Data Analyst in Burlington, VT

The Salary Picture: Where Burlington Stands

As a local who’s watched the tech and healthcare sectors swell over the last decade, I can tell you that Burlington’s data analyst market is a unique beast. It’s not a massive hub like Boston or Seattle, but it’s dense, stable, and pays surprisingly well for its size. The key is understanding the layers. The national average for a data analyst sits at $83,360/year, which is exactly where Burlington’s median salary lands. That’s not a coincidence. It means Burlington is, on average, a fair market. You aren’t getting a discount for the "Vermont lifestyle," but you also aren’t paying a coastal premium.

The real story is in the local distribution. While the median is $83,360, your actual take-home depends heavily on your industry and experience. The University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMC) and the state government offer stability but may cap out lower, while fintech players like Dealer.com or the burgeoning tech scene around the University of Vermont (UVM) can push senior roles well above the median.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary by experience level, based on local job postings and industry chatter:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Typical Local Employers
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$65,000 - $75,000	State Agencies, UVM Medical Center, local non-profits, small marketing firms
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$75,000 - $90,000	UVM, Dealer.com, Ben & Jerry's, Burton Snowboards, healthcare systems
Senior (5-8 yrs)	$90,000 - $115,000+	Fintech (Dealer.com, MyWebGrocer), UVM IT, major healthcare systems, consulting firms
Expert/Lead (8+ yrs)	$115,000 - $140,000+	University leadership, fintech management, state CIO roles, specialized consulting

Insider Tip: Don't get fixated on the title "Data Analyst." In Burlington, you'll find the same work labeled as "Business Intelligence Analyst," "Reporting Analyst," or "Clinical Informatics Specialist." The skills are the same, but the pay scale can differ based on the sector.

Compared to Other VT Cities: Burlington is the undisputed economic engine of the state. Montpelier, the state capital, has government jobs but fewer corporate roles and slightly lower pay. Rutland and Barre are smaller markets with less demand and lower salaries. If you’re a data analyst in Vermont, you’re likely in or near Burlington. The 89 jobs in the metro area might sound small, but that’s a significant concentration for a state of 625,000 people.

The 10-year job growth of 36% is the most telling statistic. That’s not just growth; it’s a boom. It’s driven by UVM’s expansion, the rise of fintech, and the digitization of Vermont’s iconic brands (think Patagonia, Burton, and Seventh Generation). For a data professional, this growth means opportunity, but also competition from remote workers relocating for the lifestyle.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the math. A salary of $83,360 sounds solid, but Vermont’s cost of living and taxes are factors you can’t ignore. Vermont has a progressive income tax (ranging from 3.35% to 8.75%), and we have a 6% sales tax. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single person earning the median.

Assumptions: Federal tax (filing single, standard deduction), Vermont state tax (effective rate ~4.5%), FICA (7.65%). Rent for a decent 1BR in the area is $1,441/month.

Category	Monthly Amount	Notes
Gross Salary	$6,947	$83,360 / 12
Taxes (Est.)	-$1,600	Federal, State, FICA. This is an estimate; use a payroll calculator.
Net (Take-Home)	$5,347
Rent (1BR)	-$1,441	Average for Burlington Metro
Utilities/Internet	-$200	Higher in winter due to heating costs.
Groceries	-$400	Vermont has high food costs.
Car/Transport	-$300	Essential. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	-$250	If not fully covered by employer.
Entertainment/Dining	-$400	A night out in Burlington is pricey.
Savings/Debt	-$2,356	Discretionary. This is where you build wealth.
Remaining	$0

Can They Afford to Buy a Home? This is the big question. The median home price in Chittenden County (where Burlington is) is around $400,000 - $450,000. With a 20% down payment ($80k-$90k), a mortgage, taxes, and insurance, you’re looking at a monthly housing cost of $2,500 - $3,000. On a $83,360 salary, that’s about 35-40% of your take-home pay, which is tight but possible with a partner’s income or a significant down payment. It’s not impossible, but it’s a stretch for a single earner at the median. Many analysts in their 30s here are in dual-income households or bought in the more affordable suburbs of Essex, Williston, or South Burlington.

