Defector Salary

As of April 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Defector in the United States is $107,590. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $52. Salaries at Defector typically range from $94,558 to $121,720 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Defector Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Defector. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Co-Founder, with an annual salary of $832,838. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Defector

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Defector. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is Defector’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Defector's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
JEM FX Inc $98,771
-8.2%
JEM FX Inc likely leverages performance bonuses over the high base salary shown here.
Override Films $84,331
-21.6%
Typical compensation structure for smaller regional agencies like Override Films.
Spot 127 LLC $87,316
-18.8%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
Still Films $105,765
-1.7%
Suggests Still Films utilizes a highly similar base-plus-benefits compensation model.
Business Services Industry $120,931
+12.4%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Defector

Considering a career at Defector? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
A culture of continuous improvement keeps us all sharp. I never feel guilty about taking time off when needed, and the culture actively discourages burnout. It was a generous acknowledgment of our hard work and the company's success. What I appreciate most is how diversity is celebrated through regular events and communications.
The company offers opportunity to grow. Appreciation is shown regularly. Management is transparent about company goals and performance, and employee input is encouraged through regular check-ins and surveys. Leadership is supportive, and employees are given ample opportunities to grow professionally. The paid parental leave policy is incredibly generous. Work-life balance is supported through flex...
Advancement opportunities seem tied to tenure more than performance. Culture here is top-notch. I was given significant responsibility early in my tenure, which accelerated my learning curve immensely. Leadership genuinely cares about employees. I enjoy the sense of community here—people genuinely support each other.

Defector Overview

Website
www.defector.com
Founded In
1984
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Business Services
Headquarter Address
480 Avenue of Americas Box New York City New York NY 10011
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
-
Social Media
About Defector
Defector is an employee-owned sports and culture website brought to you by the former staffers of Deadspin.

What Benefits Does Defector Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Defector offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near New York?

Understanding the cost of living near New York is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Defector.
New York City's Cost of Living Index is approximately 204.5 (104.5% more than US average; 63.5% more than NY average). Extremely expensive globally, driven by exorbitant housing. Extensive MTA subway/bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from Defector, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $3,500 - $5,000+ (Highly variable by borough) A significant portion of Defector salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $150 - $250 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $127 (MTA 30-day MetroCard) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $450 - $700 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $500 - $1,000+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $450 - $800+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $5,177 - $7,877+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Defector

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Defector?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Defector is approximately from $94,558 to $121,720. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does Defector pay compared to JEM FX Inc?

The average annual salary at Defector is $107,590, or an hourly wage of $52, in comparison to JEM FX Inc which pays $98,771 per year or $47 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Defector?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Defector due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. How does experience level affect salary at Defector?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Defector, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Defector in New York is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Defector in New York is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Defector and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for New York" to understand its purchasing power.

6. Are the salaries listed for Defector on Salary.com pre-tax or after-tax?

All salary figures displayed for Defector, including average base salary and estimated total compensation, are pre-tax amounts. They do not account for federal, state, or local income taxes, nor deductions for benefits like health insurance or 401(k) contributions.