Vermont salaries by occupation
The median worker in Vermont earned $52,410 a year in 2024, about $25.20 an hour, 5.9% above the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 370 occupations.
Median pay $52,410 $25.20 per hour
Vs national median +5.9% U.S. $49,500
Workers 304,170 wage and salary
Occupations reported 370 with at least 100 employed
What Vermont is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | 11.68× | 2,540 | $51,540 |
| Highway Maintenance Workers | 3.41× | 1,020 | $56,420 |
| Food Batchmakers | 3.2× | 1,080 | $47,390 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | 3.1× | 1,080 | $52,820 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | 2.79× | 1,080 | $77,260 |
| Court, Municipal, and License Clerks | 2.61× | 880 | $49,110 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | 2.57× | 2,150 | $46,370 |
| Emergency Medical Technicians | 2.5× | 880 | $39,520 |
| Compliance Officers | 2.45× | 1,920 | $88,550 |
| Electrical Engineers | 2.44× | 910 | $118,050 |
Metro areas in Vermont
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 1 Vermont metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington-South Burlington | $57,920 | $27.85 | 121,320 | #21 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Medicine Physicians | $233,160 | $112.10 | 350 | #5 of 23 |
| Dentists, General | $230,990 | $111.05 | 220 | #1 of 46 |
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | $228,840 | $110.02 | 200 | #4 of 15 |
| Pediatricians, General | $184,450 | $88.68 | 140 | #30 of 37 |
| Chief Executives | $166,190 | $79.90 | 530 | #20 of 33 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $158,030 | $75.98 | 360 | #24 of 49 |
| Optometrists | $156,000 | $75.00 | 100 | #5 of 47 |
| Marketing Managers | $151,010 | $72.60 | 640 | #18 of 47 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $139,920 | $67.27 | 880 | #32 of 49 |
| Physician Assistants | $138,610 | $66.64 | 410 | #12 of 51 |
| Pharmacists | $134,780 | $64.80 | 530 | #36 of 51 |
| Veterinarians | $134,240 | $64.54 | 340 | #6 of 48 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Salespersons | 7,930 | $36,810 | $17.70 |
| Cashiers | 7,790 | $35,090 | $16.87 |
| General and Operations Managers | 7,260 | $93,290 | $44.85 |
| Registered Nurses | 7,240 | $85,150 | $40.94 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 7,180 | $34,260 | $16.47 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 5,800 | $34,540 | $16.61 |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | 5,470 | $37,120 | n/a |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 5,220 | $38,630 | $18.57 |
| Office Clerks, General | 5,120 | $47,140 | $22.66 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 4,960 | $36,890 | $17.74 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Vermont
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 35
- Power Plant Operators $98,260
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $71,580
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $61,530
- Tool and Die Makers $59,000
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $57,520
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $53,760
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $52,900
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $52,820
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $52,150
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $50,750
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $50,700
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $49,160
- Machinists $49,040
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,880
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $48,740
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $47,700
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $47,610
- Food Batchmakers $47,390
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,360
- Printing Press Operators $46,820
- Production Workers, All Other $46,680
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,510
- Helpers--Production Workers $46,480
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,390
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $44,920
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $44,900
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $43,720
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $43,680
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $41,810
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $40,970
- Sewing Machine Operators $39,870
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $39,670
- Bakers $39,520
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $39,240
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $37,030
Education and library 34
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary $107,210
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $104,600
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $97,690
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $97,260
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $93,920
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $86,570
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $83,350
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary $82,450
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $81,440
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $81,140
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $80,700
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $80,080
- Instructional Coordinators $76,320
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $76,030
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $76,030
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $71,620
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $66,360
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $64,560
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $63,740
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $63,220
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $62,460
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $61,270
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $61,040
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $60,230
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $59,620
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $51,930
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $50,960
- Tutors $47,860
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $45,240
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $44,760
- Library Technicians $43,470
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $37,280
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $37,120
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $36,490
Office and administrative support 33
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $67,620
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $67,450
- Postal Service Clerks $60,590
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $59,210
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $58,650
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $56,820
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $56,330
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $55,330
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $54,550
