Mercor vs micro1
Two AI-work platforms, two very different shapes. One pays a high ceiling for credentialed experts; the other is a flat-bounty setup almost anyone can walk into. Here's the honest side-by-side.
| Mercor | micro1 | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Expert AI-work marketplace — the highest ceiling I work | AI-vetted talent platform, flat referral bounties |
| Pay | $65–90/hr (expert track) | $20–45/hr (eval & screening work) |
| How you get in | AI interview + ID verification — the hardest screening here | Quick AI screening via their "Zara" recruiter |
| Referral structure | 20% earnings-share, capped at 4× your accepted hourly rate | Flat per-hire bounty, up to $3,000 |
| Who it's for | Credentialed / professional, chasing the ceiling | Anyone — quicker in, flat bounties |
Mercor
The ceiling play. If you can clear the interview, it's the best money in this directory.
Apply to MercorI earn 20% of what you earn, up to a cap, if you sign up via my link.
micro1
The quicker door. AI-screened, flat bounties, and you don't need credentials to get in.
Apply to micro1I earn a flat per-hire bonus if you're hired through my link — it never changes your pay.