Braintrust

Braintrust processes payments via Stripe or Wise (TransferWise). The key advantage: zero talent fees — you keep 100% of your rate. Clients pay a 15% platform fee.

• Invoicing: You and the client agree on frequency — weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly
• Payment timing: Braintrust pays when the client pays — typically net-30 terms
• Currency: Rates set in USD
• Methods: Stripe (bank transfer) or Wise for international payouts

Braintrust works more like a traditional freelancing platform than a task-based gig site:

• Job browsing: You browse available contracts, filter by category, rate, and commitment, then submit proposals to clients you're interested in
• Client communication: You interview directly with hiring managers — no AI screening or automated assessments. This means you need to sell yourself in proposals and calls
• Working on projects: Once hired, you work directly with the client team. Communication happens through whatever tools the client uses (Slack, email, etc.)
• Invoicing: You log hours and submit invoices through the Braintrust platform. Frequency is negotiated with the client (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly)
• Finding new work: Unlike task platforms where work is always available, you need to actively apply and compete for contracts. Gaps between projects are common

This is closer to contract consulting than gig work. If you're used to platforms like Upwork or Toptal, the workflow will feel familiar.

Braintrust advertises $50–200/hr, but here's the reality:

• Senior engineers and ML specialists: $100–200/hr — achievable for experienced professionals with strong portfolios
• Mid-level developers and data scientists: $50–100/hr — the most common range
• Data annotation and junior roles: $30–60/hr — lower end but still competitive since you keep 100%

The 0% fee advantage: A $100/hr rate on Braintrust equals ~$80/hr on Upwork (20% fee) or ~$85/hr on Toptal (variable). This makes Braintrust's effective pay higher even if the listed rate looks similar.

Key caveat: Work isn't constant. You're applying to individual contracts, and there may be gaps between projects. Treat Braintrust as one income source alongside others, not your sole revenue stream — at least initially.