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Data Annotators

Data Annotators label and categorize data used to train artificial intelligence and machine learning models. They identify objects in images, transcribe audio, classify text sentiment, verify AI outputs, and create the high-quality training datasets that make modern AI systems possible. This emerging role has exploded with the AI boom, with demand at AI companies, tech giants, and specialized data labeling firms. Work can range from entry-level tasks done remotely to specialized annotation requiring domain expertise (medical imaging, legal documents). Many positions offer flexible, remote work arrangements. Data Annotation provides an accessible entry point into the AI industry without requiring a technical degree. While some tasks are straightforward, specialized annotators with domain expertise (healthcare, legal, scientific) command higher wages. Career paths lead to quality assurance, annotation team leadership, or transitions into ML engineering with additional training.

Median Annual Pay
$52,000
Range: $32,000 - $85,000
Training Time
6 months to 2 years
AI Resilience
🟠In Transition
Education
High school diploma or equivalent

πŸ€–AI Resilience Assessment

AI Resilience Score

Data Annotators have high AI exposure as AI systems increasingly automate basic labeling tasks, with humans focusing on edge cases and quality verification. Paradoxically, current growth of 40%+ is driven by massive AI training data needs. However, the role is evolving - basic annotation is being automated while demand grows for specialized annotators who can handle nuanced, domain-specific tasks. Long-term outlook depends on AI capabilities.

🟠In Transition

How we calculated this:

AI Exposure
High+0

65% of tasks can be accelerated by AI

Job Growth
Rapid Growth+2

+40% projected (2024-2034)

Human Advantage
Low+0

EPOCH score: 9/25

Total Score2/6
Methodology: v2.0 - GPTs are GPTs / BLS / EPOCH Additive ScoringUpdated:

πŸ“‹Key Responsibilities

  • β€’Label images by identifying and tagging objects, people, or features
  • β€’Transcribe and annotate audio and video content
  • β€’Classify text for sentiment, intent, or topic
  • β€’Verify and correct AI-generated outputs
  • β€’Follow detailed annotation guidelines and quality standards
  • β€’Flag ambiguous cases for review
  • β€’Maintain consistency across large datasets
  • β€’Provide feedback on annotation tool usability

πŸ“ˆCareer Progression

What does this mean?

This shows how earnings typically grow with experience. Entry level represents starting salaries, while Expert shows top earners (90th percentile). Most workers reach mid-career earnings within 5-10 years. Figures are national averages and vary by location and employer.

1
Entry (10th %ile)
0-2 years experience
$32,000
$28,800 - $35,200
2
Early Career (25th %ile)
2-6 years experience
$40,000
$36,000 - $44,000
3
Mid-Career (Median)
5-15 years experience
$52,000
$46,800 - $57,200
4
Experienced (75th %ile)
10-20 years experience
$68,000
$61,200 - $74,800
5
Expert (90th %ile)
15-30 years experience
$85,000
$76,500 - $93,500

πŸ“šEducation & Training

Requirements

  • β€’Entry Education: High school diploma or equivalent
  • β€’Experience: None
  • β€’On-the-job Training: Short-term

Time & Cost

Education Duration
0-1 years (typically 0.5)
Estimated Education Cost
$0 - $5,000
Can earn while learning
Source: editorial estimate (2024)
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πŸ’»Technology Skills

Annotation platforms (Labelbox, Scale AI, CVAT)Image editing basicsSpreadsheetsQuality assurance toolsCommunication tools (Slack, Teams)Basic data entry

⭐Key Abilities

β€’Attention to detail
β€’Pattern recognition
β€’Consistency
β€’Following instructions
β€’Time management
β€’Basic judgment

🏷️Also Known As

AI TrainerData LabelerMachine Learning Data AssociateAnnotation SpecialistTraining Data SpecialistAI Data Specialist

πŸ”—Related Careers

Other careers in technology

πŸ”—Data Sources

Last updated: 2026-01-08Manually Sourced
Wages: Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn Salary (Jan 2026)
Skills: Analysis of 50+ LinkedIn/Indeed job postings (Jan 2026)
Outlook: LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2026 (#4)
AI Assessment: Editorial assessment based on EPOCH framework and task analysis

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