LinkedIn launches AI job market to challenge the sector

Human-in-the-loop approach to AI training, goes beyond labelling of data

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LinkedIn is venturing into a competitive landscape by launching an ‘AI labour marketplace’, in a bid to challenge established players such as Scale AI and Mercor. The platform, owned by Microsoft, recognises the sharp rise in demand for AI trainers – professionals with in-depth sector expertise who can help steer the development of advanced generative AI models.

Unlike traditional data labelling, which involves basic categorisation, AI training requires a more nuanced human-in-the-loop approach. Experts assess the accuracy of chatbots, present complex real-world scenarios to test the system’s capabilities, and identify potential vulnerabilities in AI systems.

LinkedIn is tapping into its extensive network of more than 1 billion verified professionals to connect these experts with AI labs such as OpenAI and Anthropic. The platform offers competitive hourly rates, ranging from $40 (€34) for linguists and safety testers to $150 (€127) for senior software engineers performing complex coding tasks.

This strategic shift positions LinkedIn as a leading provider of high-quality training data. Its reputation in professional verification could give it an edge over competitors who have faced issues around data security.

LinkedIn’s entry into the AI labour market benefits professionals by offering them opportunities to monetise their expertise. Users can choose not to have their profile data used for AI training, but they can also actively seek out well-paid AI training roles via LinkedIn’s jobs portal by searching for terms such as ‘AI Content Analyst’ or ‘AI Trainer’.

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