What the work involves
Coding AI training means judging and improving code a model wrote. DataAnnotation describes its coding tier as code evaluation, debugging AI-generated files and assessing chatbot performance. Mercor's software engineering listing asks experts to write an engineering problem from a system they shipped, with a reference answer, then grade model-written code for edge cases and whether its tests check what they claim. Turing's SWE Bench listing asks trainers to design realistic engineering tasks that test a model's reasoning and coding.
Where coders can apply
- DataAnnotation, coding tier. Starting at $40 to $150+ an hour, the widest published coding range we found. Asks for programming experience in Python, JavaScript and other languages. Read the FAQ.
- Mercor, software engineering pool. A standing talent pool, not a specific job opening, so joining it does not mean paid work is available. Mercor says past software listings have posted $70 to $150 an hour, set per project, across frontend, backend, mobile, embedded, DevOps, QA and security. See the pool.
- Outlier. Lists coding experts and software engineers among its roles. On 8 November 2026 its About page showed coding at up to $27.50 an hour, and an agent-builder role paid up to $50 an hour in eight countries including the US and UK. Its India coding page pays up to $27.50 an hour and asks for a bachelor's in a relevant field from a top 200 university plus two programming languages. See the India page.
- Appen (CrowdGen). Lists software engineers at up to $150 an hour, a ceiling rather than a typical rate. See CrowdGen.
- Turing. Hires LLM trainers for software engineering on two-month contracts. Its listing asks for a CS or related degree and 3+ years of experience, but does not publish pay. See the listing.
What you need to apply
Expect a coding test or work history check. Mercor asks for "professional experience building and shipping software", Turing for 3+ years of professional experience, and DataAnnotation for programming experience in Python, JavaScript or similar. Expect a skills assessment before you see paid work.
What it pays
Published ranges run from $40 an hour (DataAnnotation's starting point) to $150+ an hour (top of DataAnnotation's coding tier and of past Mercor software listings). These are advertised ranges, not what a typical coder earns. PYMNTS, citing Bloomberg, reported recruiters advertising up to $120 an hour for software engineers in October 2026.
Things to know before you start
- This is independent contractor work with no benefits or guaranteed hours. Turing's listing says "no medical/paid leave".
- Projects are fixed length or end when the client's work is done.
- Mercor's listings say it cannot support US H-1B or STEM OPT candidates.
More by profession
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- Mercor vs Outlier
- Outlier vs DataAnnotation
- Best data annotation jobs, all platforms compared
Questions
Which programming languages are in demand?
DataAnnotation names Python and JavaScript. Outlier's India coding page asks for two programming languages, and Mercor's software pool covers frontend, backend, mobile, embedded, DevOps, QA and security work.
How much do coders earn training AI?
Published ranges we found run from $40 to $150+ an hour. DataAnnotation and Mercor publish the widest coding ranges.