Career Guide: Construction Manager in Burlington, Vermont

As someone who’s watched Burlington’s skyline evolve from the UVM campus to the bustling waterfront, I can tell you that the construction industry here is unlike anywhere else in Vermont. It’s a city of 44,649 people with a housing crunch, a brutal winter, and a surprising amount of development. For a Construction Manager, it’s a market that demands resilience and local knowledge. This guide is your blueprint—no fluff, just the data and boots-on-the-ground insights you need to decide if this is where you’ll build your next chapter.

The Salary Picture: Where Burlington Stands

The data tells a clear story: Burlington pays competitively for the region, but it’s not a boomtown. The median salary for a Construction Manager here is $108,210/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $52.02/hour. This matches the national average precisely, but the context matters. In a high-cost-of-living city with a limited job pool (only 89 positions in the metro), this salary must stretch.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how pay typically scales with experience in the local market. These are realistic estimates based on regional job postings and industry chatter.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000	Project Coordinator, Assistant PM, overseeing subcontractors on smaller residential/commercial projects.
Mid-Level (4-8 yrs)	$95,000 - $115,000	Full PM for mid-size projects (e.g., local school renovations, apartment buildings). Managing budgets, schedules, and client relations.
Senior-Level (9-15 yrs)	$120,000 - $140,000	Senior PM or Project Executive on complex projects (e.g., UVM lab upgrades, hospital expansions). High-level profit/loss responsibility.
Expert/Principal (15+ yrs)	$145,000+	VP of Construction, Director of Operations. Involved in company-wide strategy, bidding on major public contracts.

Insider Tip: Unlike larger markets, Burlington firms often value local experience highly. A mid-level manager with 5 years in Vermont, who understands local inspectors and subs, can command a salary at the top of the mid-level bracket. A transplant with identical experience but no local network might start in the $90,000 - $100,000 range.

How Burlington Compares to Other VT Cities

Burlington is the economic engine of Vermont, but it’s not the highest-paying market. Vermont is a small state, and construction projects are concentrated in Chittenden County and the Mad River Valley.

City	Median Salary	Job Market Size	Cost of Living Index
Burlington, VT	$108,210	Small (89 jobs)	100.0 (US Avg)
Rutland, VT	~$98,000	Very Small (<50 jobs)	94.5
Montpelier, VT	~$102,000	Very Small (<50 jobs)	97.0
St. Johnsbury, VT	~$95,000	Very Small (<30 jobs)	92.0

The Bottom Line: You’re not moving to Vermont for a dramatic salary increase. You move here for the lifestyle, the sense of place, and the quality of projects. Burlington offers the most opportunity and the highest pay in the state, but it’s a lateral move financially for most professionals.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about finances. A $108,210 salary sounds comfortable, but Burlington’s cost of living is squarely at the national average (100.0), with housing being the primary pressure point. The average 1-bedroom apartment rent is $1,441/month. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single Construction Manager.

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$9,018	($108,210 / 12)
Taxes (Est.)	-$2,550	Fed, State (VT), FICA. VT state income tax is progressive (3.35% - 8.75%).
Net Take-Home	$6,468	Approx. 25% effective tax rate.
Rent (1BR Avg.)	-$1,441	You can find places from $1,200 (South End) to $1,800+ (Downtown/South Hill).
Utilities	-$200	Heavier in winter (heating oil/propane).
Car Payment/Ins.	-$450	Essential. Public transit is limited.
Food & Groceries	-$500	Burlington’s prices are slightly above national average.
Health Insurance	-$300	Often a good employer contribution, but not always full.
Retirement/401k	-$900	Aiming for 15% of gross income.
Misc. (Ent., etc.)	-$500	Dining, entertainment, hobbies.
Remaining	$2,177	For savings, debt, or unexpected costs (like a car repair after a winter pothole).

The Homeownership Question: Can you buy a home? The median home price in Burlington is around $450,000. With a $2,177 monthly surplus, a 20% down payment ($90,000) would take over 3 years to save, assuming no major expenses. Most professionals rent for 2-3 years before buying, often in a more affordable suburb like South Burlington or Essex. A dual-income household is almost a necessity for comfortable homeownership in the city proper.

