**Boston Museum Archivist Shares Salary and Life in an Expensive City**
What’s it really like to live and work in one of the country’s most expensive cities? We asked Greater Boston’s workforce for a behind-the-scenes look at their finances and daily lives. From baristas to chief executives, Boston’s economy is powered by a diverse range of workers. In this mini-profile series, we’re exploring not just how much people make—but how they make it work.
Below, a museum archivist shares insight into their career, salary, and monthly expenses in Boston.
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**Job:** Archivist
**Income:** $68,000
**Lives in:** Jamaica Plain
**Works in:** East Boston
**Name:** E
**Age:** 34
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### Do you work remote, hybrid, or in-person?
I work in-person, though I can compile enough “computer work” to work from home once every couple of months. Since I work with physical materials, I need to be onsite about 95% of the time.
### What drew you to this career or field?
I’ve always loved reading and being around books. Archiving is essentially being a librarian for rare or one-of-a-kind materials. My love for librarianship, combined with an interest in history, drew me to archiving. I started my career later in life, but that helped me narrow down my field to something I truly feel helps the community.
### What’s your biggest monthly expense?
Rent and utilities. I’m currently in a long-distance relationship, so my travel expenses are increasing, though we’re hoping that will only be for a few more months.
### Is your salary enough for you to live on?
Pre-tax, my salary is enough to live on but not enough to live comfortably—meaning I don’t have the freedom to spend without checking my bank account and feeling stressed. I still get anxious about any spending, so I research large purchases carefully and look for thrifty options for most things.
I’ve lived all over the country, and Boston is one of my favorite places so far. I currently live with roommates—this is a major trade-off for being able to afford living here. My hope is that by spending less on rent now, I’ll be able to save enough to afford a place I feel comfortable in by next year. Rent here is extremely expensive and needs to change; it’s just not sustainable.
### What was your last splurge?
Groceries and contact lenses—both happened in the same month.
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Interested in sharing your own story? Stay tuned for more profiles from Greater Boston’s workforce, and learn how people are making life in the city work for them.
https://www.boston.com/community/readers-say/2025/11/14/museum-archivist-salary-boston/