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Here’s how much a remote per diem worker makes north of Boston
A 66-year-old remote per diem worker shares her salary, expenses, and how she makes 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 per diem worker makes in Hamilton-Wenham.
Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.
Job: Senior project manager in clinical research
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Income: $27,000 per year ($45/hour for 10-18 hours a week)
Lives in: Hamilton-Wenham
Works in: Remote; formerly in Boston
Name: Francine M.
Age: 66
Do you work remote, hybrid, or in-person?
For almost 25 years I worked in-person until COVID, then I worked remote. I changed from full-time work to per diem in 2023. I now work remotely only.
What drew you to this career/field?
I was working as a social worker when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 29. While recovering, I volunteered at Beth Israel and worked for a clinical researcher in psychiatry as a study coordinator. I ended up writing myself into grant and continued to work in increasingly complicated studies moving forward. I moved into project management in 1995. I discovered that I liked learning about the different aspects of research.
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I now work per diem and I consider myself a research librarian, since I can assist newer investigators and coordinators with finding the information and resources they need to do their jobs.
If I worked in pharma, I would make more money but I’ve preferred working in healthcare rather than industry.
What’s your biggest monthly expense?
When I commuted into Boston, my biggest expenses were paying for driving and parking in Boston; later taking the train and parking at the train station. Now that I’m on Medicare, health care costs are the biggest expense.
Is your salary enough for you to live on?
I have a pension from my work and a 403(b). My salary now ($27,000) is a little tighter. I have to be careful [about finances]. I’ve gotten rid of things like cable. Between the three – my pension, my 403(b), and my salary – it’s okay. It’s not a fabulous lifestyle, but it’s comfortable.
My [former] salary (full-time, $90,000) was enough to live on but I couldn’t afford to live in Boston. I lost almost 3 hours/day with the commute, so I could not do anything other than commute and work. If the Commuter Rail was improved and ran more often, it would make the work/life balance more tolerable.
What was your last splurge?
My current splurge is paying for private agility lessons for my dog.
Tell us: How much do you make?
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