Outlier Verified
AI training platform by Scale AI connecting subject matter experts with generative AI improvement projects in coding, STEM, and writing.
What is Outlier?
Outlier is an AI training platform founded in 2015 and headquartered in Oakland, California, currently operated by Scale AI. The platform connects subject matter experts with enterprises to enhance generative AI models through human feedback and training data. Contributors work as freelance independent contractors on project-based tasks including rating AI responses, creating prompts, evaluating and ranking AI-generated content, and working with multi-modal content — all designed to make large language models (LLMs) more intelligent, accurate, and effective. Outlier operates as a fully distributed team with experts worldwide, offering flexible hours where contributors can work from wherever and whenever. Pay rates range from $15 to $50+ per hour depending on expertise and role, with coding experts averaging around $30/hr and STEM experts earning $400–$900 per week. The platform covers domains including computer science, mathematics, biology, chemistry, engineering, writing, and numerous languages.
Mission & values
Train the next generation of frontier AI by connecting 700,000+ MAs, PhDs, and college graduates with paid expert-feedback projects from leading model labs.
Flexibility
Contributors choose when, where, and how much they work with no minimum hour requirements.
Expertise first
Pay and project access are matched to verified skills and credentials.
Community
A trusted, supportive environment where experts learn from each other.
Quality
Rigorous review loops reward high-quality contributions and feedback.
Life at Outlier
Qualifications
Qualifications vary by role. For coding experts, a bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science is desired, along with proficiency in languages such as Java, Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, or C++. Participation in coding competitions (CodeForces, ICPC, Google Code Jam, Kaggle) is a plus. For STEM experts, a master's degree or PhD in a relevant field (mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, engineering) is generally required, along with the ability to create complex, graduate-level problems. For writing and language experts, native fluency in the target language with strong grammar, syntax, and cultural nuance is essential, plus a bachelor's degree in humanities or professional writing experience (copywriter, journalist, editor). At minimum, an associate degree is required across all roles, with specific projects demanding bachelor's, master's, or PhD-level credentials. The application process involves creating an account, selecting expertise areas, completing skill screenings, and identity verification. No prior AI experience is required. Note: Outlier operates on a freelance basis and does not offer visa sponsorship.
Leadership
Alexandr Wang
CEO, Scale AI (parent company)
Lucy Guo
Co-Founder, Scale AI (parent company)
Hiring process
-
1
Apply at outlier.ai
Submit profile with credentials and domain expertise.
About 1 day
-
2
Skills assessment
Complete domain-specific qualifying assessments matched to your background.
About 3 days
-
3
Onboarding & calibration
Project-specific calibration tasks before live work.
About 2 days
-
4
Receive project work
Pick up tasks from your matched project queue; remote and asynchronous.
-
5
Weekly payouts
Earnings for Tuesday–Monday (UTC) work cycle pay out the following Tuesday.
About 7 days
Funding
Company information
- Industry: AI Training & Evaluation
- Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
- Founded: 2023
- Employees: 500
- Website: outlier.ai ↗
- LinkedIn: Company page ↗
- X / Twitter: Profile ↗