The AI boom isn’t just about chatbots and code—it’s creating a quiet goldmine for college students and side hustlers. Take Riley Carter, a 20-something computer science undergrad who’s turned training artificial intelligence into a flexible, lucrative gig. Working remotely as a contract data annotator, he’s pulling in $25 an hour—sometimes as much as $30—without ever leaving his dorm. For introverts craving no meetings, no bosses, and no commute, it’s a dream job that’s reshaping the work-from-home landscape in 2025.
The Gig: Teaching Machines to Think
Carter stumbled into this role through DataAnnotation Tech, a platform connecting freelancers with AI-training tasks. His days are spent fact-checking chatbot responses, labeling data, or tweaking algorithms—all on his own schedule. “It’s just me and my laptop, no Zoom calls or office chatter,” he told Business Insider. The work’s asynchronous nature means he can grind at midnight or knock off early, picking projects that match his skills, from coding to creative writing. “I stick to the factual stuff—the pay’s solid for the effort,” he says.
The AI industry’s hunger for sharper models has supercharged demand for these human trainers. Companies need people to generate or tag data—think grading an AI’s essay or flagging errors in its logic—to keep the tech humming. Carter’s not alone; thousands are flocking to this niche, lured by hourly rates that start at $20 and climb with experience or trickier assignments.
Why It Works for Him
For Carter, a junior at the University of Florida’s online program, the gig was a lifeline. Tired of customer-facing jobs and needing cash to ditch his parents’ place, he found a role that fits his remote school rhythm. “I wanted something chill, not soul-crushing,” he laughs. Now living in Raleigh, North Carolina, he covers rent, tuition, and then some, all without a 9-to-5 grind. At $25 an hour, a 20-hour week nets him $500—plenty for a student not chasing full-time hours.
The freedom’s the real kicker. “I can work at 3 a.m. if I’m wired, or take a day off—no one cares,” he says. That flexibility makes it a prime side hustle, especially for folks with day jobs. “Two hours a day could bag you $50,” Carter notes. “It’s perfect if you’ve got a main gig and just want extra cash.”
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t a fluke—AI’s growth is rewriting the job market. Data annotators and tutors are the unsung heroes behind smarter algorithms, and companies like DataAnnotation Tech are cashing in on the trend. Rates vary—$20 for beginners, up to $30 for complex tasks—but the barrier’s low. You don’t need a PhD; a knack for detail and a laptop will do. Carter started at $20, bumped to $25 after proving his chops, and says $30 gigs pop up for those who dig into thornier projects.
It’s not all rosy. The work’s contract-based, so taxes hit harder—no employer’s covering half your Social Security. And it’s not a forever job; tasks ebb and flow with demand. But for now, Carter’s riding the wave. “It beats flipping burgers, and I’m helping build something cool,” he says.
Perfect for Introverts, Built for 2025
What seals the deal? No people, no pressure. “It’s tailor-made for introverts,” Carter insists. No team huddles, no micromanaging—just you, the AI, and a paycheck. As AI keeps evolving, expect more of these gigs to sprout, offering a lifeline to students, parents, or anyone craving control over their clock. For Carter, it’s more than cash—it’s a front-row seat to the future, one annotation at a time.