# AI training jobs for math experts AI companies pay mathematicians to test how their models reason. Here is where math experts can apply, what the work is and what it has paid. Facts checked 8 November 2026. First published 8 November 2026. Canonical: https://bestdataannotationjobs.com/ai-training-jobs-for-math-experts/ ## What the work involves Maths AI training means writing hard problems and checking a model's working, step by step. Mercor's maths listing describes writing a problem at research or competition level with its intended solution, grading model-written proofs on whether each step follows, and flagging where a model reaches a correct answer through an argument that does not prove it. ## Where math experts can apply - **Mercor, Mathematics Domain Expert (US).** A specific opening, open when we checked on 8 November 2026: $90 to $140 an hour for US-based mathematicians with a PhD in mathematics, applied maths, statistics, operations research or a close field. It is a senior role: it asks for a faculty appointment, principal investigator, staff or senior scientist post (or equivalent senior research role) and a strong peer-reviewed publication record. [See the listing](https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABoYr34sDSXamCPtFMIrdv/mathematics-domain-expert). - **Mercor, mathematics pool.** A standing listing, which Mercor says is "not a specific job opening". Most past contracts in this field paid $40 to $75 an hour. Asks for a graduate degree in maths or a related field, or an equivalent research or competition background. [See the pool](https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABoKMjug1fFXpwuDdIZ6TO/mathematics-expert). - **DataAnnotation, STEM tier.** Starting at $40 to $125+ an hour for work that needs a master's or PhD in maths or a science, or a bachelor's plus 10+ years of experience. [Read the FAQ](https://www.dataannotation.tech/faqs). - **Outlier.** Lists "Math Expert" among its roles, with undergraduate level expertise as the minimum and graduate study preferred. It does not publish a rate. [See Outlier](https://outlier.ai/). - **Handshake AI.** US listings for maths PhDs paid $75 an hour and $85 to $110 an hour. Both were closed when we checked. ## What you need to apply Most paid maths work we found asks for graduate study. Mercor's pool accepts a graduate degree or an equivalent research or competition background, its US role needs a PhD plus a senior research post and publications, and DataAnnotation's STEM tier needs a master's or PhD (or a bachelor's with 10+ years' experience). Outlier sets a lower minimum of undergraduate level expertise. Mercor's listings say it cannot support US H-1B or STEM OPT candidates. ## What it pays Published ranges run from $40 an hour (the bottom of past Mercor pool contracts and DataAnnotation's starting point) to $140 an hour (top of Mercor's US PhD role). PYMNTS reported in October 2026 that a Princeton PhD placed by Mercor worked a $70 an hour role. ## Things to know before you start - This is independent contractor work, with no benefits or guaranteed hours. - Competition maths listings fill and close fast. Several Mercor competition and olympiad listings were closed when we checked. - Expect an assessment before any paid work, and check whether it is paid. One Outlier reviewer reports losing hours of unpaid work ([Trustpilot, 4 November 2026](https://nl-be.trustpilot.com/reviews/6aeb60e8864f674cbd8c23ed)). ## More by profession - [AI training jobs for coders](https://bestdataannotationjobs.com/ai-training-jobs-for-coders/) - [AI training jobs for nurses and doctors](https://bestdataannotationjobs.com/ai-training-jobs-for-nurses-and-doctors/) - [AI training jobs for lawyers](https://bestdataannotationjobs.com/ai-training-jobs-for-lawyers/) - [Best data annotation jobs, all platforms compared](https://bestdataannotationjobs.com/) ## Questions ### Do I need a PhD? Not always. Mercor's US domain expert role needs one, plus a senior research post, but its general maths pool accepts a graduate degree or an equivalent research or competition background. DataAnnotation's STEM tier accepts a master's, and Outlier's minimum is undergraduate level expertise. ### How much do math experts earn training AI? Published ranges we found run from $40 to $140 an hour. The highest figure on an open listing on 8 November 2026 was Mercor's senior US role for maths PhDs at $90 to $140 an hour. ## Sources - Mercor listing: Mathematics Domain Expert (US): https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABoYr34sDSXamCPtFMIrdv/mathematics-domain-expert - Mercor listing: Mathematics Expert: https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABoKMjug1fFXpwuDdIZ6TO/mathematics-expert - DataAnnotation FAQ (pay tiers and requirements): https://www.dataannotation.tech/faqs - Outlier home page: https://outlier.ai/ - Handshake AI: Mathematics PhDs, AI Trainer (closed; Base10 job board copy): https://careers.base10.vc/companies/joinhandshake-com/jobs/73612936-mathematics-phds-ai-trainer - Handshake AI: Math Expert (closed; Base10 job board copy): https://careers.base10.vc/companies/joinhandshake-com/jobs/68248629-math-expert - PYMNTS: AI labs pay lawyers $400 an hour to train models (20 Oct 2026): https://www.pymnts.com/news/artificial-intelligence/2026/ai-labs-pay-lawyers-400-an-hour-to-train-models/