The Stranger Salary

As of April 2026, the average annual salary for employees at The Stranger in the United States is $85,941. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $41. Salaries at The Stranger typically range from $75,693 to $97,259 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does The Stranger Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at The Stranger. 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

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at The Stranger.
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About The Stranger: Company Profile

Website
www.thestranger.com
Founded In
1991
Employees
50 - 100 employees
Industry
Media
Headquarter Location
EAST UNION
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
-
Social Media

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

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into The Stranger's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
Training is offered and it isalways meet specific role needs. Training is provided but varies by team and often lacks depth. There’s a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary cooperation, sharing insights, and combining creative talents to produce high-quality media. Feedback is consistent, and everyone is encouraged to speak up and contribute ideas. Management is professional to act on employee feed...
It's truly reassuring to work for an organization that prioritizes integrity in its media output. A wonderful company for media professionals looking for purpose and passion. The office culture is vibrant and inclusive, making it a pleasure to come to work every day. Career growth opportunities exist but usually require patience and persistence.
Benefits are strong, including health plans and wellness programs. This company genuinely respects work-life balance, which is a rare find in the fast-paced media world. We work hard, but the recognition and support make it worthwhile. The level of talent here is impressive. Everyone’s contributions are valued and heard, regardless of role.
Strong leadership with clear editorial direction. This adaptability ensures we stay relevant and ahead of the curve. Working here offers a dynamic atmosphere filled with creative energy and passionate teams. The remote culture is professional and quiet. The team is full of passionate, driven professionals.

Is The Stranger’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does The Stranger'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
SWICK TECHNOLOGIES $78,723
-8.4%
Typical compensation structure for smaller regional agencies like SWICK TECHNOLOGIES.
SCOTT A LIROT $72,224
-16.0%
SCOTT A LIROT likely leverages performance bonuses over the high base salary shown here.
SMITH COUNTY PIONEER $71,897
-16.3%
SMITH COUNTY PIONEER operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
SNPA $82,937
-3.5%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
Media Industry $125,523
+46.1%
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 Seattle?

Understanding the cost of living near Seattle is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at The Stranger.
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 Stranger, 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 Stranger 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.

Most Common Questions About The Stranger

FAQ 1: What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at The Stranger?
The typical annual salary range for most roles at The Stranger is approximately from $75,693 to $97,259. 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 The Stranger pay compared to SWICK TECHNOLOGIES?
The average annual salary at The Stranger is $85,941, or an hourly wage of $41, in comparison to SWICK TECHNOLOGIES which pays $78,722 per year or $38 per hour.
FAQ 3: How does experience level affect salary at The Stranger?
Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at The Stranger, 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 The Stranger in Seattle is fair given the local cost of living?
To determine if a salary offer from The Stranger in Seattle is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at The Stranger and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Seattle" to understand its purchasing power.
FAQ 5: What factors influence salary increases at The Stranger?
Salary increases at The Stranger are likely influenced by a combination of factors, including: individual employee performance against set goals, overall company performance and profitability, budget availability, changes in the market rate for similar roles (market adjustments), and sometimes cost-of-living increases.