A Career Guide for Accountants Considering Burlington, Vermont

Alright, let's talk about Burlington. If you're an accountant eyeing the Queen City, you're probably looking for a mix of career stability, a reasonable cost of living, and a quality of life that doesn't involve a soul-crushing commute. I've lived here for years, and I'll give it to you straight: this isn't a Wall Street feeder city, but for the right person, it’s a fantastic place to build a career and a life.

Burlington is a small metro area (population 44,649), dominated by the University of Vermont (UVM) and the University of Vermont Medical Center. The economy is stable, but not a major corporate hub. For accountants, this means opportunities are solid in public accounting, healthcare, higher education, and non-profits. The job market is competitive but not cutthroat.

Let's dive into the data and the local reality.

The Salary Picture: Where Burlington Stands

Let's get the numbers on the table first. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for accountants and auditors in the Burlington-South Burlington, VT metro area is $86,080/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $41.38/hour. It's important to note that this median figure is identical to the national average, which is also $86,080/year. This is a key point—you are not taking a significant pay cut to live here compared to the national picture, which is unusual for a smaller city.

However, the job market size is modest. There are approximately 89 jobs for accountants in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, which is slower than the national average but still indicates stable, gradual demand, largely driven by retirements and the steady expansion of healthcare and education sectors.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Here’s a realistic look at what you can expect to earn at different career stages in the Burlington market. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry chatter.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Burlington, VT)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$60,000 - $72,000	Often starts in public accounting firms or AP/AR roles with local businesses. CPA exam progress is a major differentiator.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$75,000 - $95,000	This is where the median salary ($86,080) falls. Accountants with CPA credentials and some specialization are in this range.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$95,000 - $115,000	Senior Accountants, Accounting Managers, and Controllers. Public accounting partners at local firms can exceed this.
Expert/Controller (15+ years)	$115,000 - $140,000+	CFOs at mid-sized companies, partners at larger firms, and specialized tax experts. The ceiling is here unless you're in a niche, high-demand field.

Comparison to Other Vermont Cities

Burlington is the economic engine of Vermont, so salaries here tend to be the highest in the state. Here’s how it stacks up against other key cities.

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Job Market Size (Est.)	Key Industries for Accountants
Burlington	$86,080	89	Higher Ed, Healthcare, Tech, Non-profit
Barre/Montpelier	$78,000	~30	State Government, Insurance
Rutland	$72,500	~25	Manufacturing, Healthcare
St. Johnsbury	$68,000	~10	Forestry, Agriculture, Non-profits

Burlington offers the most diverse opportunities and highest pay, but competition for those 89 jobs is real.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $86,080 sounds good on paper, but Vermont has a relatively high tax burden. Let's break down a monthly budget for a single accountant earning the median salary. We'll assume a standard filing status (single), no dependents, and account for federal, state, and FICA taxes.

• Gross Monthly Income: $86,080 / 12 = $7,173
• Estimated Taxes (approx. 25%): ~$1,793
• Net Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$5,380

Now, let's layer in the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the Burlington area is $1,441/month. The Cost of Living Index for Burlington is 100.0, which is exactly the U.S. average. This means, nationally, things cost about the same here as anywhere else—but housing is the big exception and driver.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $5,380 take-home):

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR avg.)	$1,441	Your single biggest expense.
Utilities	$180	Electric, gas, internet. Winters are cold.
Groceries	$450	Vermont has robust local food, but it's not cheap.
Transportation	$350	Gas, insurance, maintenance. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$300	If not fully covered by employer.
Miscellaneous	$500	Dining, entertainment, savings, debt payments.
Total Estimated Expenses	$3,221
Remaining for Savings/Debt	~$2,159	This is a healthy buffer, allowing for savings and retirement contributions.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but it's tight and requires planning. The median home price in Chittenden County (where Burlington is) is around $475,000. With a $86,080 salary, you could potentially qualify for a mortgage, but your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $2,800/month, which is a significant portion of your take-home pay. It's doable with a large down payment or a dual-income household, but many professionals rent well into their 30s or buy in more affordable neighboring towns like South Burlington, Essex, or Winooski.

