Last Updated on October 23, 2026 by Justin Bryant

Mercor is accepting applications for remote contract work, including a generalist role advertising $50–$60 an hour for approximately 10–20 hours a week. But the qualifications are more demanding than the word “generalist” might suggest.

Below are two Mercor roles and three alternatives at other companies. They involve research, writing, evaluating AI responses, or demonstrating computer workflows, with different equipment and experience requirements.

Listings checked October 23, 2026. These are freelance or independent-contractor opportunities. An open application does not guarantee acceptance, paid assignments, or steady hours. Availability and eligibility can change.

1. Mercor: Generalist (Must Own MacBook)

Mercor's generalist project involves creating research questions, reference answers, and evaluation materials to help improve AI models.

The advertised rate is $50–$60 an hour, with approximately 10–20 hours a week. The listing describes remote work on your own schedule.

The main requirements include:

  • A Mac with an Apple M-series or Intel processor, running macOS 15 or higher.
  • Current or recently completed master's studies, or 2–3 years of relevant experience plus a bachelor's degree from what Mercor calls a “prestigious institution.”
  • Strong online research, summarizing, and written communication skills.

An interdisciplinary degree is a plus. Mercor does not define “prestigious,” so applicants should read that requirement carefully rather than assume every bachelor's degree meets it.

The application involves a resume, an AI interview, and a paid assessment. Mercor says payments are weekly through Stripe or Wise, and projects can be shortened or ended early. The page does not provide a complete eligible-country list and says H-1B and STEM OPT candidates are unsupported.

My take: This is worth investigating if you already have the research background and equipment. “Generalist” describes the work's scope; it does not make this a no-experience opening.

View Mercor's generalist listing and apply.

2. Mercor: Computer Power Users & Automation Builders

Mercor also has a remote project for people who already know their way around Mac productivity tools and automations.

The work involves completing and narrating workflows across applications to create AI-training data. It advertises $50–$60 an hour and approximately 10–20 hours a week.

Applicants need a compatible Mac running macOS 15 or higher, strong macOS knowledge, and experience with automation tools. Examples include Shortcuts, Automator, AppleScript, Keyboard Maestro, Raycast, Alfred, Zapier, Make, or shell scripting.

The listing also includes the master's-study or relevant-experience-plus-degree requirements described above. This is independent-contractor work, and a complete country list is not provided on the public page. H-1B and STEM OPT candidates are unsupported.

My take: This could fit someone who already builds useful automations. I would not buy a Mac or start learning a tool solely because this particular opening exists.

View Mercor's power-user and automation listing.

3. Meridial: AI Training Generalist—No Prior Experience Needed

If Mercor's requirements rule you out, Meridial has a more accessible generalist listing worth checking.

The U.S. remote project advertises $20 an hour. Its title explicitly says no prior experience is needed, and the description says a technical background is unnecessary.

You would review AI outputs, identify inconsistencies, and explain your observations. Task guidance and examples are provided. Clear communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently still matter.

This is a freelance project through Meridial Marketplace, powered by Invisible Technologies. Contractors supply a secure computer and high-speed internet. Company-sponsored health insurance and paid time off do not apply, and the platform does not provide visa or work-authorization sponsorship or support.

The description does not establish a fixed weekly workload.

My take: This is the clearest explicit beginner option in this group for U.S. applicants. The lower advertised rate may be more relevant than a higher-paying listing whose qualifications you cannot meet.

View Meridial's generalist project and apply.

For broader platform background, see my Invisible Technologies and Meridial review.

4. Alignerr: Generalist

Alignerr's generalist role focuses on reviewing AI-generated content for accuracy, clarity, tone, and overall quality, then providing structured feedback.

The listing advertises $40–$120 an hour, with a commitment of 10–40 hours a week. It describes flexible remote contract work and explicitly says no specialized background or prior AI, technology, or content-moderation experience is required.

Strong written English, careful judgment, and independent work are important. Writing, editing, research, quality assurance, and fact-checking experience are listed as advantages.

The public description does not establish a complete eligible-country list. Applicants should confirm their location is supported and check the rate and project terms actually offered. The maximum advertised rate is not evidence of likely beginner pay or guaranteed earnings.

My take: This is worth investigating for strong writers and analytical thinkers. I would compare the actual offer and assignment availability, rather than choose it solely because its advertised maximum is the highest here.

View Alignerr's generalist listing and apply.

You can also read my Alignerr review for broader pros and cons.

5. Outlier: AI Evaluator—English

Outlier's English evaluator opportunity includes talking with AI voice models or comparing AI-generated images and videos, then explaining your judgments.

Check the pay carefully: The page headline says up to $18 an hour, while the payment section says up to $15 an hour for core project work. Rates vary, and non-core work may pay less. Confirm your actual project terms instead of assuming the higher figure applies.

Listed locations include Argentina, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, and the United States.

You need clear English, a computer, reliable internet, and headphones. Voice projects require a quiet place to speak. Degree study or completion appears under desirable expertise. Screening and onboarding apply, and evaluations must be your own work rather than written by AI tools.

This is flexible freelance work, not employee employment.

My take: This may suit someone who enjoys careful visual or audio evaluation. The pay discrepancy is a reason to verify the offer, and flexibility should not be confused with dependable work.

View Outlier's English AI evaluator opportunity.

Read my Outlier review for more platform context.

Which Option Would I Check First?

Start with the requirements you can already meet. Mercor's research role fits a different background from its automation role. Meridial offers the clearest explicit beginner entry point, Alignerr emphasizes writing and judgment, and Outlier adds voice and visual evaluation.

Before applying, check your country, equipment, qualifications, offered rate, and contract terms. Before relying on the income, establish whether you actually have paid assignments.

Mercor's recruiting language and hiring-count badges do not tell applicants how many places remain or what their acceptance odds are. I have not verified the methodology behind those counts, so I would not use them to estimate your chances.

The official application links above are the best starting point for current requirements. My linked reviews provide broader background; the current listing and any written offer should govern the terms for a specific project.