Is AI training a legit side hustle in 2026, or just a waste of time?

Hey everyone,

I've been looking into AI training and data annotation sites lately (platforms like Outlier/Remotasks, DataAnnotation.tech, OneForma, etc.) as a way to make some extra income.

Before diving in, I wanted to get some real, unfiltered feedback from people who have actually worked on these platforms:

1. **Do they actually pay?** If yes, what is the average hourly rate or payout you're seeing for general vs. specialized (like coding or advanced writing) tasks?

2. **Which sites are the most reliable right now?** I know some platforms have a reputation for sudden bans or running out of projects. Which ones should I avoid?

3. **Is it worth the time investment** considering the onboarding tests and training phases?

Would love to hear about your experiences, earnings, and any tips or red flags to look out for.

Thanks in advance!