Short answer: Yes, Mercor is a real company that pays people to train and test AI models. Each listing shows its pay up front. The catch is that work comes in projects, so getting accepted doesn't mean getting hours straight away. Apply to roles that are hiring now, not old listings.
What Mercor is
Mercor matches people with AI labs that need human judgment: rating images, checking answers, writing questions, reviewing work in a specialist field. You apply to a listing, go through their screening, and get added to projects that fit your background.
What it pays
Every Mercor listing shows its rate on Mercor's own site. Its public listings range from no-degree image rating to generalist and specialist review work, and pay rises with the skill a role needs.
How to get in
- Pick a role that's hiring. Listings that sit for months rarely move. Use our tracker.
- Fill in your profile properly. Your degree, field and work history are what get you matched later.
- Do the screening seriously. Treat it like the job.
- Wait for a project. This is normal. Apply to more than one platform so you're not waiting on one.
The honest downsides
- Hours aren't guaranteed, even after you're accepted.
- Projects end, sometimes with little notice.
- Some roles want a specific degree or years of experience. Check before you spend an hour applying.
Questions people ask
Is Mercor legit or a scam?
It's a real company with real paid work. A scam asks you to pay to start. Mercor doesn't.
Do I need a degree for Mercor?
Not for every role. Some image-rating roles need no degree. Others ask for a Master's or years in a field, so check each listing before you apply.
I passed but I'm not getting any work. Why?
Usually the project you were matched to is full or paused. Apply to another role that is hiring now and keep your profile up to date.