Elementary School Teacher in Burlington, VT

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Elementary School Teachers considering a move to Burlington, VT. All salary data is presented exactly as provided, and local details reflect Burlington's unique landscape.

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The Salary Picture: Where Burlington Stands

As a local, I can tell you that teaching salaries in Burlington are solid for the region, but they don't always keep pace with the city's rising costs. The median salary for an Elementary School Teacher in the Burlington area is $63,670/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.61/hour. It's worth noting that the national average for elementary school teachers is also $63,670/year, so Burlington sits right at the national median. However, the local job market is tight; the Burlington Metro area has only about 223 jobs for this role, and the 10-year job growth is a slim 1%. This means competition is steady, and openings are more about turnover than expansion.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Burlington school district and surrounding areas:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for Burlington
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$48,000 - $55,000	Typically starts with a Bachelor's and initial licensure. Often hired as long-term subs or in paraeducator roles first.
Mid-Career (4-10 years)	$60,000 - $72,000	This aligns with the median. Most teachers in this bracket have a Master's degree, which is highly encouraged and often required for salary advancement.
Senior/Expert (10+ years)	$75,000 - $88,000+	Top of the scale requires a Master's + 30 credits, National Board Certification, or leadership roles (e.g., lead teacher, instructional coach).

Comparison to Other VT Cities:

• Burlington (Chittenden County): Higher cost of living, but salaries are also among the highest in the state due to the strong local economy. The $63,670 median is competitive.
• Montpelier (State Capital): Salaries are very similar, but the job market is smaller and more politically connected.
• Rutland/Southern VT: Salaries can be 5-10% lower than Burlington, but the cost of living (especially rent) is also significantly lower.
• St. Johnsbury/Northeast Kingdom: Salaries are often 15-20% below the Burlington median, with a much lower cost of living.

Insider Tip: The Burlington School District (BSD) uses a strict salary schedule based on education credits and years of experience. If you're moving from out-of-state, get your transcripts evaluated by the BSD HR department before you apply. This will give you a precise placement on the salary grid and avoid negotiation surprises.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally practical. On a $63,670 salary, your take-home pay in Vermont (after federal, state, and FICA taxes) will be approximately $48,000 - $50,000 per year, or about $4,000 - $4,167 per month. Now, let's see what that looks like against Burlington's rental market.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Elementary School Teacher ($63,670/year):

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$5,305	(Based on $63,670/yr)
Estimated Take-Home	$4,100	(After taxes & deductions)
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,441	CHITTENDEN COUNTY AVERAGE
Utilities (Electric/Gas)	$150 - $200	Higher in winter due to heating.
Groceries	$350 - $400	Vermont has high food costs.
Car Payment/Insurance	$300 - $500	Public transit is limited; a car is often necessary.
Gas & Maintenance	$150 - $200	Commutes can be long if living outside city center.
Student Loans	$200 - $400	Varies greatly; many teachers have them.
Retirement (VT Teacher's Pension)	~$450	Mandatory 3% contribution + employer match.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$200 - $300	Burlington has a vibrant but costly food/culture scene.
Remaining Buffer	$0 - $200	This is tight.

Can they afford to buy a home? In short, it's challenging on a single teacher's salary. The median home price in Burlington is over $450,000. A $63,670 salary would typically qualify you for a mortgage of about $220,000 - $250,000, which is far below the market median. Homeownership becomes more feasible with:

1. A dual-income household (partner/spouse also working).
2. Significant savings for a larger down payment.
3. Looking in neighboring towns (Colchester, Winooski, South Burlington) where prices are slightly lower, though still high.

Insider Tip: Many teachers in Burlington live in shared housing or with a partner to manage costs. Don't underestimate the value of the VT Teacher's Pension—it's a defined-benefit plan, which is increasingly rare and provides long-term security.

