TLDR: Yes, Mercor is legit. People get paid. The AI interview is weird but real. Expect $50-150/hr for expert roles, paid weekly via Stripe. Work availability is inconsistent, so treat it as side income.
What is Mercor?
Mercor is an AI talent platform that connects skilled professionals with companies needing AI training work. They work with major players like OpenAI, xAI, and Scale AI. The platform uses AI-powered interviews to match candidates with projects.
They hire for a wide range of roles: software engineers, physics experts, Japanese tutors, medical specialists, writers, and more.
So… Is It a Scam?
No. Mercor is a real company that pays real money.
Here’s what actual workers say on Reddit:
“Yes, I got paid. I recorded time for reviewing the training materials and completing some of the project tasks. It takes a bit to get the money, as Stripe holds it for a week, but I did get it.”
“My son is making $150 per hour working 15 hours a week as a side gig for Mercor. He’s a computational physicist.”
“I made $8k from July-Sept”
The concerns people have are usually about:
- Waiting forever for projects after being accepted
- Data collection worries from the AI interviews
- Inconsistent work availability
These are valid concerns. Mercor has conducted over 100,000 interviews, and many candidates end up in a “talent pool” waiting for matching projects. This frustrates people who expect immediate work.
How the Hiring Process Works
- Apply on their platform (work.mercor.com) or through job boards
- AI Interview where you talk to an AI, share your screen, and complete tasks
- Wait for project matching (could be days, could be months)
- Onboarding with Stripe setup, ID verification, and contract signing
- Start working on your assigned project
The AI interview feels strange. You’re talking to a robot, sharing your screen, answering questions. One Reddit user did theirs “while microwaving dinner in pajamas” and still got hired. The interview tests your actual skills, so being polished matters less than being competent.
Payment Details
- Pay rate: $50-150/hr depending on expertise and role
- Method: Stripe (weekly payments)
- First payment: Stripe holds it for about a week, then it’s consistent
- Tax: 1099 contractor (you handle your own taxes)
One worker confirmed: “The pay is excellent. I’d be interested in any other companies that are looking for SMEs like Mercor.”
The Realistic Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High hourly rates for expert roles
- Fully remote, flexible hours
- Legitimate payments via Stripe
- Interesting AI training work
- Great referral bonuses
Cons:
- Inconsistent project availability
- Long waits after being accepted
- Must install monitoring software (Insightful) during work hours
- Projects can end suddenly
- The AI interview process feels impersonal
Tips for Getting Hired
- Have real expertise. Most roles require 3+ years of experience or higher education. Fresh graduates struggle here.
- Apply to multiple roles. Treat it like a regular job platform. Keep applying.
- Do the AI interview on a computer. Screen sharing doesn’t work well on phones.
- Set up Stripe properly. Many payment issues come from incomplete Stripe setup.
- Be patient. Projects come and go. You might wait weeks before getting matched.
Current Mercor Jobs
Here are some open Mercor positions you can apply to right now:
Browse all Mercor jobs on Benture.io.
Bottom Line
Mercor is legit. You will get paid for work you complete. The platform works best as supplemental income for skilled professionals, especially those with expertise in STEM, medicine, law, or languages.
Go in with realistic expectations: you might wait a while for projects, work can be inconsistent, and you’ll need to install their time tracking software. If you’re okay with that, the pay is worth it.
Have questions about remote AI jobs? Follow us on Twitter @BentureIO or browse more opportunities at Benture.io.