Vermont Salaries 2025
Rural New England charm with remote work revolution
Median Household Income
Vermont Salary Overview 2025
Vermont is America's second-least populous state, offering rural New England charm with limited but stable employment. The state's median household income of $63,000 is below the national average, while costs (103 index) and high taxes create challenges. Yet Vermont attracts those prioritizing quality of life over economic optimization.
Burlington is Vermont's only "city" (45,000 population) with healthcare (UVM Medical Center), education (University of Vermont), and small tech presence. Remote work has transformed Vermont's economyâthe state actively recruited remote workers during the pandemic with relocation incentives.
Vermont offers exceptional quality of life: low crime, excellent schools, four-season outdoor recreation, and tight-knit communities. For those with remote income or specific Vermont careers, life is good. For job seekers requiring local employment, options are limited. For comprehensive salary data, see salary trends 2025.
Salaries by Vermont Region
Burlington Metro â State's Economic Center
Median Household Income: $68,000
Burlington is Vermont's largest city and economic hub. UVM Medical Center is the largest employer. University of Vermont adds education employment. GlobalFoundries semiconductor fab in Essex provides manufacturing. Software $80,000-$130,000, healthcare competitive, education follows academic scales. Housing expensive for Vermont ($480,000 median) but walkable downtown.
Montpelier â State Capital
Median Household Income: $60,000
The smallest state capital (8,000 population) with government and insurance (National Life). Very limited employment outside government. Charming but tiny.
Rural Vermont
Median Household Income: $55,000-$60,000
Most of Vermont is rural with agriculture, tourism, and small-scale manufacturing. Remote workers increasingly common. Housing more affordable ($350,000-$400,000) but limited services. Healthcare and education provide most professional employment.
| Region | Median Income | Median Home | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | $68,000 | $480,000 | Healthcare, Education, Tech |
| Montpelier | $60,000 | $380,000 | Government, Insurance |
| Rural Vermont | $55,000 | $370,000 | Agriculture, Tourism, Remote |
Top Industries in Vermont
Healthcare
UVM Medical Center is Vermont's largest employer. Dartmouth-Hitchcock serves southern Vermont. Rural healthcare creates opportunities. Physicians $260,000-$420,000+ (rural incentives significant), nurses $60,000-$82,000, healthcare IT $65,000-$115,000.
Education
University of Vermont, Middlebury College, and numerous schools. Academic positions follow standard scales. Education administration $60,000-$120,000.
Remote Work
Vermont actively recruited remote workers with $10,000 relocation grants. Tech workers, consultants, and professionals with external income increasingly common. Remote tech workers earning Bay Area salaries in Vermont enjoy exceptional purchasing powerâthough they pay Vermont's high income tax.
Manufacturing (Semiconductors)
GlobalFoundries Essex Junction fab employs 2,000+. Engineers $85,000-$140,000, technicians $50,000-$80,000. Significant employer in Burlington area.
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare (Physicians) | $260,000 | $340,000 | $420,000+ |
| Software Engineering | $65,000 | $95,000 | $135,000+ |
| Semiconductor (GlobalFoundries) | $70,000 | $100,000 | $145,000+ |
| Education | $45,000 | $65,000 | $90,000+ |
Vermont Tax Reality
Vermont has high income taxesâamong the highest in the nation:
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 â $45,400 | 3.35% |
| $45,401 â $110,050 | 6.6% |
| $110,051 â $229,550 | 7.6% |
| $229,551+ | 8.75% |
| Salary | VT Tax | NH Tax | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | ~$4,300 | $0 | $4,300 more in VT |
| $100,000 | ~$6,200 | $0 | $6,200 more in VT |
| $150,000 | ~$10,200 | $0 | $10,200 more in VT |
Vermont vs. New Hampshire is stark. Those prioritizing tax efficiency live in NH; those prioritizing Vermont lifestyle accept the cost.
Highest Paying Jobs in Vermont 2025
| Occupation | Average Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians/Surgeons | $280,000 | $420,000+ |
| Dentists | $165,000 | $240,000+ |
| IT Directors | $125,000 | $165,000+ |
| Semiconductor Engineers | $110,000 | $150,000+ |
| Pharmacists | $115,000 | $138,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you find work in Vermont?
In Burlington, yesâhealthcare, education, GlobalFoundries, and small tech scene. Outside Burlington, very limited. Remote work has become the primary path for professionals seeking Vermont lifestyle. Healthcare professionals can find work statewide.
Is Vermont's remote worker program still active?
Programs have evolved. Vermont continues welcoming remote workers, though specific incentive programs change. The infrastructure for remote work (broadband expansion) continues improving.
Worth the high taxes?
Depends on priorities. Vermont offers exceptional quality of lifeâlow crime, excellent schools, natural beauty, community. Those optimizing for economics choose NH or lower-tax states. Those prioritizing lifestyle accept Vermont's costs. No right answer.