China's Data Annotation Industry Employs 95,000 Across 7 Bases, Expanding AI Jobs
Updated
Updated · Global Times · Jun 11
China's Data Annotation Industry Employs 95,000 Across 7 Bases, Expanding AI Jobs
1 articles · Updated · Global Times · Jun 11
Summary
China had built seven data annotation bases and employed 95,000 data annotation workers by the end of 2025, according to the Digital China Development Report released in May.
Those workers filter, clean, classify and label data that train AI systems, including intelligent-driving functions such as obstacle recognition and precision parking.
Guizhou shows how the sector is spreading beyond major cities, with annotation centers appearing in counties and townships and offering local graduates an accessible entry into AI-related work.
The State Council's latest employment action plan calls for expanding demand for emerging roles such as data annotators and AI trainers, tying job creation to growth in new quality productive forces.
China has recognized 110 new occupations in seven batches since 2019, underscoring how industrial upgrading and AI adoption are reshaping the labor market rather than simply displacing jobs.