Insider Tip: Many locals use the $1,441 average as a starting point, but expect to pay closer to $1,600 for a clean, modern 1BR in a desirable area. Look for "For Rent by Owner" signs in the Old North End or South End neighborhoods to find deals that aren't on Zillow.

Where the Jobs Are: Burlington's Major Employers

The job market is tight (89 positions), but stable. The work is in institutional and commercial projects, with some high-end residential. Here are the key players:

1. University of Vermont (UVM) & UVM Medical Center: The state’s largest employer. They have a constant pipeline of projects—lab renovations, dorm upgrades, hospital expansions. They hire both direct and through construction firms. Hiring is steady but competitive.
2. The University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) Expansion: This is a multi-year, billion-dollar project (the new patient tower). It’s a massive source of work for general contractors and a prime resume booster.
3. City of Burlington (Public Works Department): Manages municipal projects—schools, parks, infrastructure. The work is reliable but bureaucratic. Pay can be slightly lower than private sector, but benefits are excellent.
4. Burlington School District: A source of renovation and new construction projects (like the new high school). Often managed through firms like PC Construction or G.W. Tatro.
5. PC Construction (South Burlington): One of the region’s largest and most respected GCs, with a major office in South Burlington. They work on institutional, commercial, and industrial projects across Vermont and upstate NY. A top target for applications.
6. G.W. Tatro Construction (Jeffersonville, VT): A major contractor with a strong presence in Chittenden County. They specialize in heavy civil and infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and public facilities.
7. Devcon Construction (Burlington): A local firm focused on commercial, retail, and industrial projects. They have a reputation for efficiency and are a good mid-sized employer to target.
8. Private Developers (e.g., Snyder Heritage Group, Pomerleau Real Estate): These firms develop mixed-use and apartment buildings. They often act as owners and hire CMs directly or through their GC partners.

Hiring Trends: The 8% 10-year job growth is modest, reflecting Vermont’s aging population and slow economic expansion. The UVMMC project is a temporary boom, but long-term stability comes from UVM, municipal work, and steady residential renovation. Networking is everything—most jobs are filled through referrals.

Getting Licensed in VT

Vermont’s licensing is handled by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). It’s a clear process, but not cheap or instantaneous.

• Requirement: Vermont does not have a state-specific Construction Manager license. However, if you perform any contracting work valued over $10,000, you must hold a Vermont Construction Contractor License.
• Process: You apply through the OPR, provide proof of financial responsibility (a surety bond or letter of credit), and pass a business and law exam. You do not need to pass a technical exam for the CM license.
• Costs:
  • Application Fee: $250
  • License Fee: $300 (annual, prorated)
  • Surety Bond: $10,000 minimum (costs $150 - $300 annually, depending on credit)
  • Exam Prep & Exam: $100 - $200 (varies by provider)
  • Total First-Year Cost: ~$800 - $1,050
• Timeline: The process can take 6-8 weeks. You can start working as a project manager for a licensed firm immediately, but if you plan to bid on your own projects, you need the license.
• Reciprocity: Vermont has limited reciprocity. If you hold a license in another state, you may be able to waive the exam, but you’ll still need to meet Vermont’s bond and insurance requirements. Check with the OPR for specifics.

Insider Tip: Many CMs in Burlington work under the license of their employing firm. Before starting your own firm, talk to a local attorney who specializes in construction law. The liability in Vermont, especially with its weather-related risks, is significant.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Burlington is compact, but traffic bottlenecks at key bridges.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
South End	Artsy, industrial-chic. Easy 10-min bike ride to downtown. Close to the Flynn Ave and Pine St job sites.	$1,300 - $1,500	Young professionals, creatives, easy commute.
Old North End	Historic, dense, diverse. Quick access to I-89 for projects in Winooski/Essex. More affordable.	$1,200 - $1,450	Budget-conscious, those who want a true Burlington feel.
South Hill	Quiet, residential, near UVM. Fancy views, higher rents. Hilly, can be tricky in winter.	$1,500 - $1,800+	Established professionals, those seeking a quieter life.
South Burlington	Suburban, newer apartments, big-box stores. 15-min commute to downtown. More parking.	$1,400 - $1,600	Those who want space, easy access to the airport, and suburban amenities.
Essex Junction	A true suburb. Family-friendly, great schools. 20-min commute via I-89. Rent is slightly lower.	$1,300 - $1,550**	Families, those who prioritize space and schools over walkability.

