DataAnnotation vs Handshake AI vs micro1
Updated October 16, 2026
Short answer: All three pay people for remote expert project work. DataAnnotation lists expert rates up to $75 to $125+/hr, Handshake AI lists $17/hr to $150+/hr depending on the project, and micro1 lists individual roles by field, for example $60 to $400/hr across its law listings.
Side by side
| DataAnnotation | Handshake AI | micro1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Apply once, then pick from available projects in your area | Paid fellowship; apply to specific roles | Apply to individual role listings |
| Headline pay | Expert rates up to $75 to $125+/hr; coding roles up to $150+/hr | $17/hr to $150+/hr depending on the project | Varies by listing, for example law $60 to $400/hr, medicine $45 to $285/hr |
| Strong fields | Coding, law, medicine, finance, STEM, languages | Finance, engineering, sciences, software, plus a generalist track | Law, software, medicine, engineering, finance, sciences |
| Good for | Experienced professionals and specialists | Students, grads, PhDs, and professionals | People with clear field experience |
Mercor, the fourth option
Mercor runs a talent network that matches you to contract projects. It reported a $112/hr average contracted rate on Oct 16, 2026.
How to choose
Start where your exact field is listed, since field-specific roles usually pay more than general ones. If you have an advanced degree or a professional license, the specialist routes are worth trying first.
Pay figures are the ranges each platform lists or reports, not guaranteed earnings. Each platform decides who qualifies, which projects are open, and final pay. Check the current listing before applying.
Not sure which platform fits your background? Answer 3 quick questions and see your best matches, ranked, with the pay each platform lists.
Find my match →Sources
- dataannotation.tech role list, checked Oct 16, 2026
- joinhandshake.com/ai (fellowship FAQ, role list, and headline stats), checked Oct 16, 2026
- micro1 role listings for referrers, counted and summarized by Knackboard on Oct 16, 2026. Current listings: micro1.ai/experts/opportunities
- mercor.com (average contracted rate), checked Oct 16, 2026
Referral disclosure: Knackboard earns referral fees from micro1, Handshake, Mercor, and DataAnnotation when people join through our links. That never changes what you are paid or how your application is reviewed. How we get paid.