How I Made More Than $15,000 in 6 Weeks as a Part-Time AI Trainer (And You Can Too?)
When I first saw the job posting, I immediately thought it was a scam – and I suspect you did too. It had all the hallmarks: a “Remote AI Trainer” position promising work from anywhere with just an internet connection, and a very tempting US$20+/hour for reviewing tasks related to AI LLMs.
But guess what? It wasn’t!
In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, opportunities for skilled individuals to contribute to AI development are growing exponentially. My recent experience as a part-time AI trainer not only provided a substantial financial boost but also offered invaluable insights into the cutting-edge field of machine learning.
So, how did I turn my expertise into a lucrative side gig, earning S$15,000 in just six weeks? Let’s dive in!
The AI Training Landscape: It’s Bigger Than You Think
AI training is a crucial component in the development of machine learning models. Think of it like this: AI needs teachers, and that’s where AI trainers come in. As an AI trainer, my role involved creating, analyzing, and labeling data to improve the performance of large language models (LLMs) and other AI systems. This work is essential for enhancing AI capabilities across various applications, from natural language processing to computer vision.
![Image: A graphic illustrating the process of AI training, showing data input, model processing, and improved output.]

Getting Started: My “Too Good to Be True” Moment
The role promised flexible hours and competitive pay, which immediately caught my attention. After submitting my application, I was required to complete an English assessment. It’s worth noting that the passing standard for this assessment is set at the C1/C2 level, ensuring that only those with advanced English proficiency are selected. So, brush up on your grammar!
The Work: What Does an AI Trainer Actually Do?
Once I passed the assessment and was onboarded, I dove into the world of AI training. My tasks varied, keeping things interesting, but primarily focused on:
- Creating diverse and realistic user prompts
- Evaluating and annotating LLM responses
- Labeling data for machine learning algorithms
- Providing feedback to improve AI systems
The work was intellectually stimulating and allowed me to apply my problem-solving skills in novel ways. Each task contributed to the improvement of AI models, making me feel like a vital part of technological advancement. It’s like shaping the future!

The Earnings: Show Me the Money!
Okay, let’s get to the good part. The financial aspect of this AI training gig was truly remarkable. Over the course of six weeks, I managed to earn US$13,000 (approximately S$15,000), far exceeding my initial expectations. This translates to an impressive hourly rate, especially considering the flexibility of the work. Actual earnings were paid in USD to my PayPal account (the last 4 digits in the payslip are blanked off as I am unsure if sharing detailed payslips online is permitted).

Image: A stylized graphic of money or a payslip (blurred for privacy).
Key Takeaway: Yes, the money is real! Click here if you are interested to try out for the AI Evaluator/ Writer role.
https://app.outlier.ai/expert/opportunities?utm_source=referral&referring_user=f2bceb7f93143750527fd576b8f2387b9ebcc968b0e813fdf5a280f0a70ec6edace51fd675620246e7811de4be5be140
Time Investment and Work Schedule: It Wasn’t Always Easy
To achieve such significant earnings in a short period, I committed to a rigorous schedule:
- Worked approximately 50 hours per week
- Started early mornings with AI training before my regular job
- Dedicated additional hours after work
- Fully devoted weekends to AI training tasks
This intense schedule allowed me to maximize my earnings potential while still maintaining my primary employment.
Important Note: This required serious dedication and isn’t for the faint of heart.
The Ebb and Flow of AI Training Work: Be Prepared for Fluctuations
It’s important to note that the abundance of tasks I experienced was not permanent. After the initial six-week period, I noticed a significant decrease in available work. This fluctuation is common in the AI training field, as projects often come in waves based on the needs of AI development companies. Also, LLMs cannot be trained with biased inputs, too much training from a specific person can lead to biased output in the model.
Key Takeaway: Don’t expect a steady stream of work. Be ready for ups and downs.

Skills and Qualifications: What You Need to Succeed
Succeeding as an AI trainer requires a unique set of skills:
- Strong analytical abilities
- Attention to detail
- Familiarity with AI concepts and terminology
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in your native language
- Ability to follow detailed guidelines and instructions
Additionally, many AI training positions prefer candidates with backgrounds in linguistics (different languages are in demand), computer science, or data science.
Pro Tip: If you’re not already familiar with AI, start learning!
The Future of AI Training: What’s Next?
The field of AI training is dynamic and constantly evolving. As AI technologies continue to advance, the need for skilled AI trainers is likely to grow. However, it’s also possible that some aspects of AI training may become automated in the future, potentially changing the landscape of available work.
Food for Thought: The AI training landscape is constantly shifting, so stay adaptable.
Conclusion: Is AI Training Right for You?
My experience as a part-time AI trainer was both financially rewarding and intellectually stimulating. Earning S$15,000 in six weeks was an exceptional opportunity that showcased the potential of this emerging field. While the intensity of work and subsequent decrease in available tasks highlight the variable nature of AI training jobs, the experience provided valuable insights into the AI industry and its development processes.
For those considering a similar path, it’s crucial to understand that success in AI training requires dedication, a strong work ethic, and the ability to adapt to changing project demands. The field offers exciting opportunities for those willing to invest time and effort, but it’s also important to approach it with realistic expectations about the long-term stability of work volume.
As AI continues to shape our world, the role of AI trainers remains critical in refining and improving these technologies. For those with the right skills and determination, AI training can be a lucrative and fascinating venture into the future of technology.
So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring the world of AI training!
There are multiple roles and multiple language available.
Here’s the link to apply for AI Writer or AI Evaluator job (writing is more suited for people with very good command of the language, evaluator role is easier for people whose command of the language is not as strong).
Related articles: You may be interested in our AI Team Building – Tools for Education, änergy AI Team Building Olympics, and AI Personal Branding for Salespeople & Free Tools articles.
References:
- https://artificialintelligencejobs.co.uk/industry-insights/ai-trainer-jobs-a-comprehensive-guide-for-uk-job-seekers
- https://resources.workable.com/ai-trainer-job-description
- https://artisantalent.com/job-descriptions/ai-trainer/
- https://newo.ai/insights/what-does-an-ai-trainer-do/
- https://www.wgu.edu/career-guide/information-technology/ai-trainer-career.html
- https://www.jobed.ai/artificial-intelligence-trainer
- https://www.upwork.com/resources/ai-trainer