PopMatters Salary

How much does the PopMatters Pay for employees?

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at PopMatters in the United States is $108,465. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $52. Salaries at PopMatters typically range from $95,356 to $122,756 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company. PopMatters’s salaries are influenced by a wide range of factors including job role, department, years of experience, and location.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.

How Much Does PopMatters Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at PopMatters. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for popular roles within the company, helping you benchmark potential earnings. Use 'View by Card/Table' option to find the data most relevant to your career path.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.
How accurate does the salary look to you?

Current Job Openings at PopMatters

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

Is PopMatters’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does PopMatters’s compensation stack up against the market? This analysis visualizes their annual average salary compared to its industry benchmark and key peer companies.
Peer Company & Industry Benchmarking
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Average Salary ($/year)
PopMatters
Media
CanDo University Press LLC
The State Journal-Register
Industry Comparison
Our data shows that, on average, compensation at PopMatters is below the average for the U.S. Media industry by approximately 14%. This positioning suggests their pay is below the market average within their sector.
Peer Company Comparison
To provide a broader market perspective, we compared PopMatters average annual salary with several similar companies. PopMatters average salary of $108,465 is higher than CanDo University Press LLC, which has an average salary of $100,913. It is higher than The State Journal-Register, with their average salary at $94,869. This places PopMatters in a competitive position among its peers.
See Your True Competitors
The companies behind the question marks could be hiring your best people. Don't operate with incomplete data. Unlock your full competitive view with Salary.com for Business to precisely benchmark salaries, benefits, and more against your true competitors.

Employee Reviews: Working at PopMatters

Considering a career at PopMatters? 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.
I’ve had access to exciting projects and learned from some of the most talented professionals in the media space. Work-life balance varies widely by department. We build cool, relevant stories and digital products that people love. Professional development opportunities are abundant, helping employees advance their careers.
We are all united by a shared goal to create media that not only entertains but also informs and connects people. Transparent communication builds trust within the organization. The leadership team is supportive, approachable, and committed to fostering a positive work environment. While the job is steady and offers varied projects, excitement levels can vary. Diverse voices are celebrated, which ...
However, the environment doesn’t feel especially innovative. Training sessions are offered. We’re encouraged to take ownership of our work. The culture is creative but occasionally chaotic, with uneven workload distribution. Every project feels meaningful and collaborative. Management consistently operates with exemplary fairness, complete transparency, and unwavering integrity in all their intera...
Creative work is appreciated, but tight schedules can limit experimentation. The energy, support, and opportunity for growth are unmatched. It’s a great place for creative professionals to build lasting careers.

PopMatters Overview

Website
www.popmatters.com
Founded In
1999
Employees
100 - 200 employees
Industry
Media
Headquarter Address
3501 N Southport Ave Chicago Illinois IL 60657
Revenue
$50 Million - $200 Million
Phone Number
+1 8478693000
Social Media
About PopMatters
PopMatters is an international magazine of cultural criticism that essays the "pop" culture that matters. Its scope is broadly cast on all things pop culture and it is the largest site that bridges academic and popular writing. PopMatters provides in-depth reviews, engaging interviews, and essays in areas such as music, film, television, books, games, theatre, visual arts, comics and more. PopMatt

What Benefits Does PopMatters Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. PopMatters 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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How Much Should You Be Earning?

Get an estimated calculation of how much you should be earning and insight into your career options.

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What Is the Cost of Living Near Chicago?

Understanding the cost of living near Chicago is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at PopMatters.
Chicago's Cost of Living Index is approximately 106.9 (6.9% more expensive than US average; 14.0% more than IL average). Major US city, housing varies greatly by neighborhood but can be high, extensive CTA transit. When planning your budget based on a salary from PopMatters, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,700 - $2,600+ A significant portion of PopMatters salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $230 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $105 (CTA 30-day pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $430 - $640 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $450 - $800+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $400 - $750+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,225 - $5,025+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of PopMatters

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

The typical annual salary range for most roles at PopMatters is approximately from $95,356 to $122,756. 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 PopMatters pay compared to CanDo University Press LLC?

The average annual salary at PopMatters is $108,465, or an hourly wage of $52, in comparison to CanDo University Press LLC which pays $100,913 per year or $49 per hour.

3. How does experience level affect salary at PopMatters?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at PopMatters, 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 PopMatters in Chicago is fair given the local cost of living?

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

5. What factors influence salary increases at PopMatters?

Salary increases at PopMatters 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.