Ever wondered how much money someone can make by creating a crossword puzzle for The New York Times? You might be surprised! Creating puzzles sounds like fun (and it is), but it can also earn you some real cash.
Let’s dive into it and find out just how much the “gold standard” of crossword publishing actually pays.
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So, what’s the deal?
The New York Times pays puzzle creators — also called constructors — depending on the type and day of the puzzle. And yes, the day matters!
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Monday to Saturday puzzles: $500 each
- Sunday puzzles: $1,500 each
That’s a big jump for just one extra day, right? But it makes sense. Sunday crosswords are larger — 21×21 squares instead of the usual 15×15 — and they take much more time and creativity to build.
Now here’s the juicy part — if it’s your first time being published in the Times, they throw in a bonus. How cool is that? It’s like a warm, crosswordy welcome.
First-time bonus
If it’s your debut puzzle, you receive:
- $200 in addition to your regular payment
So a first-time Sunday constructor can walk away with $1,700 for a single puzzle. Not bad for your first try, huh?
Those special puzzles
Have you ever done a crossword and noticed cool wordplay, gimmicks, or unusual themes? The Times sometimes features specialty puzzles. These are worth even more.
- Variety puzzles (like “Diagramless”): About $450
- Acrostics: Around $1,000
These take extra mental gymnastics, so the payout matches the effort.
Can you get rich off crosswords?
Well… not really. Most constructors do it as a side gig. But some make a pretty decent chunk of change — especially if their puzzles are published regularly.
Think about it: if someone sells two weekday puzzles and a Sunday each month, that’s over $2,500 a month. That’s serious puzzle dough.
How do I start?
If you’re interested in joining the crossword club, here’s what to do:
- Learn the basics: grid size, symmetry, and themes.
- Try building your own with puzzle software like Crossword Compiler.
- Submit it through the New York Times crossword submission portal.
- Wait patiently. Responses can take weeks or even months.
And here’s a tip: begin with a Monday puzzle. These are the easiest and most approachable — both to solve and to create.
Is it worth it?
If you love words, clever clues, and a good challenge, then yes. Absolutely. Creating crosswords is creative, satisfying, and yes — it pays!
It might not make you a millionaire, but it’s a unique gig that combines brains and fun.
Final thoughts
So, how much does the NYT pay for a crossword? Most of the time:
- $500 for Monday-Saturday
- $1,500 for Sunday
- More for specialty puzzles and first-timers
Still interested? Grab a pencil, unlock your inner wordplay wizard, and maybe one day you’ll see your name in the puzzle credits. Wouldn’t that be crossword glory?