The Islands' Sounder Salary

As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at The Islands' Sounder in the United States is $94,932. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $46. Salaries at The Islands' Sounder typically range from $83,535 to $107,319 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Is The Islands' Sounder’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does The Islands' Sounder'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
The Spectator $100,997
+6.4%
Reflects a supply-demand imbalance for the specific talent The Spectator targets.
Agweek $87,010
-8.3%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
Worrall Community Newspapers Inc $107,284
+13.0%
Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to Worrall Community Newspapers Inc's sector.
Kennebec Journal $84,975
-10.5%
Typical compensation structure for smaller regional agencies like Kennebec Journal.
Media Industry $125,523
+32.2%
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 The Islands' Sounder

Considering a career at The Islands' Sounder? 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.
Smart people, passionate about great storytelling. This media firm offers solid benefits and a stable work environment, though rapid changes in projects sometimes cause stress. They prioritize mental wellness, offer flexible schedules, and celebrate creativity. The flexible work hours and respect for personal time allow me to stay passionate and focused at work without sacrificing my well-being. L...
Managers are kind and helpful, and the projects are impactful and rewarding. Workflow is consistent across teams. Fast turnarounds, strong teamwork. Resources for content creation are industry-leading, allowing us to produce our best work. Training is provided but varies by team and often lacks depth.
I feel lucky to be part of such a forward-thinking team. Having my name attached to work of this caliber is invaluable for my career. The company has fostered an environment where I feel psychologically safe, creatively fulfilled, and personally valued. These relationships make teamwork more fluid and are a huge part of what makes this a wonderful place to work. Leadership is supportive, making co...

The Islands' Sounder Overview

Website
www.islandssounder.com
Founded In
1964
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Media
Headquarter Address
188 A St Eastsound Washington WA 98245
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 3603764500
Social Media
About The Islands' Sounder
It later became The Orcas Island Booster; the Magnusons named it The Islands' Sounder in 1974. It was a free tabloid that, after 1979, was distributed to every mail address in San Juan County. Ted and Kay Grossman bought the Sounder in November 1985 and converted it into a broadsheet with countywide paid circulation. The Grossmans sold the Sounder in 1994 to Sound Publishing Inc., which is based i

What Benefits Does The Islands' Sounder Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. The Islands' Sounder 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 Seattle?

Understanding the cost of living near Seattle is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at The Islands' Sounder.
Seattle's Cost of Living Index is approximately 152.7 (52.7% more expensive than US average; 36.8% more than WA average). Major tech hub (Amazon, Microsoft nearby), extremely high housing costs. King County Metro, Sound Transit. When planning your budget based on a salary from The Islands' Sounder, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,000 - $3,000+ A significant portion of The Islands' Sounder salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $130 - $220 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $99 (ORCA monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $500 - $750 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $550 - $1,000+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $430 - $800+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,709 - $5,779+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of The Islands' Sounder

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at The Islands' Sounder?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at The Islands' Sounder is approximately from $83,535 to $107,319. 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 The Islands' Sounder pay compared to The Spectator?

The average annual salary at The Islands' Sounder is $94,932, or an hourly wage of $46, in comparison to The Spectator which pays $100,997 per year or $49 per hour.

3. How does experience level affect salary at The Islands' Sounder?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at The Islands' Sounder, 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.

4. How can I determine if a salary offer from The Islands' Sounder in Seattle is fair given the local cost of living?

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

5. Why might an individual's actual salary at The Islands' Sounder differ from the ranges shown here?

An individual's actual salary at The Islands' Sounder 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.