1. Quiz
  2. Your result
  3. Your plan
  4. Your guide

Step-by-step guide

AI training and data annotation work: your step-by-step start

Rate, label or write responses to train AI models, on platforms such as Outlier, or simpler annotation tasks elsewhere.

  • 18 lessons
  • 5 modules
  • about 1 hour in total

Is this guide for you?

Good fit if

  • Strong written English; subject experts (coding, maths, law, health) qualify for better-paid projects.

Think twice if

  • You need money within the next two weeks: first income usually takes about 21 days.
  • You have no laptop or computer to work on.
  • You have no way yet to receive payments from overseas.

Honest expectations

  • First income usually takes about 21 days.
  • Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.
  • The main risk to plan for: projects end without notice.

What is inside

  1. Module 1

    Is this right for you?

    What it involves, who pays, and honest expectations.

    1. How aI training and data annotation work worksFree · 5 min
    2. Honest expectations4 min (in the full guide)
  2. Module 2

    Set up and price

    What you need and what to charge.

    1. Your startup kit, costs and skills5 min (in the full guide)
    2. Pricing and getting paid5 min (in the full guide)
    3. Your numbers: a worked example in rands5 min (in the full guide)
  3. Module 3

    Your first week

    The first steps, in order.

    1. Your first week, step by step6 min (in the full guide)
    2. Week one, step 2: Set up PayPal/Payoneer3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Week one, step 3: Read each platform's requirements and pay terms before you sign up3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Finding your first customers: who to message5 min (in the full guide)
    5. Messages to copy: your first customers5 min (in the full guide)
  4. Module 4

    Your first month

    A routine that brings in customers.

    1. Your first 30 days: build a routine4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Month one, task 1: Track hours vs pay3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Month one, task 2: Do the qualification tests carefully and track which projects you get3 min (in the full guide)
  5. Module 5

    Months two and three

    Repeat what works, grow and stay safe.

    1. Days 31 to 90: repeat what works and grow4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Months two and three, task 1: Use as a bridge while building a skill-based option3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Months two and three, task 2: Keep a backup income, since projects come and go3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Getting paid safely and spotting scams4 min (in the full guide)
    5. Risks, rules, tax and staying safe5 min (in the full guide)

What it costs to start

R0 to get started, from our research

What you will use:

  • Outlier
  • Payoneer
  • A spreadsheet of hours and pay per project

Prices change and differ by area, so check two places near you before you buy.

Try it before you buy

Lesson one is free. If it helps, the whole guide is R149 once-off.

Start the free lesson

Reviewed 24 October 2026 by the Earn Path team. Next review due 24 October 2027.