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Data Annotation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Data Labeling Associate

San Diego, CA

$17 - $22/hr

The ideal candidate will have a foundational understanding of machine learning, data annotation, quality assurance, and natural language processing. They will play a pivotal role in updating our ...

Data Labeling Associate

San Diego, CA

$17 - $22/hr

The ideal candidate will have a foundational understanding of machine learning, data annotation, quality assurance, and natural language processing. They will play a pivotal role in updating our ...

Perform AI/ML-related tasks such as data labeling, annotation, and content evaluation * Participate in remote assignments or attend on-site sessions when required * Follow project guidelines and ...

Human Data Solutions Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$134K - $162K/yr

The role As a Human Data Operations & Solutions Engineer at Encord, you will sit at the ... You'll own the full arc: leading technical discovery on demo calls, designing the annotation ...

Own relationships with vendors such as data annotation firms and contractor platforms, negotiating rate cards, SLAs, and throughput guarantees * Decide on build, buy, or hybrid workforce models and ...

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Data Annotation information

See California salary details

$8

$24

$52

How much do data annotation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for data annotation in California is $24.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.71 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is data annotation a legitimate?

Data annotation is a legitimate job that involves labeling data such as images, text, or audio to help train machine learning models. It is commonly performed remotely and requires attention to detail, basic technical skills, and familiarity with annotation tools. Many companies hire data annotators as part of their AI development teams.

What does a typical workday look like for someone in a Data Annotation role?

A typical workday as a Data Annotator involves reviewing datasets—such as images, audio, text, or video—and accurately labeling or categorizing information according to specific project guidelines. Most Data Annotators work independently, but they often collaborate with project managers or data scientists to clarify requirements and resolve ambiguities. Tasks may be repetitive, but adhering to precise standards is vital for maintaining data quality. Work environments can range from technology companies to remote or freelance settings, and advancement opportunities exist as team leads or quality assurance specialists for those who excel in consistency and reliability.

What is a Data Annotation job?

A Data Annotation job involves labeling and categorizing data, such as text, images, audio, or video, to help train machine learning models. Annotators apply tags, bounding boxes, or classifications to data based on specific guidelines. This process improves the accuracy of AI systems in recognizing patterns and making predictions. Many data annotation jobs require attention to detail and familiarity with specific domains. It is commonly used in applications like autonomous driving, natural language processing, and computer vision.

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

To thrive in Data Annotation, you need strong attention to detail, accuracy, and basic data handling skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with annotation platforms, data labeling software, or content management systems is frequently required, though specific certifications are rare. Excellent communication, time management, and the ability to focus on repetitive tasks distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial because accurate and consistent data annotation directly impacts the quality of machine learning models and AI applications.

What does a data annotator do?

A data annotator labels and tags data such as images, text, or videos to help machine learning models understand and learn from the data. They use tools and follow guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency, often working with large datasets in a structured environment. Attention to detail and knowledge of annotation tools are important for this role.

Do people actually make money on data annotation?

Data annotation jobs can provide a source of income, with pay rates varying based on the complexity of tasks, platform, and experience. Many annotators earn hourly or per-task wages, but earnings often depend on the volume of work completed and the employer's pay structure.

Is it hard to get hired for data annotation?

Getting hired for a data annotation role generally depends on the employer's requirements, such as attention to detail and basic computer skills. Many positions are entry-level and may not require prior experience or certifications, making them accessible to a wide range of applicants. However, competition can vary based on the number of available jobs and the quality of applicants.
What are the most commonly searched types of Data Annotation jobs in California? The most popular types of Data Annotation jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Data Annotation jobs in California? For Data Annotation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Data Annotation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Data Annotation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Data Annotation jobs? Cities in California with the most Data Annotation job openings:
Infographic showing various Data Annotation job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,398 per year, or $24.7 per hour.
Data Annotation Specialist - South Bay, CA (On Site)

Data Annotation Specialist - South Bay, CA (On Site)

Welo Data

Sunnyvale, CA

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

OVERVIEW

Welo Data is looking for a skilled Data Analyst to join our team and contribute to advancing AI technologies. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with cutting-edge AI products, supporting the refinement and performance of machine learning models through precise data analysis and quality assurance.

Project Details
Job Title: Data Analyst
Location: Bay Area, CA (Onsite)
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Employment Type: W2 Full-Time Employee

Must have valid work authorization in the US (Welocalize does not sponsor VISAs at this time).

This role is an incredible chance to be at the forefront of AI technology, helping shape the future by testing new products, updating machine learning models, and ensuring high-quality data for impactful AI solutions.
Key Responsibilities
  • Test new AI products and provide actionable feedback to improve functionality and user experience.
  • Conduct detailed data annotation and quality assurance of natural language datasets following established guidelines.
  • Collaborate in updating and refining machine learning models to boost accuracy and effectiveness.
  • Analyze data for consistency, relevancy, and alignment with project goals.
  • Perform quality control to identify and report anomalies, error patterns, and discrepancies.
  • Use basic data analysis methods to extract insights and support continuous improvement.
  • Prepare clear and concise reports on findings, including observations on data quality, AI model performance, and user feedback.
Preferred Qualifications
  • University degree in linguistics, translation, or a related field.
  • 3-5 years of professional linguistics experience.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to detect patterns and anomalies.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Adaptability to evolving priorities and project requirements.
Benefits
  • Paid Sick Time & Paid Holiday (combined): 15 days
  • Paid Holidays: Memorial Day and Labor Day
  • Medical Insurance (subject to eligibility requirements)
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
  • Telemedicine Benefit
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
Please note that in order to verify work authorization as is required by Federal law (I-9 process), all new employees must complete a live video verification with their selected IDs and provide photos of these selected IDs within their first 3 days of employment.

To know more details (Click here)

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.  In addition, we employ anti-fraud checks to ensure all candidates meet the requirements of the program.


As a trusted global transformation partner, Welocalize accelerates the global business journey by enabling brands and companies to reach, engage, and grow international audiences. Welocalize delivers multilingual content transformation services in translation, localization, and adaptation for over 250 languages with a growing network of over 400,000 in-country linguistic resources. Driving innovation in language services, Welocalize delivers high-quality training data transformation solutions for NLP-enabled machine learning by blending technology and human intelligence to collect, annotate, and evaluate all content types. Our team works across locations in North America, Europe, and Asia serving our global clients in the markets that matter to them. www.welocalize.com

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.


Working at Welo Data

What to expect from working at Welo Data

From Welo Data

About Welo Data, in their own words

From Welo Data

Welo Data is a global AI data services company powering the next generation of AI. We build, annotate, and validate the training datasets that make AI models accurate, safe, and ready for the real world — across languages, cultures, and domains.

Our team of experts spans the globe, combining deep technical knowledge with a human-centered approach. If you want your work to shape how AI understands the world, you'll find your place here.

Diversity and inclusion statement

From Welo Data

Our Strength is derived from Winning Together. Welo Data is unequivocally committed to developing and fostering a workplace and organizational culture that values the diversity of thought and perspective delivered by a diverse global workforce operating within an inclusive organization.