Joel Fagliano isn’t just the brain behind the popular NYT Mini Crossword—he’s also amassed a respectable personal net worth from his craft. Here’s how his journey from young puzzle enthusiast to professional editor has translated into financial success.
🧩 Early Passion & Career Path
- Joel grew up in Philadelphia’s Mount Airy neighborhood and developed a love for puzzles in high school.
- He began submitting full-size New York Times crosswords in 2007, with his first acceptance in 2009 at age 17.
- Pursuing linguistics and cognitive science at Pomona College, he graduated in 2014, then joined NYT full‑time.
✍️ Ascension at The New York Times
- Since 2014, Joel has been the dedicated author and editor of the NYT 5×5 Mini Crossword .
- While Will Shortz recovered from illness, Joel served as interim editor of the full-size crossword from March to December 2024, adding prestige to his portfolio.
💸 Salary & Estimated Net Worth
- According to online sources, Fagliano’s annual salary at the NYT is around $78,650.
- His estimated net worth sits at $870,650, accumulated from his successful editorial career.
As a full-time staff editor at the New York Times with added responsibilities during Shortz’s absence, these figures align well with his established role and tenure.
🧠 Creative Influence & Career Highlights
- Joel has shaped the tone of the Mini Crossword—he aims for puzzles that are clever, fun, and satisfying—without oversimplifying.
- In 2015, he responded to criticism with a tongue-in-cheek Mini that spelled out “AWFUL PIECE SLATE”—a bold showcase of his playful editing persona.
👥 Professional Reputation
- Industry coverage (e.g. Vanity Fair, CBS News) highlights Joel as a key figure behind the Times’ growing puzzle division, which now includes over 100 staff .
- His stint as interim crossword editor in 2024 (covering ~291 puzzles) confirms his leadership within the NYT Games team.
📈 Final Thoughts
Joel Fagliano’s estimated net worth of $870K, backed by a solid NYT salary and editorial prominence, reflects both his creative impact and career growth. From teenage puzzle submissions to shaping one of the world’s most beloved crosswords, his journey combines intellectual passion with steady professional success.