What is the highest paying job at Tension?

Based on our latest data, the highest paying role at Tension is Director of Quality, earning approximately $167,777 annually.

Where is Tension located?

Tension is headquartered in KANSAS CITY, MO, but may have operations in other locations within the Media sector.

What industry is Tension in?

Tension operates in the Media industry.

Tension Average Salary and Pay Ranges

Q: What does Tension do?

According to the company's overview, Beginning with roots in direct mail, Tension now operates under three divisions: Envelope, Packaging & Automation, and International.

Tension Salary

Yearly Salary Hourly Rate Monthly Salary Weekly Salary

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Salary at Tension

How Much Does Tension Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Tension. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Director of Quality, with an annual salary of $167,777. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.

Account Executive - Print

$65,034 / year

Salary Range: $56,757 - $75,012

Manufacturing

Warehouse/Receiving Lead

$53,830 / year

Salary Range: $48,995 - $59,069

Warehouse

Cutter Operator

$63,639 / year

Salary Range: $56,826 - $71,607

Management

Director of Quality

$167,777 / year

Salary Range: $153,422 - $181,441

Quality Assurance

Pressroom Helper

$42,433 / year

Salary Range: $38,367 - $46,934

Warehouse

Mailing Machine Operator - Swing Shift

$52,217 / year

Salary Range: $45,667 - $59,866

Facilities Operations

Offset Pressman

$62,805 / year

Salary Range: $55,570 - $70,910

Operations

Assembly Specialist

$63,746 / year

Salary Range: $54,952 - $72,764

Manufacturing/Assembly

Press Feeder

$42,951 / year

Salary Range: $37,860 - $48,185

Operations

HR Analyst

$75,656 / year

Salary Range: $60,031 - $95,050

Higher Education

Assembly Department Lead

$65,133 / year

Salary Range: $57,481 - $72,914

Management

Promo Purchaser

$52,286 / year

Salary Range: $46,690 - $58,958

Quality Control

Receiving Lead

$69,620 / year

Salary Range: $62,100 - $77,038

Shipping

Warehouse Worker

$38,039 / year

Salary Range: $35,890 - $41,100

Warehouse

Accounts Payable Specialist

$51,583 / year

Salary Range: $46,580 - $57,157

Accounting

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

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About Tension: Company Profile

Website

www.tension.com

Founded In

1886

Employees

200 - 500 employees

Industry

Media

Headquarter Location

KANSAS CITY

Revenue

$10 Million - $50 Million

Phone Number

About TENSION

Beginning with roots in direct mail, Tension now operates under three divisions: Envelope, Packaging & Automation, and International.

Employee Reviews: Insights on Salary, Culture & Work-Life

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into Tension's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.

Career advancement opportunities exist but progress is often dependent on tenure. I find the workload manageable and clear. Managers provide regular feedback and encourage collaboration. The team has a wonderful habit of celebrating wins, no matter what. Incredible storytelling environment.

Commented in April 16, 2025

It’s a rare blend of professionalism and passion. Leadership is approachable and values transparency and employee feedback. Workloads are manageable but can peak during busy periods. I've been consistently impressed by dedication to fostering creativity and artistic freedom.

Commented in January 10, 2025

The company provides competitive benefits and flexible working arrangements, including remote options. What sets this place apart is its openness to new voices. Work flexibility options demonstrate understanding of creative professionals' needs. Flexible work hours and remote options help maintain balance. Management communicates well but decision-making is delay. The culture is steady but can fee...

Commented in June 15, 2024

This company provides everything I could ask for in a media career: purpose-driven work, amazing colleagues, and room for growth. I’m proud to work for a company that prioritizes creativity, innovation, and employee well-being. The leadership is approachable, and creativity is genuinely encouraged. Regular training and professional development opportunities help staff stay current with industry tr...

Commented in February 13, 2024

How Tension's Salaries Compare to Similar Companies?

The data below provides a snapshot of what comparable firms are paying, offering crucial context for evaluating Tension’s pay competitiveness. Click on a company for a deeper dive.

TWG SOLUTIONS, LLC

Avg. Salary: $80,440

TRIPLE THREAD

Avg. Salary: $83,987

TEXSTAR POWER UTILITY BROKERAGE

Avg. Salary: $74,497

TRIAD TACTICAL TRAINING CENTER

AIR WAVES

BOHNSPRINTING

AN ETCH ABOVE

CHANZIE BLINDS

CONFETTI PARTY FAVORS & GIFTS

Avg. Salary: $82,231

ANTHONY-LEE SCREEN PRINTING

Avg. Salary: $79,037

AL EXPUNGEMENT LAWYER

Avg. Salary: $77,471

ALLTHINGSBYDESIGNS

Avg. Salary: $76,849

Is Tension’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Tension'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
TWG SOLUTIONS, LLC	$80,440	-0.7%	Reflects stabilized pricing equilibrium for commercial construction roles in this region.
TRIPLE THREAD	$83,987	+3.7%	Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to TRIPLE THREAD's sector.
TEXSTAR POWER UTILITY BROKERAGE	$74,497	-8.0%	TEXSTAR POWER UTILITY BROKERAGE focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
TRIAD TACTICAL TRAINING CENTER	$78,936	-2.5%	Confirms TRIAD TACTICAL TRAINING CENTER is a direct competitor vying for the exact same talent pool.
Media Industry	$125,523	+55.0%	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.

What Is the Cost of Living Near Kansas City?

Understanding the cost of living near Kansas City is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Tension.

Kansas City, MO's Cost of Living Index is approximately 87.2 (12.8% less expensive than US average; 1.9% less than MO average). Major city, BBQ/jazz, affordable housing, RideKC bus/streetcar (free). When planning your budget based on a salary from Tension, consider these typical monthly expenses:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent)	$950 - $1,500+	A significant portion of Tension salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic)	$140 - $230	Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation	$50 (RideKC monthly pass, streetcar free)	Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person)	$380 - $560	Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure	$380 - $700+	Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual)	$370 - $680+	Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes)	$2,270 - $3,670+	This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

Most Common Questions About Tension

FAQ 1: What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Tension?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Tension is approximately from $71,321 to $91,645. 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.

FAQ 2: How much does Tension pay compared to TWG SOLUTIONS, LLC?

The average annual salary at Tension is $80,979, or an hourly wage of $39, in comparison to TWG SOLUTIONS, LLC which pays $80,440 per year or $39 per hour.

FAQ 3: How does experience level affect salary at Tension?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Tension, 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.

FAQ 4: How can I determine if a salary offer from Tension in Kansas City is fair given the local cost of living?

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

FAQ 5: Why might an individual's actual salary at Tension differ from the ranges shown here?

An individual's actual salary at Tension can differ from our estimated ranges due to various factors. These include their specific years of experience in the role, unique skills or certifications, educational background, performance record, the specific team or department they join, negotiation outcomes, and even the precise timing of when they were hired relative to market fluctuations. Our ranges represent typical compensation.