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Data Annotation Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... our technology. We are now seeking passionate individuals to join us in the next phase of our ... Build a data annotation team * Own annotation operations end-to-end * Manage the people side of ...

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Data Annotation Tech information

See California salary details

$12

$22

$34

How much do data annotation tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for data annotation tech in California is $22.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $26.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a data annotation tech?

To become a data annotation tech, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong attention to detail, and familiarity with data labeling tools or software. Some roles may require basic knowledge of machine learning concepts or specific platforms like Labelbox or CVAT. Gaining experience through online courses or tutorials can also improve job prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a data annotation tech?

To thrive as a Data Annotation Tech, you need keen attention to detail, basic computer literacy, and familiarity with data labeling standards, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with annotation platforms, image or text labeling tools, and basic knowledge of data management systems is highly valuable. Strong organizational skills, patience, and effective communication set top candidates apart in this field. These skills and qualities ensure annotated data is accurate, consistent, and valuable for machine learning or AI projects.

What does a data annotation tech do?

A typical day as a Data Annotation Tech involves reviewing large sets of data—such as images, text, or audio—and accurately labeling or categorizing them using specialized software. You may work independently or as part of a team, following specific project guidelines to ensure data integrity and consistency. Collaboration with project managers or data scientists is common when clarifying ambiguous data points or addressing annotation challenges. Additionally, productivity targets and quality checks are a regular part of the workflow, helping to keep projects on schedule and maintain high standards.

Does data annotation actually pay you?

Data annotation jobs typically pay hourly or per task, with rates varying depending on the platform and complexity of the work. Many companies and platforms offer remote opportunities that provide consistent payment once tasks are completed, often requiring basic skills in data labeling tools. Payment is generally reliable for those who meet quality standards and adhere to deadlines.

What is a data annotation tech?

A Data Annotation Tech is responsible for labeling and categorizing data, such as text, images, audio, or video, to train machine learning models. They follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency in annotations, which helps improve the performance of AI systems. This role often involves repetitive tasks, attention to detail, and familiarity with various annotation tools. Data annotation is crucial for AI development in industries like healthcare, finance, and autonomous driving.

How much do data annotation technicians make?

Data annotation technicians typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the tasks. Many roles are entry-level and may offer flexible schedules or remote work opportunities.
What are the most commonly searched types of Data Annotation Tech jobs in California? The most popular types of Data Annotation Tech jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Data Annotation Tech jobs in California? For Data Annotation Tech jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Data Annotation Tech jobs? Cities in California with the most Data Annotation Tech job openings:
Infographic showing various Data Annotation Tech job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 34% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Contract, 35% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 56% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 43% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,890 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Data Annotation Lead

Sunday Inc

Redwood City, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Join Us in Building the Future of Home Robotics
At Sunday, we're developing personal robots to reclaim the hours lost to repetitive tasks. We're focused on an ambitious goal to make generalized robots broadly accessible, enabling households to take back quality time.
We have spent the last 18 months building a talented team, securing capital, and validating our technology. We are now seeking passionate individuals to join us in the next phase of our growth. If you are ready to apply your skills to the forefront of robotics innovation, we'd love to hear from you.
What to Expect
We're looking for a Data Annotations Lead to join our Data team and own the operation side of data annotation and scale the team behind it.
This role is about building and leading a world class in-house data annotation team that is able to pivot quickly to any research experiment while delivering on quality, quantity, and variety when it comes to data.
You'll work in coordination with Machine Learning, Software engineering, and Data to define the framework and tools on which to build a data annotation team around. Your role is vital to ensuring our data annotators are aligned with the guidances for annotations and are upholding a culture of happiness.
What You'll Do
  • Build a data annotation team
  • Own annotation operations end-to-end
  • Manage the people side of data annotations
  • Create documentation
  • Be in the weeds and annotate data yourself anytime something new is being designed
  • Create data annotation processes
  • Own the in-house vs. vendor mix and manage external partners where used

What You'll Bring
  • Clear written and verbal communication to guide our data annotators
  • Your ability to manage unexpected challenges
  • Your ownership of key stakeholders with data annotators, engineering, and support
  • Excitement for the growth and development of data annotation
  • Someone adept at prioritization of competing requests, who's able to move both quickly, and in an organized manner
  • A level of hardcore-ness while still treating people like people
  • Intermediate level understanding of ML

Nice to Have
  • Previous experience leading data annotation teams
  • Previously a top 2% annotator yourself in the past
  • Technical skills to build tools for data annotation
  • Ability to leverage AI to help improve productivity

At Sunday Robotics, we're building technology shaped by real people - curious, creative, and diverse. We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. Studies show that women and underrepresented groups often hold back unless they meet 100% of the criteria - we don't want that to be the reason we miss out on great talent.