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.
π€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.
How we calculated this:
65% of tasks can be accelerated by AI
+40% projected (2024-2034)
EPOCH score: 9/25
πKey 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
πCareer 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.
πEducation & Training
Requirements
- β’Entry Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- β’Experience: None
- β’On-the-job Training: Short-term
Time & Cost
Ready to Start Your Career?
Find jobs and training programs for data annotators- Median salary: $52K/year
Find Jobs
Search positions from LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and more. Get up to 50 relevant job listings with salary info.
- Real-time results
- Export to Excel
Find Training
Discover training programs, certifications, and educational resources to help you get started or advance your career.
- Local programs
- DOL verified
π»Technology Skills
βKey Abilities
π·οΈAlso Known As
πRelated Careers
Other careers in technology
πData Sources
Have feedback about this page?
Help us make this page better. Share your experience, correct errors, or suggest improvements.