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Data Annotation Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Data Annotation Specialist will be responsible for creating, refining, and validating ground-truth data for the company's perception and mapping stacks. Responsibilities : • 3D Perception ...

As a Data Annotation Specialist, you will be pivotal in iterating on our AI system by annotating data on various tasks performed by robots, directly influencing the performance of robotic arms.

Role Overview We are seeking a highly meticulous and motivated Data Annotation Specialist to join our team. High-quality data is the lifeblood of our "Physical AI" and the foundation of our ...

Role Overview We are seeking a highly meticulous and motivated Data Annotation Specialist to join our team. High-quality data is the lifeblood of our "Physical AI" and the foundation of our ...

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Data Annotation Specialist information

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$28K

$72.9K

$88K

How much do data annotation specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for data annotation specialist in the United States is $72,947.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $87,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the salary of data annotation specialist?

The average salary of a data annotation specialist typically ranges from $30,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of annotation tasks. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced specialists working with advanced tools or in high-demand industries can earn higher wages.

What does a data annotation specialist do?

A data annotation specialist labels and tags data such as images, text, or videos to help train machine learning models. They use tools and follow guidelines to ensure data is accurately annotated, which is essential for developing AI applications. Attention to detail and understanding of data types are important in this role.

What are Data Annotation Specialists?

Data Annotation Specialists are professionals who label and categorize data—such as images, text, audio, or video—to make it usable for machine learning models and artificial intelligence systems. Their work ensures that algorithms can accurately interpret data by providing clear examples of what different data points represent. Tasks may include drawing bounding boxes on images, transcribing audio, or tagging keywords in text. This role is crucial for improving the accuracy and reliability of AI applications across various industries.

What are some common challenges a Data Annotation Specialist faces, and how can they be addressed?

Data Annotation Specialists often encounter challenges such as maintaining high accuracy while labeling large volumes of data, managing repetitive tasks, and understanding complex annotation guidelines. To overcome these, it's important to stay detail-oriented, take regular breaks to avoid fatigue, and seek clarification on ambiguous instructions. Collaborating with team members and participating in quality review sessions can also help ensure consistency and improve annotation quality over time.

What is the difference between Data Annotation Specialist vs Data Labeler?

AspectData Annotation SpecialistData Labeler
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer certifications in data management or annotation toolsTypically high school diploma or equivalent; minimal formal requirements
Work EnvironmentOffice or remote; often involves using specialized annotation softwarePrimarily remote or in-house; focuses on labeling data within specific datasets
Industry UsageUsed across AI, machine learning, and data science projectsPrimarily in AI and machine learning industries for training data
Job FocusInvolves detailed annotation, quality control, and understanding project guidelinesFocuses on labeling data accurately according to instructions

While both roles involve working with data to train AI models, Data Annotation Specialists typically handle more complex annotation tasks and quality assurance, whereas Data Labelers focus on straightforward labeling tasks. The Specialist role often requires a deeper understanding of project guidelines and may involve using advanced annotation tools.

How hard is it to get hired by data annotation?

Getting hired as a data annotation specialist generally requires basic computer skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with annotation tools. Many positions are entry-level and may not require prior experience, but strong accuracy and the ability to follow guidelines are important for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Data Annotation Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Annotation Specialist, you need a keen attention to detail, strong analytical abilities, and basic knowledge of data labeling concepts, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with data annotation tools (such as Labelbox or Supervisely), basic computer skills, and sometimes an understanding of programming languages like Python are valuable. Excellent communication, time management, and the ability to follow guidelines precisely help you stand out in this position. These skills ensure accurate and consistent data labeling, which is essential for training reliable machine learning models.

Does data annotation really pay?

Data annotation specialists can earn varying wages depending on experience, project complexity, and platform. Entry-level roles may pay hourly or per task rates, often ranging from a few dollars to over twenty dollars per hour, with more experienced annotators earning higher rates. Payment is typically processed through online platforms or companies that hire remote workers for annotation tasks.
More about Data Annotation Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Data Annotation Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Data Annotation Specialist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Data Annotation Specialist jobs? The most popular types of Data Annotation Specialist jobs are:
What states have the most Data Annotation Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Data Annotation Specialist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Data Annotation Specialist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 19% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 19% Contract, 42% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 34% Physical, and 66% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,947 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Data Annotation Specialist

Bot Auto

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Bot Auto is revolutionizing the transportation of goods with autonomous trucks. The Data Annotation Specialist will be responsible for creating, refining, and validating ground-truth data for the company's perception and mapping stacks.
Responsibilities:
• 3D Perception Annotations: Perform high-precision 3D instance labeling, semantic segmentation, and bounding box annotation on multi-sensor data (LiDAR, Camera, Radar, etc.).
• Vectorized Map Annotation: Annotate and edit high-definition vectorized map elements, including lane geometries, traffic signals, and regulatory features.
• Human-in-the-Loop Refinement: Examine and refine autolabeling results, identifying edge cases where automated systems may falter.
• Quality Assurance: Review auto-generated labels against strict pass/fail criteria to ensure only the highest quality data enters our training pipelines.
• Cross-Functional Feedback: Collaborate closely with Machine Learning and Mapping engineers to provide feedback on labeling guidelines and tool improvements.
• Documentation: Assist in maintaining clear and concise labeling SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to ensure consistency across the data operations team.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Extreme Attention to Detail: A proven track record of identifying small discrepancies in complex datasets or visual environments.
• Communication Skills: Outstanding verbal and written communication abilities; ability to clearly explain complex visual scenarios to technical teams.
• Technical Aptitude: Comfortable working with proprietary software tools and navigating 3D environments (Point Clouds/Bird’s Eye View).
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment and pivot between perception and mapping tasks as project priorities shift.
• Professionalism: High degree of self-discipline and the ability to work independently while meeting rigorous quality and throughput targets.
Preferred:
• Prior experience in data annotation for autonomous driving, robotics, or computer vision.
• Understanding of autonomous vehicle sensor modalities (LiDAR, Radar, Cameras).
• Experience with 3D labeling tools.
• Familiarity with HD maps.
Company:
Transforming American Transportation with Autonomous Trucks Founded in 2023, the company is headquartered in Houston, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.