Where the Jobs Are: Burlington's Major Employers

The "89 jobs" figure from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a snapshot, but the landscape is dominated by a few key players. You’re not applying to a thousand startups; you’re targeting a concentrated set of employers.

1. The University of Vermont (UVM) & UVM Medical Center: The largest employer in the state. UVM needs analysts for student data, research grants, and operational efficiency. UVMC is a massive healthcare system hungry for analysts to manage patient data, optimize staffing, and track clinical outcomes. Hiring is steady, often through the state’s official job board. Insider Tip: Knowing SQL and a BI tool like Tableau is the baseline here. Experience with healthcare data standards (HIPAA, FHIR) is a huge plus for UVMC.

2. Dealer.com (Now Cox Automotive): A cornerstone of Burlington’s tech scene. They power websites for car dealerships nationwide. They hire analysts for marketing performance, customer behavior, and sales data. It’s a fast-paced, corporate environment. They often look for people with strong SQL and Python skills. Hiring Trend: They’ve been expanding their data science team, so there’s a path from analyst to data scientist.

3. State of Vermont Government: The Department of Finance, Health, and Transportation all need analysts. It’s stable, with great benefits, but the pay can lag the private sector. Jobs are listed on the Vermont Department of Human Resources website. Insider Tip: State jobs often require a bachelor’s degree, but they’re more forgiving on specific tech stacks if you show a willingness to learn.

4. Ben & Jerry’s / Unilever: A local icon with a global footprint. Their sustainability and supply chain data is complex. They need analysts to track everything from dairy farm yields to carbon footprints. It’s a mission-driven environment. Hiring Trend: They’re increasingly focused on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting, creating a niche demand.

5. Burton Snowboards: More than just snowboards; they’re a lifestyle brand. Analysts here work on e-commerce, global sales, and product development data. It’s a creative, fast-moving company. Insider Tip: Knowing e-commerce platforms (Shopify, Magento) and digital marketing analytics is key here.

6. MyWebGrocer (Winooski): A digital commerce company for grocery retailers. They sit right on the Winooski River, a short commute from Burlington. They need analysts to optimize online grocery shopping experiences. This is a great spot for someone with retail or e-commerce analytics experience.

7. Local Consulting Firms (e.g., Logic Supply, smaller agencies): The consulting scene is growing. These firms need analysts to serve multiple clients, giving you broad exposure. It’s a good way to build a portfolio quickly.

Getting Licensed in VT

Here’s a relief: There is no state-specific license required to be a Data Analyst in Vermont. Unlike accountants or engineers, data analysts are not regulated by a state board. Your "license" is your skill set, portfolio, and experience.

However, there are credentials that can boost your standing:

• Certifications: While not state-mandated, employers respect certs like the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, Tableau Desktop Specialist, or Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate. These cost $100 - $300 each and can be earned in 3-6 months of part-time study.
• Higher Education: UVM offers a Graduate Certificate in Data Science and a Master’s in Computer Science. A local community college, Community College of Vermont (CCV), has certificate programs in Data Analytics. These are valuable for career changers.
• Timeline: You can start applying for jobs immediately with a solid portfolio. If you need to upskill, a 6-month bootcamp or certificate program is a common path. The total cost can range from $0 (using free online resources) to $15,000 for a formal bootcamp.

Insider Tip: Burlington employers value local ties. Attending a UVM or CCV program can help with networking. Also, join the Vermont Technology Alliance (VTA) for meetups.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Burlington is a small city, but neighborhoods have distinct vibes. Commutes are short (10-20 minutes max by car), but parking and walkability vary.

1. Downtown Burlington: The urban core. Walkable to most offices (UVM, State Street tech offices), restaurants, and Lake Champlain. It’s expensive and parking is a nightmare. Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $2,200 for a 1BR.
2. Old North End (ONE): Just north of downtown. More affordable, with a mix of historic homes and apartments. A 5-10 minute bike ride or bus ride to work. Great, quirky local businesses. Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,600 for a 1BR.
3. South End: Industrial-chic, home to the famous "South End Art Hop." Quieter than downtown, but still close. You’ll find breweries, maker spaces, and some newer apartment complexes. Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,700 for a 1BR.
4. South Burlington: Technically a separate town. More suburban, with bigger apartments, easier parking, and access to the airport and major retailers. A short drive to downtown. Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,800 for a 1BR.
5. Essex Junction/Essex: A 15-minute drive northeast. More family-oriented, with excellent schools and a lower cost of living. It’s where many young professionals buy their first home. Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500 for a 1BR.

