Get Paid to Train AI With Handshake AI
Handshake AI is the AI training program from Handshake, the career network. Fellows use their subject knowledge to train and test AI models, remote and part-time, paid by the hour.
- US-based
- Paid hourly
- Remote, part-time
- No AI experience needed
Open sign-up is for people based in the US. Outside the US, Handshake says places are invite-only, so start with the platforms further down.
Who Can Join Handshake AI
- You are based in the US
- You have a work authorization Handshake can support, plus an SSN or ITIN
- F-1 students eligible for CPT or OPT may qualify
STEM OPT isn't supported.
| Role | Listed at |
|---|---|
| AI Evaluation Specialist | Up to $17 an hour |
Other roles list their own rate, and some are open in other countries. Each role page says where.
Is Handshake AI Legit?
Yes. Handshake AI is run by Handshake, an established career network used by schools and employers. It verifies identity through Persona and pays out through Stripe.
- Handshake says neither it nor the companies it works with will ask for sensitive information by text, email, phone or social media, so treat any such message as fake
- Your tax details are collected through TaxBandits, not by message
- Onboarding time is paid only when the project terms say so
Legit, but not steady. Projects end and access can stop, so fellows treat it as one income stream among several.
How the Handshake AI Fellowship Works
- Apply and verify your IDSign up and verify with a government-issued ID through Persona.
- Get matchedHandshake matches you to a project in your field.
- Pass the project assessmentEach project has its own training and assessment, and retakes usually aren't offered.
- Do the workUse your own knowledge. Handshake prohibits using AI tools to write your work.
- Get paidHourly, with payouts every week.
How Handshake AI Pays
Payouts go out by Wednesday afternoon for the previous Monday to Sunday, Pacific time. A payment can take about 48 hours before you can withdraw it.
Payouts run through Stripe. To see what a transfer costs, try the payout fee calculator.
What Fellows Say About Handshake AI
We read the main threads in r/joinhandshakeai. In our words, the same points repeat.
- The pay is real, but projects end and dashboards go quiet between them
- Payment problems come up on single projects, so keep screenshots and a record of every payout
- It works best next to other income, not as the only source
Outside the US and without an invite? The platforms below take applicants in many countries.
Outside the US? Platforms Hiring Right Now
- micro1Named roles in many fields, each with a listed hourly range. One AI interview for the role you pick.
- EthosExpert projects for people with a professional background, paid through Revolut or Wise.
- MercorContract roles for professionals with pay on each listing, paid weekly.
Not sure which fits? The AI Training Job Matcher asks two questions and points you to one.
Some links on this page are referral links. DigiNo is independent and isn't part of Handshake.
Sources: Handshake AI page, Handshake AI support center, Handshake AI referral invite page, r/joinhandshakeai.
Handshake AI FAQ
Is Handshake AI Legit?
Yes. Handshake AI is run by Handshake, an established career network. It verifies IDs through Persona, pays out weekly through Stripe, and says it never asks for sensitive information by text, email or social media.
Is the Handshake AI Fellowship Legit?
Yes. Fellows are paid hourly for AI training projects run by Handshake. Projects do end and access can stop, so it's best treated as one income stream among several.
What Does a Handshake AI Trainer Do?
Fellows use their subject knowledge to train and test AI models, remote and part-time. Handshake says no AI experience is required.
Who Can Join the Handshake AI Fellowship?
People based in the US with a work authorization Handshake can support, plus an SSN or ITIN. F-1 students eligible for CPT or OPT may qualify. STEM OPT isn't supported.
Can I Do Handshake AI From Outside the US?
Not through open sign-up. Handshake says international participation is currently invite-only. micro1, Ethos and Mercor take applicants in many countries.
How Does Handshake AI Pay?
Hourly, with weekly payouts by Wednesday afternoon for the previous Monday to Sunday, Pacific time, through Stripe.
Can I Retake a Handshake AI Assessment?
Usually not. Handshake says project assessments generally can't be retaken, so prepare before you start one.
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