As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Annotator in the United States is $56,261 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, an Annotator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Annotator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Annotator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Annotator | $54,236 |
| Intermediate Level Annotator | $54,322 |
| Senior Level Annotator | $54,949 |
| Specialist Level Annotator | $56,873 |
| Expert Level Annotator | $57,136 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Annotators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Team Building | 7.25% |
| Microsoft Word | 3.12% |
| Computer Literacy | 2.56% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Risk Management
|
$70,326 |
25%
|
|
Digital Video
|
$70,326 |
25%
|
|
Corporate Security
|
$68,638 |
22%
|
|
Field Operations
|
$67,513 |
20%
|
|
Attention to Detail
|
$63,012 |
12%
|
|
Listening
|
$63,012 |
12%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Annotators enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Annotator with a No Diploma is between $49,862 and $53,574).
Annotator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 46.7% |
| High School | 46.7% |
| Associates | 33.3% |
| Bachelors | 6.7% |
| Masters | 13.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Annotator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Salaries for an Annotator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $78,382 in 2023 to around $75,535 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Annotator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $78,382 |
| 2024 | $77,441 |
| 2025 | $75,535 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Annotator and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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