Electrician in Burlington, VT

The Salary Picture: Where Burlington Stands

If you're an electrician eyeing Burlington, you're looking at a market where the pay is stable, the demand is consistent, and the lifestyle trades big-city chaos for a vibrant, manageable scale. The median salary for electricians in the Burlington-South Burlington metro area is $61,550 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.59. It’s important to note that this figure is identical to the national average, a sign of a healthy, non-subsidized market where skilled trades are valued appropriately without the extreme volatility of boomtowns.

However, this median number is just a starting point. Your earning potential is heavily influenced by experience, licensure, and the specific type of electrical work you pursue. Here’s how it typically breaks down in our local market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$45,000 - $52,000	Often starts as a helper/apprentice. Most work is residential or commercial service calls.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs, Journeyperson)	$61,550 - $75,000	The sweet spot. Can handle residential rewires, small commercial projects, and service work.
Senior (8-15 yrs, Master Electrician)	$75,000 - $90,000+	Leads teams, handles complex commercial/industrial jobs, writes estimates.
Expert (15+ yrs, Specialist)	$85,000 - $110,000+	Focuses on high-demand niches: industrial controls, solar/energy systems, or healthcare facility work.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth projection of 11% is slightly above the national average, driven by Vermont's aggressive renewable energy goals and an aging electrical grid. This isn't just about new construction; it's about upgrading existing systems. The 133 jobs currently in the metro area are a baseline—seasonal demand, especially in the summer construction season, often pushes this number higher.

How does this compare to other Vermont cities?

• Burlington is the state's economic engine. Salaries here are the highest, but so is the cost of living.
• Middlebury and Montpelier have similar pay scales but fewer total jobs, focusing on municipal and institutional work.
• Rutland has a lower cost of living but also lower median wages for electricians, typically 5-10% below Burlington.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $61,550 sounds solid, but in Burlington, your lifestyle will be defined by the balance between your take-home pay and the cost of a home. Let's run the numbers for a single electrician earning exactly the median wage.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax: $61,550 / $5,129 monthly)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes for Burlington
Federal & State Taxes	~$1,050	VT has a progressive income tax (3.35% - 8.75%). Federal will be based on bracket.
Post-Tax Take-Home	~$4,079	This is your starting point.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,441	This is the metro area average. In popular neighborhoods, expect $1,500-$1,700.
Utilities	~$150	Includes electricity (Vermont has relatively high rates), internet, and basic heating.
Car & Insurance	~$450	Essential in Burlington. Insurance is higher due to winter weather.
Groceries & Food	~$400	Slightly above national average.
Health Insurance	~$250	Varies widely; this is a rough estimate if not fully covered by employer.
Miscellaneous/Leisure	~$350	For Vermont's craft beer scene, dining out, and outdoor gear.
Remaining / Savings	~$1,039	This is a realistic surplus for savings, debt, or discretionary spending.

Can you afford to buy a home?
This is the critical question. The median home price in Chittenden County (Burlington's county) is hovering around $450,000. With a $1,039 monthly surplus, saving for a 20% down payment ($90,000) would take over 7 years without any other financial obligations. A more realistic path for a single earner is to start with a condo or townhome in the $250,000-$300,000 range, which requires a $50,000-$60,000 down payment. This is challenging but possible with disciplined saving and potentially moving to a lower-cost neighborhood or partnering with a dual-income household. Many electricians in the area choose to live in surrounding towns like Essex, Colchester, or Williston to find more affordable single-family homes.

Where the Jobs Are: Burlington's Major Employers

Burlington's electrical job market is a mix of large institutions, specialized contractors, and a growing renewable energy sector. Here’s where the work is:

1. University of Vermont (UVM) & UVM Medical Center: The single largest employer in the region. UVM and its affiliated hospital, the UVM Medical Center, are in a perpetual state of maintenance, renovation, and expansion. They employ a large, in-house electrical maintenance crew and also contract with local firms for major projects. Insider Tip: Getting on with UVM’s facilities team offers stability, excellent benefits, and a pension—a rarity in today's market. They often post jobs directly on their website.

