Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Job Seekers Train AI to Replace Their Roles
Many people are out of work and struggling to find new jobs.
A company called Mercor is hiring people to help train artificial intelligence (AI) to do jobs like writing, editing videos, and even giving medical advice.
These workers get paid well, but some feel bad because they are teaching AI to do their own jobs.
Some workers also worry that AI will take their jobs in the future.
Mercor says that AI will not replace all human jobs and that training AI is important for making it better.
Some workers have also had issues with the contracts they sign, but Mercor says the contracts are fair.
Mercor, a $10 billion AI startup, hires professionals to train AI models in various fields.
Workers earn between $45 to $250 per hour, depending on their expertise.
Over 30,000 contractors were hired in 2025 to work on projects for clients like OpenAI and Anthropic.
Some workers feel conflicted about training AI to potentially replace their jobs.
Mercor assures that AI will not eliminate all human jobs and that training AI ensures accurate outcomes.
- Who
- Job seekers, including white-collar workers and professionals like astronomers, psychologists, and lawyers
- What
- Training AI to perform tasks in their respective fields
- When
- 2025 and ongoing
- Where
- Remote work for AI startup Mercor
- Why
- Economic uncertainty and high unemployment rates have led many to seek alternative income sources
- Company
- Mercor
- Valuation
- $10 billion
- Contractors Hired in 2025
- Over 30,000
- Highest Hourly Rate
- $250/hour (Dermatologists)
- Lowest Hourly Rate
- $45/hour (Video Editors)
- Referral Bonus
- $250
- Unemployment Rate (November)
- Highest in four years