If you’ve ever solved a New York Times crossword and wondered how much the brilliant minds behind those clever clues and intricate grids are paid, you’re not alone. The world of crossword construction is a niche but fascinating one, and compensation for puzzle creators—also known as constructors—can vary depending on several factors, including puzzle size and day of publication.
The New York Times, widely regarded as the gold standard in the crossword community, offers some of the most competitive rates in the industry. But how much does the Times actually pay for its crosswords? Let’s unravel the numbers and dive into what makes the NYT crossword world both challenging and rewarding.
Payment Tiers for Crossword Puzzles
As of the most recent data available, here’s a breakdown of how much the New York Times pays its crossword constructors:
- Monday to Saturday (15×15 puzzles): $500 per puzzle
- Sunday (21×21 puzzle): $1,500 per puzzle
- Bonus for debut constructors: Additional $200
This means that if you’re publishing your first puzzle in The New York Times, not only do you get the standard rate, but you also receive a special bonus. This is part of the Times’ effort to encourage fresh voices and diverse perspectives in the puzzle community.
What Influences Payment Amount?
The primary factor that influences how much a constructor earns from the Times is the day of the week their puzzle is published. In general, difficulty increases as the week progresses, with Monday being the easiest and Saturday the most challenging. As a result, some might assume Saturday puzzles should pay more—but the payment stays consistent from Monday through Saturday. Only the larger Sunday crossword commands the higher rate due to its increased size and complexity.
Here are some additional factors to consider:
- Puzzle Length: The standard 15×15 grid for weekdays contrasts with the 21×21 Sunday puzzle, partly justifying the $1,000 difference in pay.
- Collaborations: Multiple constructors can team up on a single puzzle, dividing the payment among themselves.
- Themed Content: The more clever and unique the theme, the more likely a puzzle is to be accepted, although it doesn’t necessarily affect compensation.
How the NYT Compares to Other Publications
While $500 to $1,500 might seem like modest earnings considering the amount of skill involved, The New York Times actually offers some of the highest crossword rates in the game. Here’s how it stacks up:
- Los Angeles Times: Pays around $85 to $150 per weekday puzzle.
- USA Today: Pays approximately $100 to $125 per puzzle.
- The New Yorker: Pays around $350 for a puzzle.
The NYT’s higher rate reflects not only its massive readership but also the prestige and reach a constructor gains upon publication. Many crossword enthusiasts aspire to be published in the Times, making it a milestone achievement in a constructor’s career.
How to Submit a Puzzle to The New York Times
If you’re intrigued by the idea of constructing your own crossword and possibly earning recognition (and a decent paycheck), the NYT has a dedicated submission portal. Here are the basic steps:
- Design a crossword grid that meets NYT specifications (usually a 15×15 grid).
- Create a theme (optional for some days) and fill in the grid.
- Write clever, original, and accurate clues.
- Submit through the online portal found on the Times’ crossword page.
Editors typically take several weeks (sometimes months) to respond. If your puzzle is accepted, you go through an editing process with Will Shortz and his team to refine the submission before it sees print.
The Intangible Rewards
While the financial compensation is meaningful, many constructors say the biggest reward is the prestige and satisfaction that come with being published in the New York Times. Your puzzle may be discussed, dissected, and delighted in by thousands of solvers. It’s a piece of art that challenges minds and sparks conversation.
For many, that’s worth more than the dollars alone.