2. Burlington Electric Department: The city's public utility. While they have their own line crews, they also hire electricians for municipal building projects, street lighting, and public works facilities. It's a union shop with strong job security.

3. Construction & Electrical Contractors: The backbone of the trade. Firms like Schipper Electric, Pioneer Electric, and Cormac handle everything from residential builds on the South End to commercial fit-outs in the downtown core. Hiring Trend: There's a strong push for contractors with expertise in energy-efficient systems (LED lighting, heat pumps, EV charging stations) to meet Vermont's efficiency standards (Efficiency Vermont).

4. Renewable Energy & Solar: This is the growth sector. Companies like SunCommon (one of Vermont's largest solar installers) and Vermont Solar Engineering are constantly hiring electricians for panel installations and system integration. Insider Tip: A NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification in solar PV installation can add a 10-15% premium to your salary.

5. Industrial & Manufacturing: While smaller than in other regions, companies like GW Plastics (in nearby Bethel) or Brewers Association (local craft beer industry maintenance) have specialized industrial electrical needs. This work pays well but often requires travel to nearby towns.

6. State Government & School Districts: The State of Vermont and the Burlington School District are steady employers for maintenance electricians. Jobs are posted on the state's HR website and often come with strong benefits packages.

Getting Licensed in VT

Vermont has a clear, structured licensing process managed by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). You cannot legally work as an electrician without proper licensure.

Path to Licensure:

1. Apprentice: No license required, but you must register with the state. You work under the supervision of a Master Electrician. This is typically a 4-year, 8,000-hour program.
2. Journeyman Electrician: After completing your apprenticeship and passing the exam, you can work independently. The exam is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC). Cost: Exam fee is approximately $150.
3. Master Electrician: Requires 5 years of journeyman experience (or 4 years with an electrical engineering degree) and passing a more advanced exam. Cost: Exam fee is approximately $200.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you're already a licensed journeyman: The process is straightforward. You'll need to apply for reciprocity. Vermont has relatively straightforward reciprocity agreements with many states, but you must verify with the OPR. Expect 2-3 months for processing.
• If you're starting from scratch: Plan for a 4-year apprenticeship through a union (IBEW Local 300) or a non-union program (like the one at Vermont Technical College). Apprenticeship programs are competitive; having a driver's license and a clean background check are non-negotiables.

Costs: Beyond exam fees, you'll need to budget for study materials ($200-$400), and union apprenticeships have additional dues. Non-union programs may have tuition fees.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live will directly impact your commute, rent, and lifestyle. Here’s a neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdown.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It Works for an Electrician
South End	Artsy, walkable, close to downtown. Easy commute to most job sites.	$1,500 - $1,700	Ideal for those who want to be near the action. Good access to contractors' offices and the hospital.
Old North End	Historic, diverse, more affordable. A 5-10 minute bike ride to downtown.	$1,300 - $1,500	Great value. Close to UVM and the hospital for maintenance jobs. Tight-knit community feel.
South Burlington	Suburban, family-friendly, near the airport and major shopping.	$1,550 - $1,800	Perfect if you have a family or want more space. Easy access to I-89 for jobs in Williston/Essex.
Essex Junction (Essex)	A classic "bedroom community." More single-family homes, longer commute.	$1,400 - $1,600	The best option for saving money to buy a home. Still only a 15-minute drive to downtown.
Winooski	A separate city, densely populated, great food scene, and a quick commute.	$1,450 - $1,650	Offers a different urban feel than Burlington. Close to I-89 and a hub for service electricians.

Insider Tip: A car is essential unless you live and work exclusively downtown and can bike. In winter, a reliable vehicle with good tires is non-negotiable for getting to job sites.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Burlington offers a solid career ladder with clear specialty premiums. The 10-year outlook is positive due to the state's demographic and policy trends.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Solar/RE: +10-15% above base journeyman pay.
  • Industrial Controls/PLC: +20-25% (requires additional training).
  • Healthcare Facility Specialist: +15-20% (high-security, critical systems work).
  • Energy Efficiency/Heat Pump Specialist: +10-15% (driven by state mandates).

