Accountant in South Burlington, VT

The Salary Picture: Where South Burlington Stands

As a local who’s watched the accounting scene here for years, I can tell you that South Burlington offers a solid, stable market for accountants. It’s not a booming financial hub like Boston or New York, but the demand is consistent, supported by a mix of healthcare, tech, higher education, and a surprisingly robust local business ecosystem. The numbers tell a clear story: the median salary for an accountant in South Burlington is $86,080/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $41.38/hour. This figure aligns perfectly with the national average, which is also $86,080/year. For a mid-sized Vermont city, this is a competitive wage, especially when you consider the local cost of living.

The job market is tight but manageable. There are approximately 40 accounting-related jobs in the metro area at any given time. This isn't a city where you'll see hundreds of listings, but the demand is steady, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This growth isn't explosive, but it’s a positive indicator of stability, particularly in a state where population growth is slow. The key here is specialization; generalist roles are competitive, but those with certifications or niche skills in audit, tax, or non-profit accounting find opportunities more readily.

To break it down by experience, the salary progression in South Burlington follows a logical path. It’s worth noting that many firms, especially those in Burlington proper (just over the border), offer similar pay scales. The table below provides a realistic look at what you can expect to earn as you gain experience in the local market.

Experience Level	Typical Title	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Local Employers
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	Staff Accountant, Junior Accountant	$60,000 - $72,000	Local CPA firms, UVM Medical Center, small businesses
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager	$78,000 - $95,000	University of Vermont, larger corporations (e.g., Dealer.com), non-profits
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	Controller, Senior Manager	$95,000 - $120,000	Regional healthcare systems, established tech companies, government
Expert/Partner (15+ years)	Partner (CPA Firm), CFO, Director	$120,000+ (can exceed $150k)	Top-tier local CPA firms, major regional employers, consulting

When compared to other Vermont cities, South Burlington holds its own. Burlington, its larger neighbor, offers a similar salary range but with slightly higher competition due to a larger pool of candidates. In contrast, smaller cities like Rutland or Barre typically see salaries that are 5-10% lower. The trade-off in South Burlington is a microcosm of the Vermont dilemma: you get a vibrant, educated community and access to nature, but the job market is smaller than in a major metro. The $86,080 median is a testament to the value placed on skilled accountants here, driven largely by the stability of its largest employers.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $86,080 sounds good on paper, but what does it mean for your daily life in South Burlington? Let’s get real about the numbers. First, taxes: for a single filer with no dependents, federal and state income taxes (Vermont has a progressive system) will take a significant chunk. After federal, state, and FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare), your gross monthly pay of about $7,173 (86,080 / 12) drops to a take-home pay of approximately $5,500 - $5,700 per month, depending on specific withholdings and deductions.

The biggest variable in your budget is housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the South Burlington area is $1,441/month. This is a critical number. Let’s build a sample monthly budget for an accountant earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Take-Home ~$5,600)

• Rent (1BR): -$1,441
• Utilities (Electric, Heat, Internet): -$250
• Groceries & Household: -$600
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance): -$500 (Car is a necessity here)
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): -$300 (Varies)
• Debt/Student Loans: -$300
• Retirement Savings (IRA/401k - 10%): -$720
• Discretionary/Entertainment: -$489

This leaves you with a buffer, but not a lavish one. The key is managing discretionary spending. Living in South Burlington means you have access to affordable outdoor recreation, which can offset entertainment costs. The Cost of Living Index is 100.0, exactly the US average, meaning your money goes as far here as it does nationally. However, groceries and utilities can be slightly higher than the national average due to Vermont's geography and climate.

Can you afford to buy a home? This is a tougher question. The median home price in the South Burlington area is around $475,000. With a $47,500 down payment (10%), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would result in a monthly payment of roughly $2,800 - $3,000 before taxes and insurance. This is a stretch on a single median income of $86,080. It’s more feasible for dual-income households or for accountants in senior roles earning well above the median. The takeaway: you can live comfortably as a single accountant earning the median, but homeownership on that salary alone is a significant financial commitment that requires careful planning and likely a larger down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: South Burlington's Major Employers

South Burlington’s economy is anchored by a few key sectors, and the accounting jobs are concentrated there. The city itself is small, but it’s part of the larger Chittenden County metro, which includes Burlington. Many accountants work in Burlington but live in South Burlington for the slightly more suburban feel and housing options. Here are the primary employers driving accounting hiring:

