Turing is a Palo Alto-based company founded in 2018 that started by matching vetted software developers with long-term remote jobs at US companies. In the last few years it has shifted heavily toward AI work, hiring developers and subject experts as contractors to help train and evaluate AI models for major AI labs. You join by passing Turing’s vetting process, and the company then matches you to projects based on your skills, availability and location. Turing doesn’t charge developers to join or find work.
At a glance
| What it is | A vetted network for remote developer and AI training work |
| Founded | 2018, Palo Alto |
| Work types | Long-term developer roles and AI training projects |
| Who it hires | Software engineers and, increasingly, domain experts |
| Cost to join | Free |
| Vetting | Profile, automated tests, coding challenges and interviews |
| Status | Independent contractor, not employee |
How it works
You create a profile with your experience and skills, then take Turing’s vetting steps. For developers, that usually includes automated technical tests, coding challenges and sometimes a live interview, taking several hours in total. Turing’s help center says it uses a combination of automated tests and AI matching to pair engineers with jobs. When a project fits, you’re contacted, and if both sides agree, you start work as a contractor.
The shift to AI work
TechCrunch reported that Turing works with about 4 million coders and has only a few hundred core employees, which shows how the model works: a large pool of contractors, with work going to those matched to active projects. Much of today’s work involves writing, reviewing and evaluating code or expert answers to help AI models improve. Turing also recruits doctors, accountants, scientists and other professionals for AI training in their fields.
Pay and conditions
Pay varies widely by role, skill level and project. Third-party reviews report AI training rates from around $30 an hour up to well over $100 for specialised experts, but Turing doesn’t publish a single rate card. As a contractor, you handle your own taxes and get no employee benefits. Some projects require overlap with US working hours.
Getting through vetting
Brush up on algorithms and the languages you list, and take tests in a quiet setting. Turing says that if you retake tests within six months, you don’t need to start the whole process over, only the parts you didn’t clear. Keep your profile accurate and up to date so matching works in your favour.
What reviewers say
Many developers report good long-term roles with US clients. Others, on Trustpilot and forums, describe long waits after passing vetting, projects ending suddenly, or payment issues. Being in the pool doesn’t guarantee work, so treat Turing as one channel among several.
Getting started
Create a complete profile, list only skills you can defend in a test, and set aside a quiet block of time for the assessments. After passing, keep your availability and preferences current, and answer messages from Turing quickly, because project teams often move fast. If you’re a subject expert rather than a developer, look for Turing’s AI training roles in your field, which have their own assessments.
Is it worth it?
For many developers and experts, Turing is worth the time spent on vetting, since joining is free and the projects can pay well. The risk is gaps between projects, so it works best as part of a wider mix of clients and platforms.
Taxes and admin
As a contractor, you invoice or are paid as an independent worker, so set aside money for taxes and keep records of your hours and payments from day one.
Owen’s take
Turing can be a strong source of well-paid remote work, especially in AI training, but there’s no guarantee of a steady flow. Pass the vetting, keep your profile current and keep other income channels open.
Who it suits
It suits experienced developers and domain experts comfortable working as contractors with US clients. It suits less well beginners or anyone needing guaranteed full-time hours.
Similar options
- Lemon.io matches developers with startups.
- Codeable is for WordPress developers.
- Upwork is the largest general marketplace.
- Freelancer.com uses bidding.
More options are in Freelancing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free to join
- Long-term remote and AI work
- Access to US clients and AI labs
Cons
- Lengthy vetting process
- No guarantee of projects
- Mixed reviews on communication and payments
FAQ
Is Turing free for developers?
Yes, Turing doesn’t charge developers to join or find work.
What kind of work does Turing offer?
Long-term developer roles and AI training and evaluation projects.
How long does Turing’s vetting take?
Several hours of tests, coding challenges and interviews.
Can I retake failed Turing tests?
Yes; within six months you only retake the parts you didn’t pass.
Is Turing work full-time employment?
No, you work as an independent contractor.
