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Here’s how much a gig worker makes in Somerville

A 52-year-old gig worker shares her salary, expenses, and how she makes it work.

(Annika Sunkara/Boston.com)

February 3, 2026

1 minute to read

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 gig worker makes in Somerville.

Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.

Jobs: Part-time gigs: dog walking, dog boarding, research consulting, ADHD coaching, property management for a few local landlords. I own and rent out a condo I bought when properties were cheaper, interest rates were lower, and I had a “real job” (i.e., a 9-5 in a company, with a “real” salary).

Income: $22,000 per year (after business expenses deducted)

Lives in: Somerville

Works in: Somerville

Name: C.B.

Age: 52

Do you work remote, hybrid, or in-person?

Hybrid.

What drew you to this career/field?

Followed my interests and joys.

What’s your biggest monthly expense?

Food.

Is your salary enough for you to live on?

Yes, because my expenses are so low, including not having to pay for rent because I rent a big house (have been doing that for 13 years), furnish it, take care of the house and run the household, and sublet the bedrooms.

What trade-offs are you making to live or work here?

Living with 3 roommates; no car; simple, fairly frugal lifestyle; keep heat down in winter and AC down in summer; buy everything used, found on the curb or Facebook “Everything Free” groups; don’t get takeout; etc.

What would need to change for Boston to feel sustainable?

It feels sustainable already.

What was your last splurge?

Physical training.

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Annie Jonas

Annie Jonas is a Community writer at Boston.com. She was previously a local editor at Patch and a freelancer at the Financial Times.

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