1. The University of Vermont (UVM) & UVM Medical Center: This is the largest employer in the entire state. UVM and its affiliated healthcare system have a massive, complex financial operation requiring hundreds of accountants, auditors, and financial analysts. They hire for internal controls, grant accounting, and patient billing. Hiring is steady, with a preference for candidates with a CPA or advanced degree.
2. Dealer.com (now part of Cox Automotive): While the tech sector has seen some volatility, Dealer.com remains a significant employer in South Burlington. They need accountants for revenue recognition (a complex area for subscription-based services), financial reporting, and internal audit. This is a great spot for someone interested in tech and fast-paced environments.
3. Local CPA Firms: South Burlington and the surrounding area have a healthy ecosystem of small to mid-sized CPA firms (e.g., E. H. Pritchard, McGladrey’s local office). These firms serve the local business community, from small startups to established manufacturers. They offer the classic public accounting experience and are a primary path to getting your CPA license. Hiring often happens in the spring and fall.
4. State Government & Local Municipalities: The State of Vermont has offices in Montpelier and Chittenden County, requiring accountants for budgeting, auditing, and financial management. South Burlington’s own city government also employs accountants for municipal finance. These roles offer excellent benefits and job security, though salaries may be slightly below the median.
5. Non-Profits & Healthcare Systems: Beyond UVM, organizations like the Vermont Foodbank, the Vermont Land Trust, and the Fletcher Allen Health Care (UVM Medical Center) system have robust finance departments. Grant accounting and fund management are critical skills here.
6. Manufacturing & Tech Startups: Companies like Mylan Technologies (medical devices) and a growing cluster of small tech startups in the "Queen City" (Burlington) area need accounting support as they scale. These roles often require a mix of generalist and specialist skills.

Insider Tip: Networking here is everything. The Vermont Society of CPAs (VSCPA) has a strong Chittenden County chapter. Attending their events is more effective than cold-applying online. Many jobs are filled through referrals before they’re ever posted publicly.

Getting Licensed in VT

If you’re not already a CPA, getting licensed in Vermont is a structured process. The Vermont Board of Accountancy oversees the profession, and they are quite strict. Here’s the practical roadmap:

Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree (120 credit hours) is the minimum for a license, but to sit for the CPA exam, you need 150 semester hours of college credit, including a concentration in accounting. Most candidates get a master’s in accounting or a combined bachelor’s/master’s program to meet this.
2. The Uniform CPA Exam: You must pass all four sections (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). Vermont is a "two-tier" state, meaning you can be a CPA (licensed to practice public accounting) or a "CPA and CCA" (Certificate of Certified Public Accountant, which allows you to work in industry/government without the full license). The exam is the same for both.
3. Experience: You need one year (2,000 hours) of accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government. The work must be verified by your supervising CPA.
4. Ethics Exam: You must pass the Vermont-specific ethics exam, which is a open-book test about state rules and regulations.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,500 for all four sections (paid to NASBA/AICPA).
• Application Fees: ~$150 to the state board.
• Review Course: Highly recommended. A good course (like Becker, Roger, or Surgent) costs $1,500 - $3,000.
• Timeline: From starting your education to becoming fully licensed, expect 5-6 years. If you already have the 150 credits, the timeline to pass the exam and gain experience is typically 18-24 months.

Insider Tip: Vermont is part of the NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy) and participates in the CPA Mobility Act, making it easier to work across state lines once licensed. Start your application through the Vermont Board of Accountancy’s website.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Choosing where to live in South Burlington depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Most accounting jobs are in the downtown Burlington business district or in the South Burlington/Williston Road corporate park. Here’s a neighborhood guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
South End (South Burlington)	Suburban, family-friendly, close to UVM Medical Center. 10-15 min drive to downtown Burlington.	$1,400 - $1,600	Those seeking a quiet, residential feel with easy access to work and nature.
Burlington's Old North End	Urban, eclectic, walkable. 5-10 min commute to downtown. More apartments and historic homes.	$1,300 - $1,500	Accountants who want a vibrant, city-like atmosphere with a shorter commute.
Williston Road Corridor	Commercial strip with newer apartment complexes. 10 min to downtown, easy access to I-89.	$1,500 - $1,700	Practical choice for those prioritizing a modern apartment and a super-easy commute.
Shelburne (South of SB)	More rural, upscale, with a small-town feel. 15-20 min commute to downtown.	$1,600 - $1,900	Those with a higher budget who want more space and a quieter, greener lifestyle.
Essex Junction/Essex	A separate town but part of the metro. More affordable, family-oriented. 15-20 min commute.	$1,200 - $1,400	Best for budget-conscious professionals or those with families.