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $52,620
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $51,890
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $51,510
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $49,960
- Billing and Posting Clerks $49,850
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $49,110
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $49,070
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $48,790
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $47,590
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $47,260
- Office Clerks, General $47,140
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $47,120
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $47,050
- Customer Service Representatives $46,190
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $45,840
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $45,050
- Financial Clerks, All Other $43,500
- Data Entry Keyers $42,590
- Tellers $42,030
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $39,660
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $39,500
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $38,820
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $38,240
- Library Assistants, Clerical $36,040
Healthcare practitioners 31
- Family Medicine Physicians $233,160
- Dentists, General $230,990
- General Internal Medicine Physicians $228,840
- Pediatricians, General $184,450
- Optometrists $156,000
- Physician Assistants $138,610
- Pharmacists $134,780
- Veterinarians $134,240
- Nurse Practitioners $129,740
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $101,630
- Dental Hygienists $99,490
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $94,450
- Physical Therapists $93,840
- Occupational Therapists $86,420
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $85,450
- Registered Nurses $85,150
- Respiratory Therapists $78,760
- Speech-Language Pathologists $78,580
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $76,430
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $76,100
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $65,450
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $64,560
- Athletic Trainers $57,160
- Paramedics $53,010
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $52,470
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $49,080
- Medical Records Specialists $48,610
- Psychiatric Technicians $46,660
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $46,650
- Pharmacy Technicians $46,050
- Emergency Medical Technicians $39,520
Management 28
- Chief Executives $166,190
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $158,030
- Marketing Managers $151,010
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $139,920
- Financial Managers $133,720
- Public Relations Managers $131,780
- Fundraising Managers $129,770
- Medical and Health Services Managers $125,170
- Human Resources Managers $124,340
- Managers, All Other $123,930
- Sales Managers $123,260
- Purchasing Managers $116,130
- Industrial Production Managers $106,150
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $104,210
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $100,610
- Construction Managers $99,660
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $98,750
- General and Operations Managers $93,290
- Facilities Managers $88,190
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $87,150
- Administrative Services Managers $85,720
- Education Administrators, All Other $79,000
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $78,400
- Social and Community Service Managers $77,260
- Lodging Managers $76,070
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $75,220
- Food Service Managers $72,740
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $58,260
Business and financial 25
- Management Analysts $115,840
- Insurance Underwriters $106,790
- Financial and Investment Analysts $96,260
- Project Management Specialists $89,990
- Compliance Officers $88,550
- Budget Analysts $88,550
- Loan Officers $86,490
- Labor Relations Specialists $83,420
- Logisticians $82,980
- Personal Financial Advisors $81,360
- Cost Estimators $78,820
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $78,140
- Accountants and Auditors $76,990
- Human Resources Specialists $76,190
- Financial Examiners $76,190
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $74,340
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $71,920
- Financial Specialists, All Other $70,460
- Fundraisers $69,950
- Training and Development Specialists $67,180
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $67,160
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $60,720
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $58,920
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $57,900
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $56,990
Construction and extraction 18
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $78,290
- Construction and Building Inspectors $66,130
- Carpenters $62,220
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $60,550
- Tile and Stone Setters $60,320
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $60,290
- Electricians $59,670
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $59,200
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $58,310
- Sheet Metal Workers $56,890
- Highway Maintenance Workers $56,420
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $56,260
- Roofers $54,340
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $50,120
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $49,460
- Construction Laborers $46,700
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $44,180
- Helpers--Electricians $36,920
Installation, maintenance and repair 17
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $108,160
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $80,890
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $80,400
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $80,330
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $73,530
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $67,370
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $62,520
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $61,580
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $60,700
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $60,170
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $55,970
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $53,290
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $51,330
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $50,460
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $50,010
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $42,520
- Tire Repairers and Changers $38,730
Transport and material moving 17
- Crane and Tower Operators $73,840
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $59,030
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $56,360
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $52,520
- Bus Drivers, School $49,800
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $49,200
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $46,020
- Driver/Sales Workers $44,900