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Technical Path: Journeyman -> Master -> Specialist (e.g., Fire Alarm, Controls). This path stays close to the tools and commands high hourly rates.
  2. Management Path: Crew Lead -> Project Manager -> Estimator/Owner. This path involves more office work, estimating, and client interaction. Many local contractors promote from within.
  3. Business Owner: Starting your own small-scale residential or service company is a viable long-term goal. The market is fragmented enough for a niche player to carve out a space, especially in EV charger installations and smart home integration.

10-Year Outlook: The push toward electrification (heat pumps, EVs) and Vermont's 90% renewable energy goal by 2050 guarantees sustained demand. The aging workforce (many baby boomers are retiring) will create openings for mid-career electricians to step into leadership roles. The key to long-term growth is continuous learning—stay updated on the NEC and Vermont's specific efficiency codes.

The Verdict: Is Burlington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Well-Paid Jobs: Median salary matches the national average in a stable market.	High Cost of Living: Especially housing. Rent and home prices are steep relative to salary.
Strong Job Growth (11%): Driven by renewables, healthcare, and infrastructure upgrades.	Tough Winters: Snow and ice can affect work schedules and require a reliable vehicle.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: A small city with easy access to nature (Lake Champlain, mountains).	Limited "Big City" Amenities: While vibrant, you won't find the same scale of entertainment or shopping as in major metros.
Diverse Employer Base: From hospitals to solar farms, offering varied career paths.	Seasonal Demand Fluctuations: Winter can slow new construction, though service work remains steady.
High Quality of Life: Safe, clean, with a strong sense of community and local food culture.	Competitive Entry: Apprenticeship programs are competitive; you need to be persistent.

Final Recommendation: Burlington is an excellent choice for an electrician who values stability over extreme wealth, and quality of life over hustle culture. It's ideal for a journeyman or master electrician with 3-7 years of experience who is looking for a long-term career with growth potential. If you're a young apprentice, the path is clear but requires patience. For a family, it's a wonderful place to raise kids, but be prepared for a tighter budget or a longer commute from a more affordable town. If your primary goal is to maximize income above all else, other markets might pay more, but few offer this balanced package of pay, demand, and lifestyle.

FAQs

1. I'm a licensed electrician from another state. How hard is reciprocity?
It's manageable but requires paperwork. The Vermont OPR has a reciprocity map on its website. You'll need to provide proof of your current license, work experience, and may need to take a Vermont-specific law exam. The process can take 2-4 months, so start before you move.

2. Do I need a truck with a ladder rack?
For service work and most contractor positions, yes. Burlington's older housing stock means frequent work on steep roofs and in tight spaces. A reliable, weather-resistant vehicle is a professional necessity. Many companies provide a work truck, but for independent work, you'll need your own.

3. What's the union vs. non-union landscape like here?
IBEW Local 300 is active and represents many electricians in commercial and industrial work. It offers strong benefits and structured pay scales. Non-union contractors are abundant, especially in residential and small commercial. The choice often comes down to personal preference—unions offer stability and pensions, while non-union can offer more flexibility and potentially higher short-term earning potential for entrepreneurial types.

4. How does the demand for electricians vary with the seasons?
New construction slows in the winter (Nov-March), but service and repair work increases due to heating system issues and holiday lighting. Summer is the peak for construction and solar installations. This makes for a relatively balanced year-round income if you're with a company that does both types of work.

5. Is it feasible to commute from outside Burlington for a better housing deal?
Absolutely. Many electricians live in St. Albans, Milton, or even Hinesburg to afford a single-family home. Commutes are typically 20-35 minutes, which is considered normal in this region. The key is to factor in fuel costs and winter driving conditions.