Data Analyst in Bennington CDP, VT

As a career analyst who’s spent years navigating the Vermont job market, I’ve watched Bennington CDP evolve. It’s not the bustling tech hub of Burlington, but it’s a solid, practical choice for Data Analysts who value a lower cost of living, a tight-knit community, and real-world impact. This guide cuts through the fluff and gives you the data-driven reality of building a career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Bennington CDP Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. The median salary for a Data Analyst in Bennington CDP is $85,235/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.98. This is slightly above the national average of $83,360/year, a notable advantage considering the local cost of living. The job market here is small but growing, with an estimated 17 Data Analyst positions in the metro area. More importantly, the 10-year job growth projection is a robust 36%, a figure driven by local healthcare expansion and the increasing data needs of Vermont's manufacturing and nonprofit sectors.

Here’s how that median salary breaks down by experience level. Note that these are ranges based on local market trends and the provided median.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level	$65,000 - $75,000	$31.25 - $36.06
Mid-Career	$78,000 - $92,000	$37.50 - $44.23
Senior	$95,000 - $110,000	$45.67 - $52.88
Expert/Lead	$115,000+	$55.29+

How does Bennington compare to other Vermont cities? Burlington, the state's largest metro, offers higher median salaries ($89,145/year), but the cost of living is significantly steeper, and competition is fiercer. Montpelier, the state capital, has a similar cost of living to Bennington but a smaller job market. Bennington's key advantage is the combination of a competitive salary and a manageable cost of living, especially for those willing to commute from nearby rural areas.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what’s left after the essentials. Using the median salary of $85,235/year, let’s break down a typical monthly budget. (Note: Taxes are estimated; consult a tax professional for precise figures.)

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,103
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,850
• Net Monthly Income: ~$5,253
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,343
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transportation, & Savings: ~$3,910

This leaves a comfortable cushion, especially if you’re renting. But what about buying a home? The median home price in Bennington County is around $325,000. A 20% down payment is $65,000. On a $7,103 gross monthly income, a lender would likely approve a mortgage payment of around $2,130 (using a 28% debt-to-income ratio). With taxes and insurance, you’re looking at a loan of roughly $350,000. This is tight but possible, especially if you have a dual income or can find a home closer to the $300,000 mark. Insider tip: Look in North Bennington or the outskirts of Bennington CDP for better value. A 20% down payment is a significant hurdle; many locals use Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) programs for lower down payments.

Where the Jobs Are: Bennington CDP's Major Employers

The job market here isn't dominated by tech giants. It's a mix of healthcare, education, manufacturing, and local government—sectors that increasingly rely on data. Here are the key players:

1. Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC): A major employer and the region's healthcare anchor. They hire data analysts for operational efficiency, patient outcomes, and financial reporting. Hiring is steady, with a focus on analysts skilled in SQL, Excel, and healthcare-specific software like Epic.
2. Bennington College: A prestigious liberal arts college with a growing focus on data literacy. They employ analysts for admissions, enrollment management, and institutional research. The work is academic but rigorous. Hiring is cyclical, tied to the academic calendar.
3. The Vermont Country Store (Rockingham, VT - 20 min commute): This iconic catalog and retail company has a large data operation for supply chain, customer analytics, and marketing. It's a great fit for analysts who enjoy retail and e-commerce data. They have a reputation for stable, long-term employment.
4. Bennington County Government: The county and town of Bennington hire analysts for public administration, grant reporting, and community data projects (e.g., traffic, public health). These roles often require a blend of data skills and public policy understanding. Check the Vermont Job Link for openings.
5. Mack Molding (Arlington, VT - 15 min commute): A large, family-owned plastics manufacturer. They need analysts for supply chain optimization, quality control data, and production efficiency. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone interested in industrial or manufacturing analytics.
6. The Bank of Bennington: As a regional financial institution, they need analysts for credit risk, customer segmentation, and regulatory compliance. This is a direct path to financial analytics and fintech skills within a local context.
7. Non-Profit Sector: Bennington has a vibrant non-profit scene, including the Bennington Museum and the Bennington Battlefield. These organizations often hire part-time or contract analysts for grant writing, program evaluation, and donor analysis.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest in healthcare and manufacturing. Remote work is possible but less common than in Burlington; hybrid models are more typical. Networking is key—attend events at the Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce.

Getting Licensed in VT

Good news: There is no state-specific license required to work as a Data Analyst in Vermont. The field is skills-based. However, professional certifications can boost your resume and salary potential.

