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Here’s how much a museum archivist makes in Boston
A Boston museum archivist shares their salary, expenses, and how they make it work.
What is it like to live and/or work in one of the country’s most expensive cities? We asked, and you answered.
Greater Boston’s economy is powered by workers from across industries, pay ranges, and job types: from baristas to software engineers, teachers to chief executives, and everyone in between.
We’re sharing mini profiles of Greater Boston’s workforce, exploring not just how much they make but how they make it work.
Below, see how much this museum archivist makes in Boston.
Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.
Job: Archivist
Income: $68,000
Lives in: Jamaica Plain
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Works in: East Boston
Name: E
Age: 34
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 months. I work with physical materials and need to be onsite about 95% of the time.
What drew you to this career/field?
I’ve always loved reading and being around books. Archiving is essentially a librarian for rare/one of a kind materials. Librarianship combined with an interest in history drew me to archiving. I started my career late though and I think that has helped me narrow it down to a field that I feel is helping the community.
What’s your biggest monthly expense?
Rent and utilities. I’m currently in a long distance relationship so my travel expenses are becoming more and more, though we’re hoping just 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 not having to check my bank account every day and feel stressed). I still get very anxious when it comes to any spending and try to make sure I’m doing research for large purchases and looking for thrifty options for most other things. I’ve lived in all regions of the country and Boston is one of my favorite places that I’ve lived. I currently live with roommates and that is a major trade off for being here. I’m hoping that by spending less on rent now I’ll be able to save enough to afford a place that I feel comfortable in hopefully by next year. Rent is crazy expensive here and that very much needs to change — it is unsustainable.
What was your last splurge?
Groceries and contact lenses. All in the same month.
Tell us: How much do you make?
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