Insider Tip: The commute from South Burlington or Essex is straightforward via I-89, but in winter, a 15-minute drive can become 40. If you work on a project at UVM or UVMMC, living in the Old North End or South End can allow you to bike year-round (with the right gear).

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 8% signals a stable, not explosive, market. Growth here is about specialization and reputation.

• Specialty Premiums: In Vermont, niche skills command a premium.

  • Healthcare Construction: Managers with experience in hospital projects (infection control, MEP coordination) are in high demand and can earn 10-15% above the median.
  • Historic Preservation/Renovation: A huge part of the market. Expertise in working on historic structures (brick, timber) is a major asset.
  • Sustainable Building (LEED, Passive House): Vermont is a green state. A CM with LEED AP credentials or experience with high-performance buildings is highly sought after.

• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is from Project Engineer -> Assistant PM -> Project Manager -> Senior PM -> Project Executive/Director. In a small market like Burlington, the ladder is shorter. To advance, you often need to:

  1. Move to a larger firm (e.g., from a local GC to a regional one).
  2. Start your own firm (common, but risky).
  3. Transition to the public sector (UVM, City, State) for better work-life balance and benefits.

• 10-Year Outlook: The market will remain stable. The biggest variable is Vermont’s demographic trend—an aging population means more healthcare facility projects and fewer new schools. The UVMMC project will wind down, but UVM and the city will continue to renovate. The key will be adapting to a market focused on renovation and modernization over ground-up construction.

The Verdict: Is Burlington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Quality of Life: Access to outdoor recreation (Lake Champlain, mountains) is unparalleled.	High Housing Costs: Rent and home prices are a major burden.
Competitive Pay for VT: The $108,210 median is strong for the region.	Limited Job Pool: Only 89 jobs means less negotiating power and longer searches.
Stable, Institutional Work: UVM and UVMMC provide economic resilience.	Harsh Winters: Construction schedules are dictated by the weather.
Strong Sense of Community: You’ll know your neighbors and local business owners.	Vermont’s "Slow Pace": Bureaucracy can be frustrating if you’re used to a fast-paced city.
Manageable City Size: Easy to get around, low crime, great local food scene.	State-Dependent Economy: Vermont’s economy is small and can be fragile.

Final Recommendation: Burlington is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who already has a passion for Vermont’s lifestyle. If you value outdoor access, community, and a slower pace over maximizing salary or rapid career advancement, this is your spot. It’s not a place to "climb the corporate ladder" quickly, but it’s a place to build a fulfilling career and a deep sense of place. Come for the projects, stay for the lake sunsets.

FAQs

1. I’m an out-of-state CM. Will my experience transfer?
Yes, but be patient. Your core skills are universal, but Vermont’s building codes, local inspectors, and seasonal constraints are unique. I recommend targeting firms like PC Construction or Devcon that are used to hiring out-of-state talent. Be prepared for a 3-6 month adjustment period.

2. How important is a PE license?
Not essential for most CM roles, but it’s a huge advantage. If you have a Professional Engineer license, you can take on more senior roles, especially in public works and UVM projects. It’s a significant differentiator in a small market.

3. What’s the real winter impact on work?
It’s substantial. Groundwork often halts from December through March. Indoor projects (like hospital renovations) continue year-round. Your project schedule must account for this. A good winter project can make or break your annual budget.

4. Can I commute from outside Chittenden County?
Yes, but it’s a trade-off. Commuting from places like Richmond, Waitsfield, or Middlesex is possible, but winter commutes are unreliable. The sweet spot is living within a 20-minute drive of downtown. Consider the cost of a reliable all-wheel-drive vehicle in your budget.

5. Is there freelance or consulting work?
It exists, but it’s a small market. Most opportunities come from known relationships. If you’re considering independent consulting, I’d advise spending at least 2 years building a local network first. The community is tight-knit, and reputation is everything.