• Key Certifications: Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate, or Tableau Desktop Specialist. These are nationally recognized and valued by Vermont employers.
• Cost: Certification exams range from $100 to $300. Study materials and courses can add $500-$2,000.
• Timeline: You can prepare for a basic certification in 2-3 months of part-time study. A more advanced certification like the PL-300 (Microsoft Power BI) may take 4-6 months.
• Where to Start: The Vermont Department of Labor’s career centers offer free resume reviews and may have connections to training programs. The Bennington Public Library also provides free access to LinkedIn Learning for Vermont residents.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Where you live defines your commute and lifestyle. Bennington CDP is small, but neighborhoods vary.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent
Bennington CDP (Downtown)	Walkable to shops, cafes, and major employers like SVMC. No commute if you work downtown. Older building stock.	$1,200 - $1,500
North Bennington	Quieter, more residential, with a slight commute (5-10 mins). Home to Bennington College. Good value.	$1,100 - $1,400
Sunderland / Arlington (East)	Rural, scenic. Requires a car. Commute to Bennington is 10-15 mins. Lower rents, more space.	$900 - $1,200
Pownal (South)	The most affordable option, but a longer commute (15-20 mins). Very rural feel.	$800 - $1,100

Insider Tip: If you don't have a car, stick to Bennington CDP or North Bennington. Public transit is limited. For a balanced lifestyle with nature access, North Bennington is hard to beat.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Career advancement in Bennington often means specializing or moving into management within the local ecosystem.

• Specialty Premiums: Analysts with SQL and Python skills command a 10-15% premium. Healthcare data experience (using Epic, Cerner) is highly valued at SVMC and can add a similar premium. Expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is rare and in demand for county planning and environmental work.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Junior Analyst → Data Analyst → Senior Analyst → Analytics Manager. In Bennington, you might also transition into a Business Intelligence Specialist role or a Data Product Manager at a larger local employer. The small market means you may need to create your own advancement by taking on more complex projects.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 36% job growth, the market will expand. New roles will likely emerge in sustainable agriculture tech (a growing VT sector) and public health data. However, the ceiling may be lower than in a major tech hub. For long-term growth, you might need to consult remotely for national companies while living in Bennington, leveraging the cost-of-living arbitrage.

The Verdict: Is Bennington CDP Right for You?

Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Above-national-average salary with a lower cost of living than Burlington.	Small job market (only 17 openings); less job-hopping opportunity.
Stable, meaningful employers in healthcare, education, and manufacturing.	Limited high-tech specialization; roles are broader, not niche.
Outdoor lifestyle with immediate access to the Green Mountains and Appalachian Trail.	Requires a car; public transit is minimal.
Tight-knit community for networking and professional support.	Social scene is quiet; not for those seeking urban nightlife.
Strong 10-year growth projection (36%) indicates a healthy, expanding market.	Harsh winters can be a lifestyle adjustment.

Final Recommendation: Bennington CDP is an excellent choice for Data Analysts who value work-life balance, affordability, and community impact over Silicon Valley-style competition. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to stretch their salary, or early-career analysts willing to start locally and build experience. If you're an expert seeking cutting-edge AI research roles, look elsewhere. But if you want to apply your skills to real Vermont problems—from optimizing hospital operations to supporting local manufacturers—Bennington offers a sustainable, rewarding path.

FAQs

Q1: Is remote work common for Data Analysts in Bennington?
A: Hybrid models are more common than fully remote. Some local employers, like The Vermont Country Store, have embraced remote work, but most prefer at least 1-2 days in the office for collaboration. Fully remote roles are often with companies based outside Vermont.

Q2: How do I network in such a small town?
A: Attend Chamber of Commerce events, join the Vermont Technology Alliance (if you're in tech), and use LinkedIn to connect with professionals at SVMC, Bennington College, and Mack Molding. The Bennington Public Library and Bennington Museum also host professional mixers.

Q3: What skills should I highlight on my resume for Bennington employers?
A: SQL and Excel are non-negotiable. For healthcare roles, mention any experience with medical data or regulatory standards (like HIPAA). For manufacturing, highlight supply chain or quality control analytics. Demonstrate clear communication and a willingness to work with non-technical stakeholders.

Q4: Is the $85,235 median salary realistic for an entry-level analyst?
A: No, that's the overall median. Entry-level roles typically start in the $65,000 - $75,000 range. The median reflects the average of all experience levels. Be prepared to negotiate based on your specific skills and certifications.

Q5: What’s the winter commute like?
A: If you commute from areas like Sunderland or Pownal, you'll need a reliable vehicle with snow tires. Winter storms can cause closures on Route 7, the main artery. Factor in 15-30 minutes of potential delay during heavy snow. Living in Bennington CDP eliminates this issue.