cover Is micro1 legit and Is Mercor legit.
What neither publishes
- An acceptance rate.
- How many hours of work an accepted worker can expect.
- A list of countries they accept workers from.
- An appeal process for a removed account.
This site is not affiliated with Outlier or DataAnnotation, and passing either screening is not a promise of work.