Facebook moderators play a critical role in keeping the platform safe by reviewing content that may violate policies. However, the job is known to be difficult and demanding. So how much does Facebook pay these important workers?
In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide a quick overview of Facebook moderator salaries based on available data. Then we’ll go into more detail later in the article.
Quick Facts
– Facebook moderators are employed by third-party contracting firms like Accenture and Cognizant, not directly by Facebook.
– Their pay can vary greatly based on location. In expensive areas like Silicon Valley, they may make $24/hr. In lower cost areas, the pay falls to around $15/hr or even $10/hr internationally.
– On average, most Facebook moderators in the U.S. make between $15-$20 per hour.
– With overtime, salaries for U.S. moderators often reach around $30,000 to $50,000 per year.
So in summary, Facebook moderator pay is generally low for U.S. standards considering the difficult and traumatic nature of the work. Compensation is higher in areas with higher costs of living.
Detailed Look at Facebook Moderator Pay
Now let’s take a more in-depth look at how much moderators make and the factors impacting their compensation.
Pay Varies Greatly By Location
Perhaps the biggest factor determining a Facebook moderator’s pay is location. Moderators in expensive metro areas and tech hubs make considerably more than those in smaller cities and rural areas.
For example, based on data compiled by The Verge from former moderators, those working in Silicon Valley can make around $24 per hour. In Los Angeles and New York City, top hourly wages reach approximately $20.
However, in states like Texas, Florida, and Arizona with lower costs of living, moderator pay drops down to $15 per hour or even as low as $10 to $12 per hour according to The Verge’s sources.
International hourly pay rates are even lower. In India, Facebook moderators may make just $1.50 per hour and around $2.50 per hour in Mexico based on reports.
So a moderator doing the same job as someone in California could be making only one-tenth as much if they are located in India or Mexico.
Annual Salaries Typically Range From $30,000-$50,000
Although hourly pay rates vary significantly, most full-time Facebook moderators in the U.S. make total annual salaries in the range of $30,000 to $50,000.
At the low end, a moderator working for the minimum wage of $10 per hour would earn $20,800 working 40 hours per week without overtime. On the high end, moderators in expensive metro areas can earn up to $50,000 annually if they consistently work overtime hours at up to $24 per hour. The national median wage lands around $40,000.
While these salaries go much farther in places like Texas and Florida compared to California, the compensation is still quite low considering the undesirable nature of the work.
Most Moderators Work For Contracting Firms
It’s important to note that the vast majority of Facebook moderators do not actually work directly for Facebook. Instead, they are employed by third-party contracting firms.
Facebook early on made the decision to outsource moderator jobs to companies like Accenture, Cognizant, and Genpact. This allows Facebook to maintain distance from moderators and claim they are not direct Facebook employees.
However, the downside of this arrangement is it has resulted in even lower pay, fewer benefits, and less job security for moderators. Contracting firms are incentivized to keep costs low in order to maintain their contracts with Facebook.
Benefits and Perks Are Lacking
In addition to lower salaries, Facebook moderators also lack strong employment benefits and perks compared to typical tech roles.
For example, Facebook employees at the company’s headquarters enjoy generous catered meals, on-site healthcare, unlimited vacation, transportation stipends, and other attractive benefits.
But moderators employed by third-party contractors generally have fewer healthcare plan options, limited or no vacation time, and no transportation or meal assistance.
The job itself also comes with unique challenges and emotional tolls that are not sufficiently compensated for through additional benefits, pay, or time off according to many former moderators.
Factors That Could Increase Pay
While current compensation for Facebook moderators remains quite low, especially considering the nature of the work, there are certain factors that may increase pay in the future:
– **Collective bargaining:** Moderators have begun unionization efforts at some contracting firms like Accenture. If these are successful, it could help increase wages and benefits through collective bargaining.
– **Public pressure on Facebook:** Facebook receives lots of scrutiny over moderator working conditions. If the public and media pressure increases, Facebook may be forced to overhaul pay and benefits.
– **Government regulation:** New laws and regulations around contractor salaries and benefits could establish higher standards that boost moderator pay. Some lawmakers have already proposed bills related to this.
– **In-housing moderation:** Facebook has begun transitioning some moderation jobs in-house. If this continues, it may result in better compensation compared to third-party contractors.
But there are also forces that may work to keep moderator pay low, such as Facebook’s incentive to keep costs down and the availability of cheap offshore labor. Unless major changes happen, compensation for these workers is likely to remain relatively modest.
Conclusion
In summary, Facebook moderators take on the challenging, traumatic job of cleaning up the ugly parts of the internet. But they are not paid as well as one might expect considering the importance and difficulty of the work.
Low hourly wages around $15-$20 per hour are common in the U.S., with annual salaries in the $30,000 to $50,000 range. In expensive cities like Silicon Valley, top hourly pay reaches $24. But in lower cost of living areas and internationally, wages can drop as low as $1.50 per hour.
The vast majority of moderators also work for third-party contracting firms that aim to keep costs down. As a result, salaried positions directly with Facebook remain elusive for most.
Unless major reforms happen, compensation will likely continue to remain relatively low. But hopefully public scrutiny, regulatory changes, and collective action can eventually improve conditions and pay for these important workers. Facebook’s content moderators deserve fairer compensation for helping keep the platform safe.