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Freelance Machine Learning Data Annotation Jobs in McHenry, IL

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Freelance Machine Learning Data Annotation information

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$12

$21

$34

How much do freelance machine learning data annotation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance machine learning data annotation in McHenry, IL is $21.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $24.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Machine Learning Data Annotation vs Data Labeler?

AspectFreelance Machine Learning Data AnnotationData Labeler
CredentialsBasic understanding of annotation tools, sometimes with specialized domain knowledgeTypically no formal credentials required
Work EnvironmentRemote, flexible, project-basedOften remote or in-house, depending on employer
Industry UsageUsed in AI/ML development for training datasetsUsed in data preparation for various industries, including AI
Search/Comparison IntentFocuses on freelance opportunities, project scope, and toolsMore general, often employed by companies for data labeling tasks

Freelance Machine Learning Data Annotation involves independently completing annotation tasks for AI models, often with specialized tools and domain knowledge. Data Labelers typically perform similar tasks but may work as employees or contractors within a company. The main difference lies in the freelance nature and project-based work of data annotation roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance machine learning data annotation specialist?

To thrive as a Freelance Machine Learning Data Annotation specialist, you need attention to detail, basic knowledge of data labeling concepts, and familiarity with machine learning data types. Experience with annotation tools (such as Labelbox, RectLabel, or CVAT) and understanding of data privacy protocols are commonly required. Strong communication, time management, and the ability to follow complex guidelines are essential soft skills for delivering accurate results. These skills ensure high-quality, consistent data annotation, which is critical for effective machine learning model training and performance.

What is freelance machine learning data annotation?

Freelance machine learning data annotation involves labeling or tagging data—such as images, text, audio, or video—to help train machine learning models. As a freelancer, you work independently or through platforms, completing specific annotation tasks assigned by companies or researchers. This work is essential because high-quality labeled data is required for AI systems to learn and make accurate predictions. Annotators may categorize images, transcribe speech, or highlight relevant information in documents. The flexibility of freelancing allows you to choose projects and work remotely.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance machine learning data annotators, and how can they be managed?

Freelance machine learning data annotators often encounter challenges such as maintaining data accuracy, handling repetitive tasks, and understanding complex annotation guidelines. Staying organized and regularly reviewing project instructions can help ensure consistency and quality in annotations. Additionally, communicating proactively with project managers and utilizing annotation tools efficiently can help manage workload and clarify uncertainties. Building expertise in different data types (text, image, audio) also allows annotators to diversify their projects and reduce monotony.

What job categories do people searching Freelance Machine Learning Data Annotation jobs in McHenry, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Machine Learning Data Annotation jobs in McHenry, IL are:

What cities near McHenry, IL are hiring for Freelance Machine Learning Data Annotation jobs?

Cities near McHenry, IL with the most Freelance Machine Learning Data Annotation job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Machine Learning Data Annotation job openings in McHenry, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,771 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Project Perseus \u007C Speech & Voice AI Analyst - Croatian Speakers

Welo Data

Mundelein, IL • On-site

$34/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Overview

Welo Data is looking for detail-oriented and reliable individuals to join our team as Data Labeling Analysts, supporting speech and voice AI systems.

This is a high-impact production role focused on building the datasets that power real-world AI systems. You’ll be working with audio, speech, and language data — helping ensure models are trained on accurate, well-structured, and representative inputs.

While this role is more execution-focused than evaluation-heavy roles, it still requires strong judgment, attention to detail, and consistency. The work sits at the intersection of language, data, and AI systems — where precision and discipline matter at scale.

We’re looking for people who are dependable, focused, and take pride in producing high-quality work, even across repetitive workflows.

Project Details
  • Job Title: Data Labeling Analyst
  • Hiring in: Onsite (Bay Area, Seattle, NYC, or client-dependent) 
  • Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
  • Employment Type: W2 Full-Time Employee
  • Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the U.S. (no visa sponsorship)
  • Pay Rate: $34/hour
Important: This is a 100% onsite position — remote work is not available for this role. To be considered, candidates must be located in or able to commute to one of the following cities: NYC, Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Burlingame, Austin, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Chicago, Boston. Please only apply if you meet this location requirement.
What You’ll Do
  • Execute high-volume data labeling and annotation tasks across speech and voice datasets
  • Follow detailed guidelines to ensure consistency, accuracy, and data integrity at scale
  • Work with audio and language data, including transcription, categorization, and tagging
  • Maintain strong throughput while meeting quality expectations
  • Escalate unclear or ambiguous cases appropriately
  • Adapt to evolving guidelines and workflows as systems and requirements change
  • Support baseline data production needs for AI training pipelines
  • Contribute to team calibrations and quality alignment sessions 
What We’re Looking For
  • Native-level fluency in Croatian 
  • Strong written communication skills and language fundamentals
  • 1 year of work experience in data labeling, annotation, or content-focused work; or a Bachelor's degree or equivalent academic qualification in a related field.
  • Ability to follow detailed instructions and apply guidelines consistently
  • High attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy in repetitive tasks
  • Comfort working in structured, process-driven environments
  • Ability to manage time effectively and maintain steady output
  • Willingness to ask questions and escalate when needed
  • Basic familiarity with AI, speech technology, or language data is a plus 
Benefits
  • Paid Vacation: 6 days
  • Paid Company Holidays: 2 days (Memorial Day and Labor Day)
  • Paid Sick Leave: accrued per applicable state law and company policy
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (eligibility applies)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Additional voluntary benefits (life, accident, critical illness, etc.)
Onsite Perks (where applicable):
Free breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Stocked micro-kitchens with snacks and beverages
Commuter benefits, including shuttles and bike-to-work options
Unique campus features depending on location
Why This Role

This role is a critical part of how modern AI systems are built. The data you produce directly impacts how speech and voice models understand and interact with real users.

It’s a great entry point into AI operations, offering exposure to large-scale systems and the opportunity to build foundational experience in data, language, and AI workflows.


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 and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. 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.