Where the Jobs Are: Burlington's Major Employers

The job market for teachers is dominated by public school districts, but there are other avenues. Here are the key employers:

1. Burlington School District (BSD): The largest employer with ~4,000 students. They operate 10 elementary schools (e.g., Burlington Elementary, Flynn Elementary, Lawrence Barnes School). Hiring is typically for the school year starting in late August. BSD is known for its progressive, inclusive education model but faces budget pressures.
2. South Burlington School District: Just south of the city line. Often pays slightly more than BSD and is highly competitive due to its reputation and suburban resources. Commute is easy (10-15 mins from most of Burlington).
3. Essex Westford School District (EWSD): Serves the growing towns of Essex and Essex Junction. A large, well-funded district with a strong focus on technology integration. Commute is about 20-25 minutes.
4. Champlain Valley School District (CVSD): Encompasses Hinesburg, Charlotte, and Shelburne. More rural than Burlington, with a strong community feel. Commute is 20-30 minutes.
5. Vermont Agency of Education & State-Level Programs: For those interested in curriculum development, special education administration, or state grants. These jobs are fewer and competitive.
6. Private/Independent Schools: Such as Vermont Commons School or The Lake Champlain Waldorf School. Salaries can be lower than public schools, but class sizes are smaller. Often seek teachers with specialized pedagogical training.
7. Non-Profits & Early Childhood Centers: Organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of Burlington or King Street Center hire educators for after-school and early childhood programs. This is a great entry point to build local connections.

Hiring Trends: There's a consistent need for Special Education (SPED) teachers, English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors, and STEM-focused educators. General elementary classroom positions are competitive; having a Master's degree and Vermont licensure gives you a significant edge. Hiring typically peaks from March to August.

Getting Licensed in VT

Vermont requires licensure through the Vermont Agency of Education (VAE). The process can take 3-6 months if you're organized.

Key Requirements & Costs:

• Transcript Evaluation: You must have your out-of-state transcripts evaluated by a Vermont-approved agency (e.g., Foreign Credentials Service of America). Cost: ~$150-$250.
• Praxis Exams: You'll likely need to pass Praxis II exams for Elementary Education (Multiple Subjects). Cost: ~$200 per exam.
• Fingerprinting & Background Check: Required. Cost: ~$65.
• Application Fee: $150 for initial licensure.
• Professional Development Plan: Vermont requires a plan for your first few years, often completed through your hiring district.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Months 1-2: Gather transcripts, start the evaluation process, and study for Praxis exams.
2. Month 3: Submit licensure application to VAE. You can often start applying for jobs with "licensure pending" status, but you must be licensed before the school year begins.
3. Months 4-6: Interview and secure a job offer. The hiring district will typically assist with final licensure steps.

Insider Tip: Vermont has a "Provisional License" pathway for high-need areas (like SPED). If you're qualified, this can allow you to teach while you complete additional coursework. Contact the VAE directly for the most current guidelines.

Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Choosing where to live impacts your commute, social life, and budget. Here are the top neighborhoods:

1. Downtown/Intervale: The heart of the city. Walkable to everything, vibrant arts scene, and close to Burlington Elementary School. Rent for a 1BR is $1,600 - $1,800. Best for those who want an urban lifestyle and don't mind a higher cost.
2. New North End (NNE): A residential area with a mix of families and young professionals. More affordable than downtown, with easy access to H. O. Wheeler School and Lake Champlain. 1BR rent: $1,300 - $1,500. A classic Burlington neighborhood.
3. South End (SoBu): The "creative corridor" with breweries, galleries, and the South End Arts District. Slightly older housing stock, more parking. Close to Cahill School and Flynn Elementary. 1BR rent: $1,400 - $1,650. Great for teachers who value community and local businesses.
4. Old North End (ONE): A diverse, historic neighborhood with a strong community feel. Very walkable and close to Lawrence Barnes School. Rent is slightly lower: $1,200 - $1,400 for a 1BR. A great choice for teachers who want to immerse themselves in a tight-knit community.
5. Winooski (Adjacent City): Often overlooked, this mill town has been revitalized and is just a 5-minute drive from Burlington. The Winooski School District is part of the same union, and housing is more affordable. 1BR rent: $1,200 - $1,450. An excellent option for maximizing housing budget.

