A growing number of professionals are now being paid to train artificial intelligence systems, turning human expertise into a fast-expanding business. Dr. Alice Chiao, a former emergency medicine instructor at Stanford University, now works with AI models, helping them diagnose and respond like a doctor through reinforcement learning.
Experts review and grade AI responses, allowing systems to improve through trial and error. The market for this work is estimated to be worth at least $17 billion, according to PitchBook.
Are we all just training AI to take over our jobs? What once lived only in employees’ heads is increasingly being absorbed by artificial intelligence https://t.co/awLPEXsMxj a través de @WSJ
— Benito Arruñada (@BenitoArrunada) February 16, 2026
One major player is Mercor, which connects AI firms with specialists in medicine, law, finance, and other fields. Some experts earn hundreds of dollars per hour.
Supporters argue the work improves safety and accuracy, especially in health care. Critics warn it could replace full-time jobs with gig work. Chiao says AI should assist professionals, not replace them.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
