Freelancers keep 100% of their rate. Clients pay the 15% fee. 1,600+ open roles. Apple, Google, Nike, Goldman Sachs.
Braintrust is a decentralized talent marketplace where freelancers keep 100% of their rate — the 15% platform fee is charged to clients, not workers. 700,000+ community members, 1,600+ active roles, works with Apple, Google, Nike, Goldman Sachs.
| Role | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Generalist / Content | $20–$50/hr |
| AI Trainer / Evaluator | $30–$80/hr |
| Software Engineer | $60–$150/hr |
Braintrust's self-set rate model requires you to name your number during the profile setup. Most contractors underquote on first signup out of uncertainty — and then earn at that rate until they manually change it. Don't do this. Research comparable rates before you set yours: a senior engineer should quote $90-120/hr, not $50/hr. The platform's zero-fee structure means your stated rate is your received rate; there's no platform cut to factor in. You can update your rate between projects.
Braintrust works best when you're specific about your specialisation. "Software engineer" competes with thousands of people. "Backend engineer with 8 years Python, 3 years ML infrastructure, fintech experience" narrows the pool substantially and justifies a higher rate. Specificity is the highest-leverage action on Braintrust's profile.
Yes. Braintrust is a venture-backed platform (Series B funded) with notable clients including NASA, Nestlé, and Goldman Sachs. The zero-fee model is funded by companies paying to access the talent network, not by contractor fees. Payment is processed reliably; the model has been independently verified by major contractors and covered positively in Forbes, TechCrunch, and Wired. It is not a scam or MLM structure.