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Annotation Specialist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Phonetician

Menlo Park, CA · On-site +1

$40 - $45/hr

... Annotation Specialist About the Role We are looking for a skilled Linguist with expertise in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to join our team as an Annotation Specialist. In this role, you ...

Strategic Projects Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr (+ commission)

You'll work directly with clients, annotation specialists, ML engineers, Account Managers, and Forward Deployed Engineers to ensure the data powering their models is fast, accurate, and scalable.

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Annotation Specialist information

What is an annotation specialist?

An Annotation Specialist is responsible for labeling and categorizing data, such as images, text, audio, or video, to help train machine learning models. They ensure data accuracy and consistency by following specific guidelines and using annotation tools. This role is critical in improving AI systems, such as computer vision models and natural language processing algorithms. Strong attention to detail and an understanding of data annotation techniques are essential for success in this role.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an annotation specialist?

As an Annotation Specialist, your daily tasks often include labeling and categorizing different types of data—such as images, text, or audio—according to precise project guidelines. You'll work closely with data scientists, engineers, and quality assurance teams to ensure annotation accuracy and address any ambiguities or edge cases that arise. Additionally, part of your role may involve providing feedback to improve annotation processes and occasionally attending team meetings or training sessions on new labeling standards. Staying organized and focused is key, as meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality outputs are essential to the success of machine learning models built from your work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the annotation specialist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Annotation Specialist, you need a keen eye for detail, strong analytical abilities, and familiarity with data labeling concepts, typically supported by a background in computer science or related fields. Proficiency with annotation platforms and tools such as Labelbox, Dataloop, or CVAT, as well as experience with data formats like JSON or XML, is highly valuable; certifications in data annotation or AI/machine learning are a plus. Excellent communication, time management, and the ability to work independently or within a team help Annotation Specialists excel in meeting project goals. These skills ensure accuracy, efficiency, and seamless collaboration in supporting high-quality data preparation for machine learning projects.

Does data annotation really pay well?

Data annotation specialists typically earn hourly wages that are comparable to entry-level positions, often ranging from minimum wage to moderate pay depending on experience and complexity of tasks. While some companies offer higher rates for specialized skills or longer-term contracts, overall pay tends to be modest and varies by industry and location.

What are the most commonly searched types of Annotation Specialist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Annotation Specialist jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Annotation Specialist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 66% In-person, and 34% Remote job distribution.

Annotation Specialist, Video (Contract)

Hooglee

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$25/hr

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Annotation Specialist, Video (Contract) - Onsite in SF
Pay: $25/hr
Hours: Part-time, 4-8 hours daily
Term: 10 weeks, with possible extension
Where: Onsite, San Francisco - equipment supplied at our office
Our AI Team is bringing on a contract Annotation Specialist to help build and refine the video datasets behind our models. You'll spend your day reviewing footage, applying labels, and flagging the things automated systems miss.
Day-to-day responsibilities
  • Review video assets in a range of formats and apply annotations according to project guidelines
  • Assess and tag content with a consistently high accuracy rate
  • Report back to the AI Team on footage quality issues and questionnaire design
  • Raise edge cases, contradictions in the guidelines, and process improvements as you spot them

What we're looking for
  • Meticulous eye for detail and consistency over long review sessions
  • Fluent English - reading, writing, and verbal

Nice to haves (though not required)
  • Annotation, labeling, or QA experience
  • Content creation experience