Where the Jobs Are: Burlington's Major Employers

The job market here is a mix of large institutions and a vibrant small-business scene. You rarely find the mega-corporations seen in larger cities; instead, opportunities are centered around healthcare, education, and the public sector.

1. The University of Vermont (UVM) & UVM Medical Center: This is the 800-pound gorilla of the local economy. UVM and its affiliated hospital system are the largest employers in the state. They hire accountants for grants management, hospital revenue cycle, payroll, and general ledger accounting. The work is stable, benefits are excellent (including tuition remission for family), and the pace can be bureaucratic. Hiring trends are consistent; they always need people, especially for mid-level roles.
2. Local Public Accounting Firms: The "Big 4" have minimal presence here. The market is dominated by strong regional and local firms like KPMG's Burlington office (which is a significant local player), Black River Innovation Center (a startup hub that hires for finance), and firms like Stern & Company or Myers, Fletcher & Gordon. These firms handle local businesses, non-profits, and some international tax work for alumni and global companies with Vermont ties. Hiring is cyclical, peaking after tax season (April-July).
3. State of Vermont (Montpelier): While the capital is in Montpelier (a 45-minute drive), many state agencies have offices in Burlington. The Department of Taxes, the State Auditor's office, and the Vermont State Employees Credit Union hire accountants. State jobs offer incredible job security and a pension, but salaries are often below the $86,080 median.
4. Chittenden County & City of Burlington Municipal Government: Local government is a steady source of accounting jobs. Roles are in budgeting, auditing, and financial management for the city and county. These positions offer great work-life balance and are deeply integrated into the community.
5. Non-Profits & NGOs: Burlington has a high density of non-profits—from environmental groups like the Lake Champlain Basin Program to social services like the United Way. They seek accountants with grant accounting experience and a mission-driven mindset. Pay is often lower than corporate, but the purpose can be compelling.
6. Tech & Biotech Startups: The "Silicon North" scene is growing. Companies like Dealer.com (a large automotive tech firm) and a cluster of biotech startups in the Old North End and South End hire financial analysts and accountants. This sector offers the highest potential for growth and equity, but with more risk.
7. Large Local Businesses & Retail: Companies like Ben & Jerry's (corporate office) and City Market/Onion River Co-op (a large grocery co-op) have in-house accounting teams. These roles are less traditional but stable and offer a good work-life balance.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren't publicly listed. The accounting community in Burlington is small and tight-knit. Networking through the Vermont Society of CPAs (VTSCPA) or at local business chamber events is crucial. Many local firms hire based on referrals.

Getting Licensed in VT

To practice as a CPA in Vermont, you must be licensed by the Vermont Board of Public Accountancy. The process is straightforward but requires diligence.

Requirements:

1. Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor's degree and specific coursework in accounting and business.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can sit for the exam in Vermont or any other jurisdiction.
3. Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of qualifying accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs (Approximate):

• CPA Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (varies by state and section)
• Application/Licensing Fees: ~$200-$300
• Educational Costs: Varies widely; many candidates use a review course (Becker, Roger, Surgent) costing $1,500-$3,000.
• VTSCPA Membership: ~$200/year (highly recommended for networking and CPE).

Timeline to Get Started: If you have the 150 credits already, you can typically get licensed within 12-18 months: 6-12 months to study and pass the exam, plus 6-12 months to gain the required experience. The Vermont Board is known for being responsive and efficient.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live will define your daily life in Burlington. The city is small, but each neighborhood has a distinct vibe.

