Head-to-head
Handshake AI vs Mercor
Which pays more, which is easier to start, and which fits the work you want. Compared on real pay, work model, payout, and the roles open right now.
Handshake AI
MercorHandshake AI vs Mercor: the short answer
, AITraining.jobs lists 170 open Handshake AI roles (typical pay $55 to $150 an hour, median $90) and 232 open Mercor roles (typical pay $55 to $150 an hour, median $75).
Handshake AI pays more on typical work ($55-$150/hr typical (live median $90) vs Mercor's $55-$150/hr typical (live median $75)).
Both are expert networks, so the barrier to start is similar: gated by a screen for a degree, professional expertise, or a skills test.
Both hire for AI Evaluation, Coding, Math & STEM, Domain Experts, Agentic & RL Envs, and Writing; Mercor also covers Red-Teaming.
Right now Mercor has more live roles (232 vs 170).
Bottom line: Handshake AI pays more while the barrier to start is similar, so pick Handshake AI for the higher rate, or Mercor if its specific work fits you better.
| Handshake AI | Mercor | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical pay | $55-$150/hr typical (live median $90) | $55-$150/hr typical (live median $75) |
| Work model | Expert network · Credentialed US talent | Expert network · Expert credential marketplace |
| Kinds of work | AI Evaluation, Coding, Math & STEM, Domain Experts, Agentic & RL Envs, and Writing | Domain Experts, Coding, Math & STEM, Agentic & RL Envs, AI Evaluation, Red-Teaming, and Writing |
| How you get paid | Weekly through Stripe (set up in Handshake AI): Handshake sends each Monday-to-Sunday week's pay to its pay partners by Wednesday afternoon; a W-9 or W-8BEN is required (Handshake AI support, read 2026-10-14). | Weekly via Stripe (1099 contractors). |
| Where you can work | Primarily US-based with valid work authorization (F-1 students may qualify); some international SWE roles. | Global (45+ countries); many projects timezone- or country-restricted (US/UK/AU premiums). |
| Open roles now | 170 live | 232 live |
| Worker sentiment | Trustpilot 1.8/5 (28 reviews), read 15 Oct 2026 | Glassdoor ~4.0/5; ~81% would recommend |
Pay shows each platform's live measured band where its feed has enough hourly-stated roles, otherwise our compiled benchmark. How we compile pay.
Best for professionals and specialists chasing the highest rates.
170 open roles now →Best for people with a degree or professional skills who want vetted, higher-skill work.
232 open roles now →Some links on AITraining.jobs are referral links. If you sign up through one, AITraining.jobs may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what a platform pays you.
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Handshake AI vs Mercor: common questions
Which pays more, Handshake AI or Mercor?
Handshake AI pays more on typical work ($55-$150/hr typical (live median $90) vs Mercor's $55-$150/hr typical (live median $75)).
Is Handshake AI or Mercor easier to get started with?
Both are expert networks, so the barrier to start is similar: gated by a screen for a degree, professional expertise, or a skills test.
Can you work on both Handshake AI and Mercor?
Yes. They are independent platforms, and many contributors join several at once to keep a steady flow of work, especially since both hire for AI Evaluation, Coding, Math & STEM, Domain Experts, Agentic & RL Envs, and Writing. Signing up for one does not affect the other.