micro1 vs Mercor
Side-by-side comparison of micro1 and Mercor as of October 2026: listed pay, referral terms, what is not verified, automated access rules and a verdict by type of person.
The short version
micro1 shows a rate on most of its public roles and this site lists them automatically. Mercor has no single listed rate, publishes detailed referral terms and its terms restrict bots and scrapers, so this site does not track it. Neither platform promises work or pay. Details: micro1 and Mercor.
Side by side
| Point | micro1 | Mercor |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | 255 of 261 roles listed here show an hourly range; median $50 to $100 per hour (this site's data, updated daily) | No single rate; third-party guide gives $25 to $80 (annotation) and $50 to $150 (experts), not verified (source) |
| Public job list | Yes, jobs.micro1.ai | Yes, work.mercor.com/explore |
| Referral terms | Up to $3,000 flat per hire, paid after the referred person completes 10 hours (program page); micro1 may withhold or reverse payouts "for any reason or for no reason" (terms) | 20% of referee earnings, capped at 4 times their hourly rate (terms); a reported limit of 100 uses per 30 days was not verified on that page |
| ID for referrers | W-9 or W-8 tax form may be requested (terms) | Legal-name ID check reported secondhand, not verified on the cited page |
| Referral payout | Account wallet (program page) | Stripe or Wise on Wednesdays and Fridays, reported secondhand, not verified |
| Automated access | Public portal data used by this site | Terms restrict bots and scrapers (terms), so this site does not list it |
| Public feedback | Mixed: Glassdoor, Trustpilot and a critical Medium essay | No independent payment reports gathered |
Verdict by type of person
- If you want to see a rate before applying: micro1, because most roles state one. Mercor's figures come from third parties.
- If you are a specialist and want to look at more than one source: use both, and compare each posting's own terms.
- If you plan to refer friends: read both sets of terms first. micro1's top reward is a flat sum with wide discretion for the company; Mercor's is a share of earnings with a cap.
- If you dislike ID checks: a legal-name ID check for Mercor referrers is reported secondhand; confirm it in Mercor's own terms before you rely on either answer.
No listing, on either platform, promises that you will be accepted, get hours or reach any pay level.
FAQ
Which shows pay before applying?
micro1 shows a range on most roles. Mercor shows no single rate.
How do their referral terms differ?
micro1 offers up to $3,000 flat per hire. Mercor offers 20% of earnings, capped at 4 times the hourly rate.
Why is Mercor not listed on this site?
Its terms restrict bots and scrapers.
Does either promise work?
No. Neither promises acceptance, hours or pay.