1. Downtown Burlington: Living in the heart of it all. You can walk to work if you're at UVM, the hospital, or a downtown firm. The rent is high ($1,600+ for a 1BR), but you have unparalleled access to restaurants, the lakefront, and the Church Street Marketplace. Ideal for young professionals who want an urban lifestyle. The downside is parking and noise.
2. The Old North End: The most eclectic and artistic neighborhood. It's more affordable ($1,200-$1,400 for a 1BR), with a mix of students, artists, and young families. It's very walkable, has a great food scene, and is home to many startups. The commute to downtown is a 5-10 minute drive or a short bike ride. It's diverse and vibrant.
3. South End (& SoBu): The fastest-growing area. Home to the trendy "SoBu" district with breweries, restaurants, and shops. You'll find more modern apartments here ($1,400-$1,600 for a 1BR), and it's a quick commute to downtown (5-15 mins). It's popular with young professionals and families. The South Burlington side offers slightly better value and excellent schools.
4. The Hill Section: A prestigious, quiet residential area near UVM. Mostly single-family homes, but there are some apartments ($1,500+ for a 1BR). It's very safe, walkable to campus and the hospital, but less diverse and more expensive. Ideal for professors, doctors, and established professionals.
5. Essex Junction/Essex: Not technically Burlington, but the suburb to the east. A 15-minute drive to downtown. You get more space for your money (1BR apartments for $1,200-$1,350), great schools, and a quieter suburban feel. It's where many young families and professionals live once they start thinking about buying a home.

Insider Tip: The rental market is brutal, especially for a September 1st move-in (when UVM students return). Start looking in April. Many landlords won't list online; drive around neighborhoods and look for "For Rent" signs.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Burlington is not a city for rapid, explosive career growth unless you're in a specific niche. It's a place for sustainable, steady advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: You earn more by specializing. In Burlington, the most valuable and high-paying specialties are:

  • Tax (especially International/Corporate): UVM alumni and local businesses with global ties create demand.
  • Grant Accounting: Crucial for non-profits and UVM.
  • Healthcare Revenue Cycle: A massive area for UVM Medical Center.
  • Forensic Accounting/State Government: Stable, niche path with the state.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is: Public Accounting (2-4 years) -> Industry (Senior Accountant) -> Manager/Controller (at a local company or non-profit) -> CFO (for a mid-sized business). The partnership track at local firms is real but small. Moving to a larger city (Boston, NYC) for a few years then returning is a common strategy to accelerate salary growth.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is a realistic forecast. The demand will be driven by retirements in the current workforce. New jobs will come from the continued expansion of healthcare and the slow, steady growth of the tech and biotech sectors. Automation will affect basic bookkeeping jobs, increasing the value of CPAs who can analyze data and provide strategic advice. For accountants who build a network and specialize, the outlook is secure.

The Verdict: Is Burlington Right for You?

Burlington offers a unique proposition. It's a small city with a big heart, stunning natural beauty (Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains are your backyard), and a stable, if modest, accounting job market.

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide:

Pros of Being an Accountant in Burlington	Cons of Being an Accountant in Burlington
High quality of life: Access to outdoor recreation, a vibrant arts scene, and a strong sense of community.	Limited job market: Only 89 jobs and 4% growth means competition for the best roles.
Stable, diverse employers: UVM, the hospital, and state government offer job security.	Salary ceiling: The $86,080 median is solid for the cost of living, but the ceiling is lower than in major metros.
No significant pay cut: The median salary matches the national average.	High housing costs: Rent for a 1BR is $1,441/month, which is a stretch on a single median income.
Manageable commute & traffic: You can bike, walk, or drive almost anywhere in 15 minutes.	"Small Pond" effect: Your professional network will be intimate; career moves can feel limited.
A true community feel: You'll know your neighbors and your local barista.	Long, cold winters: November through March can be challenging, but it's also a beautiful, snowy season.

Final Recommendation:
Burlington is an excellent choice for an accountant who values work-life balance, outdoor activities, and a strong community over maximizing salary and climbing the corporate ladder in a fast-paced, high-stress environment. It's ideal for mid-career professionals (5-10 years experience) looking to set down roots, start a family, and enjoy a rich quality of life. It's less ideal for a fresh graduate seeking the fastest career trajectory or for someone who thrives on the anonymity and constant opportunity of a major city.

FAQs

1. Is the job market for accountants in Burlington competitive?
Yes, but it's a specific kind of competition. With only 89 jobs, you're not competing with thousands. However, you are competing with a small, well-connected pool of local candidates. Having your CPA and a network through the Vermont Society of CPAs is a massive advantage.

2. Can I live comfortably on the median salary of $86,080?
Absolutely. With a net take-home of roughly $5,380/month after taxes, and average rent at $1,441, you have