- Light Truck Drivers $44,420
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $40,480
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $40,080
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $38,740
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $37,960
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $37,390
- Stockers and Order Fillers $36,890
- Parking Attendants $36,870
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $28,580
Food preparation and serving 16
- Chefs and Head Cooks $63,270
- Waiters and Waitresses $60,910
- Bartenders $54,310
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $47,650
- Cooks, Restaurant $44,560
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $41,020
- Cooks, All Other $40,070
- Cooks, Short Order $39,140
- Cooks, Fast Food $37,050
- Food Preparation Workers $37,030
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $36,920
- Dishwashers $36,430
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $36,040
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $34,540
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $32,670
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other $30,960
Life, physical and social science 14
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $85,620
- Urban and Regional Planners $82,230
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $79,550
- School Psychologists $78,260
- Psychologists, All Other $76,490
- Foresters $76,360
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $74,990
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $69,330
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $67,410
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $63,960
- Conservation Scientists $61,880
- Chemical Technicians $60,930
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $56,160
- Biological Technicians $48,420
Community and social service 14
- Healthcare Social Workers $78,390
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $74,130
- Social Workers, All Other $70,590
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $69,540
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $65,370
- Health Education Specialists $65,370
- Marriage and Family Therapists $61,060
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $60,920
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $60,410
- Counselors, All Other $52,590
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $51,540
- Rehabilitation Counselors $49,620
- Community Health Workers $49,330
- Social and Human Service Assistants $46,370
Arts, design, entertainment and media 13
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $67,040
- Editors $62,710
- Graphic Designers $62,180
- Film and Video Editors $60,620
- Public Relations Specialists $56,770
- Producers and Directors $56,650
- Coaches and Scouts $50,440
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $48,350
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $44,890
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials $43,860
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $41,790
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $35,440
- Floral Designers $35,420
Sales 13
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $95,900
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $80,260
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $78,310
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $75,880
- Insurance Sales Agents $70,390
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $63,950
- Advertising Sales Agents $57,020
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $52,820
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $52,000
- Counter and Rental Clerks $46,940
- Parts Salespersons $40,500
- Retail Salespersons $36,810
- Cashiers $35,090
Computing and mathematics 12
- Data Scientists $120,670
- Computer Occupations, All Other $109,220
- Operations Research Analysts $108,800
- Database Administrators $102,170
- Computer Systems Analysts $98,690
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $85,170
- Web Developers $82,170
- Computer Programmers $78,230
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $77,060
- Statisticians $73,320
- Computer User Support Specialists $68,170
- Computer Network Support Specialists $65,790
Architecture and engineering 11
- Electrical Engineers $118,050
- Engineers, All Other $110,640
- Industrial Engineers $101,780
- Mechanical Engineers $100,520
- Civil Engineers $85,720
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $81,340
- Surveyors $68,510
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $67,900
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $66,750
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $60,470
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $58,350
Healthcare support 11
- Physical Therapist Assistants $67,990
- Dental Assistants $51,020
- Medical Equipment Preparers $46,630
- Psychiatric Aides $46,490
- Medical Assistants $45,330
- Nursing Assistants $43,610
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $41,880
- Phlebotomists $39,530
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $36,120
- Pharmacy Aides $35,920
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $34,260
Personal care and service 10
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $55,970
- Tour and Travel Guides $53,420
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $49,640
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $48,630
- Residential Advisors $38,530
- Childcare Workers $37,830
- Recreation Workers $37,160
- Animal Caretakers $35,600
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $34,440
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $30,510
Protective service 8
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $105,040
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $104,330
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $63,690
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $49,110
- Firefighters $46,130
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $45,670
- Security Guards $42,800
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $35,850
Building and grounds maintenance 7
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $70,180
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $60,320
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $57,570
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other $41,280
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $41,250
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $38,630
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $37,140
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Vermont?
The median across all occupations is $52,410 a year, or $25.20 an hour, covering 304,170 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Vermont?
Family Medicine Physicians ($233,160), Dentists, General ($230,990), General Internal Medicine Physicians ($228,840) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Vermont employ the most people in?
Retail Salespersons, with 7,930 employed at a median of $36,810. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Vermont electricity averages 24.89¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.