Straight Dope Salary

How much does the Straight Dope Pay for employees?

As of July 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Straight Dope in the United States is $98,160. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $47. Salaries at Straight Dope typically range from $86,311 to $111,074 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company. Straight Dope’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.
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Current Job Openings at Straight Dope

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Is Straight Dope’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Straight Dope’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)
Straight Dope
Media
Bentham Science
Zeus Magazine
Industry Comparison
Our data shows that, on average, compensation at Straight Dope is below the average for the U.S. Media industry by approximately 22%. This positioning suggests their pay is below the market average within their sector.
Peer Company Comparison
To provide a broader market perspective, we compared Straight Dope average annual salary with several similar companies. Straight Dope average salary of $98,160 is lower than Bentham Science, which has an average salary of $111,693. It is lower than Zeus Magazine, with their average salary at $107,727. This places Straight Dope in a developing position among its peers.
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Employee Reviews: Working at Straight Dope

Considering a career at Straight Dope? 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.
Flexible work policies and comprehensive benefits promote a balanced work-life dynamic. Work-life balance depends on the role. The creative culture is inspiring. You’ll build solid experience, and it is necessarily stretch your creative skills often. Creative input varies by team.
From brainstorming to final execution, everyone plays a role in making content meaningful. It’s a good place to build experience, not necessarily a long-term career. We’re empowered to take ownership, and ideas are taken seriously. The leadership team is approachable and supports career progression through training and mentorship. Workload intensity fluctuates, sometimes causing stress.
I’ve had the opportunity to mentor new hires, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Workload can be uneven, leading to occasional burnout. We work hard, but the recognition and support make it worthwhile. The management encourages open communication and supports employee career advancement. One day I might be developing a podcast, the next I’m working on a video documentary, and the n...
I’ve had a fantastic journey with this company. Recognition programs regularly highlight employee achievements, boosting morale and motivation. It’s a fast-paced but rewarding environment where your work matters. Consistent recognition and clear paths to progress.

Straight Dope Overview

Website
www.straightdope.com
Founded In
2012
Employees
100 - 200 employees
Industry
Media
Headquarter Address
PO Box 1164 Burlington Vermont VT 05402
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 8015757003
Social Media
About Straight Dope
"The Straight Dope" was a question-and-answer newspaper column written under the pseudonym Cecil Adams. Contributions were made by multiple authors, and it was illustrated (also pseudonymously) by Slug Signorino. and on a website with the same name. On more than one occasion, the authors (i.e. Cecil Adams) were forced to retract or modify an answer when confronted by the readers. Following the col

What Benefits Does Straight Dope Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Straight Dope 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?

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What Is the Cost of Living Near Burlington?

Understanding the cost of living near Burlington is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Straight Dope.
Burlington's Cost of Living Index is approximately 118.5 (18.5% more expensive than US average; 11.7% more than VT average). Largest VT city (UVM), desirable, Lake Champlain, high housing costs. GMT bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from Straight Dope, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,600 - $2,400+ A significant portion of Straight Dope salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $150 - $250 (Heating significant) Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $60 (GMT monthly pass, free for UVM) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $450 - $670 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $430 - $780+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $410 - $760+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,100 - $4,860+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Straight Dope

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

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Straight Dope is approximately from $86,311 to $111,074. 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 Straight Dope pay compared to Bentham Science?

The average annual salary at Straight Dope is $98,160, or an hourly wage of $47, in comparison to Bentham Science which pays $111,693 per year or $54 per hour.

3. How does experience level affect salary at Straight Dope?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Straight Dope, 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 Straight Dope in Burlington is fair given the local cost of living?

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

5. What factors influence salary increases at Straight Dope?

Salary increases at Straight Dope 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.