Insider Tip: If you don’t have a car, prioritize Downtown, Old North End, or South Burlington (near the bus line). Burlington’s bus system, the CCTA, is decent for a small city but doesn’t run late at night.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Burlington’s 10-year outlook is strong, but your growth depends on specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: Generalists are common. Specialists get paid more.
  • Healthcare Analytics (UVMC): High demand. Can command a 10-15% premium over generalist roles.
  • Financial/Fintech Analytics (Dealer.com): Also a premium sector. Strong SQL and understanding of financial metrics are key.
  • Geospatial Analytics: With Vermont’s focus on land use, agriculture, and environmental data, this is a growing niche. UVM has a strong geospatial program.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Analyst -> Senior Analyst -> Analytics Manager/Director. In Burlington, the management track is limited due to the small size. Many senior analysts pivot to individual contributor (IC) roles like "Data Scientist" or "Analytics Engineer" for higher pay without managing people.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 36% job growth projected, the market is expanding. However, the rise of remote work means Burlington analysts are now competing for jobs with candidates in larger cities. The key to long-term success here is to build a reputation as an expert in a local industry (e.g., healthcare, sustainable brands) or develop a rare technical skill (e.g., advanced machine learning, data engineering).

The Verdict: Is Burlington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Quality of Life: Access to outdoor recreation (skiing, hiking, biking) is unparalleled.	Vermont Winters: Long, dark, and cold. Can be isolating if you’re not prepared.
Strong, Growing Job Market: 36% growth is no joke.	Limited Housing Stock: The rental market is tight; buying is expensive.
No Licensing Hurdles: You can enter the field without state-specific paperwork.	Higher Taxes: Income and property taxes are above the national average.
Community Feel: It’s easy to network and build relationships in the local tech scene.	Slower Pace: If you crave a 24/7 metropolis, Burlington will feel sleepy.
Moderate Cost of Living: The 100.0 index means it’s on par with the US average, not inflated.	Remote Work Competition: You’re not just competing locally anymore.

Final Recommendation: Burlington is an excellent choice for data analysts who value work-life balance and outdoor access. It’s ideal for:

• Mid-career professionals seeking stability and a manageable cost of living.
• Recent graduates from UVM or nearby schools looking to start their career locally.
• Anyone in healthcare or sustainable business analytics.

It’s a tougher sell for:

• Those seeking the highest possible salary (you’ll find higher caps in Boston or NYC).
• People who dislike snow and long winters.
• Anyone needing a vast, diverse job market.

If you can handle the winters and find housing, the $83,360 median salary provides a comfortable life in a unique, beautiful, and growing city.

FAQs

1. What’s the biggest challenge for data analysts moving to Burlington?
Finding affordable housing. The $1,441/month average rent is a real number, and the inventory is low. Start your search early (3-4 months in advance) and be prepared to move quickly.

2. Do I need a car?
Yes, overwhelmingly. While downtown is walkable, most employers (UVM Medical Center, Dealer.com in Winooski, state offices) are spread out. Public transit exists but isn’t comprehensive. A car is a near-necessity.

3. How competitive is the job market with only 89 jobs listed?
The BLS number is a baseline. The actual number of openings is higher, as many are filled through networking and internal referrals. With 36% growth, the market is active. Networking through local groups like the Vermont Technology Alliance is crucial.

4. Is it worth taking a pay cut to move here?
It depends. If you’re coming from a high-cost coastal city (e.g., San Francisco, NYC), a slight pay cut might be offset by the lower housing costs and overall quality of life. Use a cost-of-living calculator, but factor in the value of outdoor access and community.

5. What’s the tech stack I should know?
SQL is non-negotiable. Excel/Google Sheets is a baseline. For BI tools, Tableau and Power BI are common. Python (especially for pandas and data visualization libraries) is increasingly expected for mid-to-senior roles. Knowing a cloud platform (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) is a major advantage.