DataAnnotation Tech and the Handshake AI Fellowship both pay remote contractors to evaluate AI output. DataAnnotation states $25 to $150 an hour, lets you in after a one-time Starter Assessment, and pays by PayPal whenever you request a withdrawal; its FAQ does not list eligible countries. Handshake AI is open to US-based applicants with valid work authorization, states $40 to $125 an hour, adds an ID check and a background check, and pays weekly through Stripe. DataAnnotation lets you work whenever you like. Handshake AI publishes a higher floor.
Quick verdict
DataAnnotation Tech has too few listed rates for a median (0 of 0 open listings state one); Handshake $80/hr median (middle half $75 to $100, 206 distinct listed rates across 210 open listings). Updated October 4, 2026. How we count.
Typical Pay (Median)
Handshake
$85/hr · 240% higher
Faster Onboarding
Similar
DataAnnotation Tech: Variable (no notice if the assessment does not pass) Handshake: Varies (ID check, background check, assessment)
Global Access
Limited to Specific Regions
DataAnnotation Tech: Not published (FAQ lists no countries) Handshake: US only (valid work authorization; F-1 CPT/OPT eligible)
Trustpilot Score
DataAnnotation Tech
DataAnnotation Tech: 4.25/5 Handshake: 1.5/5
The Case for DataAnnotation Tech
DataAnnotation admits you through a one-hour Starter Assessment that can only be taken once. Its homepage states $25 to $150 an hour, and its FAQ lists general projects from $25 to $50+ and coding projects from $40 to $150+. You withdraw whenever you like and PayPal delivers within a few days. The FAQ does not list which countries are eligible.
The Case for Handshake
The Handshake AI Fellowship is open to US-based applicants with valid work authorization; F-1 students on CPT or OPT can qualify, STEM OPT is excluded. Onboarding includes an ID check, a background check and an assessment, and no prior AI experience is required. The fellowship page states $40 to $125 an hour, and payouts go out weekly through Stripe. A proposed class action filed in July 2026 alleges fellows are misclassified as contractors.
| Metric | DataAnnotation Tech | Handshake |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Pay (Median) | $25/hr
Generalist median: $25/hr
Specialist median: $40/hr
| $85/hr
Generalist median: $85/hr
Specialist median: $80/hr
|
| Payment Schedule | On request (PayPal, delivered within a few days) | Weekly via Stripe, by Wednesday for the prior Mon-Sun week |
| Geo Accessibility | Not published (FAQ lists no countries) | US only (valid work authorization; F-1 CPT/OPT eligible) |
| Onboarding Speed | Variable (no notice if the assessment does not pass) | Varies (ID check, background check, assessment) |
| Top User Complaint | "Sudden 'ghosting' (No work available)" | "Employer spam" |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.25/5 | 1.5/5 |
DataAnnotation Tech
DataAnnotation pays remote contractors to rank AI responses, check facts, label data and write code, on their own schedule with no minimum hours. Its homepage states $25 to $150 an hour: general projects start at $25 to $50+ and coding projects at $40 to $150+. You get in by passing a one-hour Starter Assessment that can't be retaken, and you withdraw by PayPal whenever you like. Its FAQ doesn't list eligible countries, and support is minimal.
- ✓ States $25 to $150/hr, with coding projects at the top
- ✓ Withdraw by PayPal whenever you like
- ✓ Complete schedule freedom
💬 User Feedback
"Allows you to work on your own schedule, provides engaging tasks and projects, and fantastic experience working with AI models with a vast variety of goals. Not a scam whatsoever—this platform has been reliable and pays well."
– Martin • Dec 25
"When there were projects to work on I never had an issue. Payments are on the spot and always accurate. I wish I could work on more projects but there hasn't been any available for a while now."
– Vittorio F. • Dec 19
Handshake
The Handshake AI Fellowship pays people with associate to PhD backgrounds to evaluate and improve AI models. It is open to US-based applicants with valid work authorization, and the fellowship page states $40 to $125 an hour. Onboarding includes an ID check, a background check and an assessment, and payouts go out weekly through Stripe. A proposed class action filed in July 2026 alleges fellows are misclassified as contractors; Handshake had not responded as of August 2026.
- ✓ Fellowship page states $40 to $125 an hour
- ✓ Weekly payouts through Stripe
- ✓ No prior AI experience required
💬 User Feedback
"I still freelance with them. They are kind, helpful and understanding. I am always paid on time and paid very well. The platform connects students with real employers who respect their time."
– Barbara D. • Dec 27
Current Openings
3 latest listings from Handshake
Management Consultant
Technical Professional
Robotics Engineering Expert
DataAnnotation Tech vs Handshake: common questions
- Which pays more, DataAnnotation Tech or Handshake?
- DataAnnotation Tech has too few listed rates for a median (0 of 0 open listings state one); Handshake $80/hr median (middle half $75 to $100, 206 distinct listed rates across 210 open listings). Updated October 4, 2026.
- Which is easier to start, DataAnnotation Tech or Handshake?
- Onboarding time is similar. DataAnnotation Tech: Variable (no notice if the assessment does not pass). Handshake: Varies (ID check, background check, assessment). DataAnnotation Tech has no interview-rate data yet; Handshake has no interview-rate data yet.
- Can I work on both DataAnnotation Tech and Handshake?
- Yes. Both are independent-contractor platforms with separate accounts and separate payouts (DataAnnotation Tech: On request (PayPal, delivered within a few days); Handshake: Weekly via Stripe, by Wednesday for the prior Mon-Sun week). Exclusivity, where it exists, is set per project in the agreement you sign, so check each project's terms before overlapping hours.
Both platforms are legitimate and widely used. The best choice depends on your background, goals, and location.