Insider Tip: In Burlington, winter parking is a major factor. If you have a car, look for apartments with off-street parking or a garage. Street parking bans during snowstorms (Nov-Apr) are strictly enforced.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Burlington offers solid career pathways, but you need to be proactive.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement:

• Special Education (SPED): Always in demand. Districts often offer hiring bonuses or premium pay for hard-to-fill SPED positions.
• National Board Certification (NBC): The gold standard. NBC teachers in Vermont can earn $5,000 - $10,000 in annual stipends and accelerated salary steps.
• Instructional Coach/Lead Teacher: After 5-7 years, you can move into coaching roles, which typically pay $5,000 - $15,000 above the teacher salary scale.
• Administrative Licensure: Pursuing a Master's in Educational Leadership can lead to Assistant Principal or Principal roles, with salaries ranging from $90,000 to $120,000+.

10-Year Outlook:
Given the 1% job growth, advancement will come from within existing positions. The Vermont Teacher's Pension is your long-term financial anchor. To increase your earning power, focus on:

1. Advanced Degrees: A Master's is almost essential for moving up the pay scale.
2. Specialization: Become the go-to teacher for ESL, STEM, or Montessori methods.
3. Union Involvement: The Vermont NEA is powerful. Leadership roles can lead to professional development opportunities and influence.

The Verdict: Is Burlington Right for You?

Burlington is a unique, progressive city with a strong sense of community, but it comes with financial challenges.

Pros	Cons
Strong Teacher Pension & benefits package.	High cost of living, especially rent, near the national median salary.
Progressive, student-centered school culture.	Very competitive job market with only 223 local jobs.
Unbeatable quality of life: Lake Champlain, mountains, arts, food.	1% job growth means limited new positions; reliant on turnover.
Small-city feel with big-city amenities (UVM, Flynn Theater).	Winters are long, dark, and snowy; commutes can be challenging.
Vibrant teacher community with strong union support.	Single-teacher household will struggle to buy a home.

Final Recommendation:
Burlington is an excellent fit for an elementary school teacher who is not solely motivated by financial gain and prioritizes quality of life, progressive values, and long-term pension security. It's ideal for:

• A teacher with a partner or dual income.
• Someone who loves the outdoors and community activism.
• A professional seeking a stable, supportive teaching environment.

If your primary goal is to maximize take-home pay and affordability, you may want to consider neighboring towns or other states. However, for those who value the complete package—career, community, and lifestyle—Burlington offers a compelling, if demanding, opportunity.

FAQs

1. Can I afford to live in Burlington on a teacher's salary?
Yes, but it requires careful budgeting. The median salary of $63,670 and average 1BR rent of $1,441 leaves a tight margin. Most teachers live with roommates, in shared housing, or in adjacent towns like Winooski or Colchester to make it work comfortably.

2. How competitive is the job market?
Very competitive. With only 223 jobs in the metro and 1% growth, openings are limited. Having Vermont licensure, a Master's degree, and experience in high-need areas (SPED, ESL) significantly improves your chances. Start applying by early spring.

3. Is Vermont licensure difficult to get from another state?
It's a process, but manageable. The main hurdles are the transcript evaluation (costing $150-$250) and passing the required Praxis exams. The Vermont Agency of Education has clear guidelines online. Allow 3-6 months for the full process.

4. What's the biggest financial surprise for new teachers in Burlington?
The cost of groceries and winter heating bills. Vermont has a high cost of living index (100.0, same as US avg), but food and energy prices are notably higher than in many parts of the country. Budget extra for these, especially from November to April.

5. Are there opportunities for side income?
Absolutely. Many teachers tutor privately, work at summer camps (like the Burlington Parks & Rec programs), or teach at local farms and arts organizations (e.g., The Vermont Studio Center). The tourism and university economy creates flexible seasonal work.