Software Developer — O*NET Occupation Study
Mercor • Remote
Education
Any
Type
hourly
Pay Rate
$64/hr
Listed
7d ago
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About this Role
From the Mercor listing
About this study
Mercor is building a new, more accurate version of O*NET — the U.S. government's framework for describing occupations and the tasks they involve. We are gathering input directly from experienced practitioners to improve how the work of software developers is described.
About the role (SOC 15-1252.00 — Software Developers)
Software developers research, design, and build computer software, network software, or specialized utility programs. They analyze user needs, determine the feasibility of designs within time and cost constraints, and develop software solutions by applying principles of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Their work spans the full development lifecycle: defining specifications and performance requirements, architecting systems, directing testing and validation procedures, and modifying existing software to correct errors, adapt to new hardware, or improve performance. They may coordinate with hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and they often own decisions about system design rather than executing designs handed to them.
This occupation excludes
Web developers (15-1254.00), whose work centers on developing and implementing websites, web applications, and interactive web interfaces. A worker whose primary responsibility is building or maintaining websites, optimizing website performance, or integrating websites with other applications is a web developer, even if they write substantial application code. The distinguishing test is the artifact: web developers produce web properties; software developers produce software systems and applications more broadly, of which the web may be one deployment surface among many.
Computer programmers (15-1251.00), who create, modify, and test code working from specifications drawn up by software developers or others. The distinguishing test is authorship of the design: programmers implement designs they are given, while software developers analyze requirements, produce the design, and direct development. A worker who primarily writes and debugs code to someone else's specification is a programmer, not a developer.
What you'll do
Complete a one-time online survey/interview about your day-to-day work as a software developer. It takes up to 30 minutes.
There may be an optional follow-up survey, task, or short interview afterward, which would be paid separately.
Who we're looking for (eligible applicants have)
4+ years of experience working specifically as a software developer.
Current work, or work within the last 12 months, in the role.
Direct knowledge of design, coding, and deployment tasks.
U.S.-based.
Not eligible (common confounders)
Software QA analysts and testers whose role is testing rather than development (SOC 15-1253.00).
IT support, help desk, or system administrators who do not develop software.
Computer programmers (SOC 15-1251.00).
Web developers (SOC 15-1254.00).
Computer systems analysts (SOC 15-1211.00).
Computer systems engineers (SOC 15-1299.08).
Computer and information systems managers (SOC 11-3021.00).
Reference for the occupation: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1252.00
Requirements
- Must be eligible to work in Remote
- Fluent proficiency in English (Written & Verbal)
- Reliable high-speed internet connection
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
- Demonstrated expertise in Software Engineering
Why This Role
Geography stops mattering here. This remote Software Developer — O*NET Occupation Study opportunity pays $64/hr regardless of where you're based, making it a solid entry point into Software Engineering work without needing to relocate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mercor for freelancers or full-time contractors?
Mercor places you with one client for a defined engagement, like 'Python Tutor for 3 months', rather than having you grab small tasks from a shared queue. Most roles function as steady contract work, not one-off gigs.
Does Mercor's application require an on-camera interview?
Yes, every applicant records a video interview with an AI interviewer that asks questions about your resume. Clients review that recording to judge communication skills before matching, so there's no way to apply without going on camera.
Does it cost money to apply to Mercor?
No, applying and joining Mercor is free. Mercor's revenue comes from a fee it charges the client on top of your hourly rate, not from applicants. Treat any request for payment to join as a red flag.
What does task-based AI training work actually look like?
Practical, hands-on data work: recording short videos, categorizing images, rating text responses, or analyzing data. Tasks are designed to be short and distinct, typically 5 to 60 minutes each.
What does asynchronous AI training work mean in practice?
No set hours, no check-ins, no meetings. You log in when you want, pick up an available task, complete it, and submit; nobody is waiting on you in real time. That's different from remote employment, where you're expected online during business hours. The tradeoff: you're competing with others for available tasks, so an empty queue means there's simply nothing to do until more work is released.
What does Software Engineering work look like for a Software Developer — O*NET Occupation Study?
Tasks here are scoped to Software Engineering, not generic labeling. As a Software Developer — O*NET Occupation Study, expect to draw on real domain judgment (evaluating outputs, correcting errors, or providing expert reasoning specific to Software Engineering) rather than following a one-size-fits-all rubric. If you don't have hands-on Software Engineering background, this is likely not the right listing to start with.
What happens when I click Apply on this listing?
You'll be taken to Mercor's external site to complete your application there. This listing links through a referral, but the process is identical to applying directly; the link just routes you correctly. Create an account on their site and follow their onboarding steps.
How soon will I start working after applying to Mercor?
Not immediately. Mercor is a talent marketplace, not a task queue, so applying puts you in a pool of candidates. You start working only once a specific client, like a major AI lab, selects your profile, and that matching process can take weeks.