Insider Tip: The "Williston Road" area is the most convenient, but it lacks character. If you want to be near the action, look at apartments on or near Pearl Street in Burlington. The parking is a nightmare, but you could walk to work and save on a car payment.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 4% in the metro area tells you that standing still isn’t an option. To advance, you need to specialize. Accountants with pure compliance skills will see slow growth, but those who can translate numbers into strategy will thrive.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: In Vermont, a licensed CPA can command a 10-15% salary premium over a non-CPA with similar experience. It’s the single most important credential.
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant): Highly valued in corporate roles at places like Dealer.com or Mylan. Can add a 5-10% premium.
• CIA (Certified Internal Auditor): Critical for roles at UVM Medical Center and state government. These are specialized, high-demand positions.
• Tech Skills: Proficiency in data analytics (SQL, Power BI) and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) is becoming essential, especially in tech and healthcare.

Advancement Paths:
The classic path is Staff Accountant -> Senior Accountant -> Accounting Manager -> Controller -> CFO. In public accounting, it’s Staff -> Senior -> Manager -> Partner. In South Burlington, the most lucrative path is often moving from a local CPA firm to a senior role in a corporate or healthcare setting. The "expert" level ($120,000+) is typically reserved for Controllers at mid-sized companies or Partners at established local CPA firms.

10-Year Outlook:
The outlook is stable but requires adaptation. Automation will handle more transactional work (bookkeeping, payroll), increasing the demand for accountants who can analyze data, advise on strategy, and ensure compliance. The aging population will drive continued demand in healthcare accounting. Vermont’s focus on renewable energy and green tech may also create new niches. To secure a job in 10 years, focus on becoming a strategic business partner, not just a number-cruncher.

The Verdict: Is South Burlington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Non-Cyclical Job Market (Healthcare, Education, Government)	Very Small Job Market (Only ~40 jobs at a time)
Competitive Salary vs. Cost of Living (Median $86,080 vs. 100.0 COL Index)	Low Job Growth (Only 4% over 10 years)
Unbeatable Access to Outdoor Recreation (Lake Champlain, Green Mountains)	Harsh Winters (Can impact commute and lifestyle 5 months of the year)
Strong, Tight-Knit Professional Community (Easy to network)	Limited Career Hopping (Fewer companies = fewer lateral moves)
Excellent Public Schools & Quality of Life	Housing Costs are High Relative to Salaries (Homeownership is tough on a single income)

Final Recommendation:
South Burlington is an excellent choice for accountants who value quality of life over rapid career acceleration. It’s for the professional who wants to build a career over decades, not jump jobs every 18 months. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who thrives in close-knit communities and can handle the winters, the financial math works. The median salary of $86,080 provides a comfortable life if you budget wisely. However, if you’re looking for the energy of a major financial center, frequent networking events, and a dynamic, high-growth job market, you will find South Burlington restrictive. It’s a pragmatic choice for the long-term planner, not the impulsive job-hopper.

FAQs

Q: Is a CPA license mandatory to get a good accounting job in South Burlington?
A: Not mandatory, but highly recommended. Many industry and government roles (like at UVM or the state) will consider you without it, but you’ll hit a glass ceiling for senior manager and controller positions. For public accounting roles at local CPA firms, it’s essential for advancement beyond senior level. The investment pays for itself in salary premium and job security.

Q: How is the work-life balance for accountants here?
A: Generally better than in major metros, with notable exceptions. Accountants at public CPA firms will face long hours during tax season (Feb-April). Those in industry (corporate, healthcare, non-profit) typically work a standard 40-hour week with good benefits. The culture in Vermont emphasizes work-life balance, and you’re never far from a hike or a lake to decompress.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job in this small market?
A: Leverage the local network. Join the Vermont Society of CPAs (VSCPA) and attend their events. Use LinkedIn to connect with finance professionals at UVM Medical Center, Dealer.com, and local CPA firms. Many positions are filled through referrals. Don’t rely solely on job boards like Indeed; the best opportunities are often posted directly on company websites or shared through professional contacts.

Q: Can I live in Burlington and commute to South Burlington easily?
A: Absolutely. The commute is short, typically 10-15 minutes by car. The reverse commute (living in South Burlington and working in Burlington) is also easy.