Financial Analyst in Rutland, VT

The Salary Picture: Where Rutland Stands

As a local who’s watched the financial job market evolve here for over a decade, I can tell you that Rutland offers a unique value proposition. You’re not going to command the salary you’d see in Boston or New York, but the cost of living more than makes up for it. The median salary for a Financial Analyst in Rutland is $98,000/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $47.12/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $99,010/year, but significantly higher than the purchasing power-adjusted equivalent in high-cost metros.

The job market here is compact but stable. There are 31 financial analyst jobs in the metro area, which is a manageable number that suggests a tight-knit professional community. More importantly, the 10-year job growth is projected at 9%, which is solid for a smaller city, indicating sustained demand for analytical roles in healthcare, manufacturing, and regional finance.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is $98,000, your salary will vary dramatically based on experience. The table below outlines typical ranges you can expect in the Rutland market.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $80,000	Data gathering, basic reporting, supporting senior analysts
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$85,000 - $115,000	Independent modeling, budget analysis, cross-departmental support
Senior Analyst	8-12 years	$115,000 - $135,000	Leading projects, mentoring, complex forecasting, stakeholder management
Expert/Manager	12+ years	$135,000 - $150,000+	Strategic planning, department leadership, executive reporting

Comparison to Other VT Cities

Rutland holds a middle-ground position in Vermont’s financial landscape. It’s not as competitive or high-paying as the Burlington metro area (Chittenden County), where the median is closer to $105,000 due to the presence of larger corporations and a tech-adjacent finance sector. However, it’s more robust than smaller hubs like Bennington or Barre, where roles are scarcer and salaries often dip below $90,000. For a financial analyst seeking a balance of professional opportunity and quality of life, Rutland often hits the sweet spot.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. Earning the median salary of $98,000 sounds substantial, but what does it mean for your daily life in Rutland? The city’s Cost of Living Index is 96.6 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar stretches slightly further than the national average. The average 1-bedroom rent is $997/month, a key figure in your budget.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single financial analyst earning $98,000 annually, factoring in Vermont state income tax (which is graduated, averaging ~5.5% for this bracket) and typical deductions.

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$8,167	($98,000 / 12)
Post-Tax & Deductions (Est.)	~$5,950	After federal, state (~5.5%), FICA, and 401(k) contribution
Rent (1BR avg)	$997	This is the citywide average; varies by neighborhood
Utilities (Electric, Heat, Internet)	$220	Vermont winters mean higher heating costs
Groceries	$400	Comparable to national averages
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Essential in Rutland; public transit is limited
Gas/Transport	$150	Commutes are short, but gas prices are typical
Health Insurance (Employer Share)	$200	Post-deduction cost for a single plan
Discretionary / Savings	$3,533	The remainder for dining, entertainment, and savings

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With $3,533 in discretionary monthly income, saving for a down payment is feasible. The median home price in the Rutland area hovers around $300,000. A 20% down payment is $60,000. At a savings rate of $1,500/month (a conservative portion of that discretionary income), you could save for a down payment in approximately 40 months (just over 3 years). This is a realistic timeline, making homeownership a tangible goal for mid-level analysts.

Where the Jobs Are: Rutland's Major Employers

The job market here is not dominated by Wall Street firms. Instead, it’s a mix of healthcare, manufacturing, and regional financial services. Here are the key players where Financial Analysts are most likely to find a role:

1. Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC): The largest employer in the county. They have a robust finance department with needs for cost accounting, budgeting, and revenue cycle analysis. Hiring is steady, often tied to state healthcare funding cycles. Insider Tip: RRMC values analysts with healthcare-specific experience or a willingness to learn the complex world of hospital finance.
2. Killington Resort: While seasonal, the resort’s corporate office employs year-round financial analysts for resort-wide budgeting, capital project analysis, and long-term strategic planning. The work is dynamic and tied to tourism trends.
3. Omya, Inc.: A global industrial company with a major plant in Rutland. They hire financial analysts for plant-level cost accounting, supply chain finance, and operational performance analysis. This is a great path for analysts interested in manufacturing.
4. Killington Pico Resorts (Alterra Mountain Company): Similar to Killington Resort but with a different corporate structure post-acquisition. Their financial planning & analysis (FP&A) team is growing, focusing on multi-resort performance metrics.
5. Local Banks & Credit Unions: Institutions like Community Bank, N.A. and New England Federal Credit Union have regional headquarters in Rutland. They hire analysts for commercial lending analysis, credit risk, and internal finance. These roles are stable and offer deep community integration.
6. Vermont State Employees Credit Union (VSECU): A growing institution with a strong presence in Rutland. They have a dedicated finance team, often looking for analysts with a focus on member-based financial services.
7. Rutland City Public Schools: The school district has a business office that requires financial analysts for budgeting, grant management, and long-term financial planning. This is a public sector role with excellent benefits.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is often slow and methodical. Positions are rarely filled quickly. Networking is key—attend the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce events. Many roles are filled through internal referrals or recruiters specializing in Vermont.

Getting Licensed in VT

For most corporate financial analyst roles, a state-specific license isn’t required. However, if you’re moving into wealth management, investment advising, or certain senior finance roles, credentials matter.

• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): No state license required. The three-level exam is a self-study process. The total cost for all three levels (exam fees + study materials) is approximately $3,000 - $5,000. It’s a globally recognized credential that carries significant weight in Vermont, especially at larger employers like RRMC or Killington.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): If you’re leaning toward corporate accounting or financial reporting, a CPA is valuable. Vermont follows the Uniform CPA Examination. You need 150 hours of education, 1 year of experience under a licensed CPA, and to pass the exam. The exam fees are around $1,500, plus review course costs ($1,500 - $3,000). Licensing is handled by the Vermont Board of Public Accountancy.
• Series Licenses (for Wealth Management): If you pursue a role at a bank or credit union in investment services, you’ll need FINRA Series 7, 63, etc. These are sponsored by your employer and not state-specific.

Timeline to Get Started: For the CFA or CPA, plan for a 1-2 year study timeline. You can start the process before or after moving to Rutland. For roles that don’t require these, your bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or economics is sufficient to begin.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Living in Rutland is about balancing commute, amenities, and community feel. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods that are popular with professionals:

1. Downtown Rutland: The hub of activity. You’ll be within walking distance of the office of most major employers (like the bank headquarters and RRMC’s administrative buildings). Rent for a modern 1BR here is $1,100 - $1,300/month. The lifestyle is walkable, with cafes, the Paramount Theatre, and farmers' markets. Insider Tip: Parking can be a challenge in winter; look for apartments with a dedicated spot.
2. North End / Route 7 Corridor: This area is more residential and has seen recent revitalization. It’s a short drive (5-10 mins) to downtown and RRMC. The rent is slightly lower, averaging $950 - $1,150/month for a 1BR. It’s quieter, with older homes and a strong sense of neighborhood. Good for those who want space without a long commute.
3. West Rutland: A separate town but part of the functional Rutland area. It’s more affordable, with 1BR rents around $850 - $1,000/month. Commute is easy (10-15 mins to downtown). It offers a more suburban/rural feel, ideal if you have a car and prefer less density. Note: Fewer dining/entertainment options, so you’ll be driving back into Rutland for most amenities.
4. Killington Road (South of the City): If you work at Killington Resort or Pico, living this direction makes sense. Rents are similar to downtown ($1,000 - $1,200/month), but you get closer access to outdoor recreation. The commute to downtown is 15-20 minutes. This is a top choice for analysts working in the tourism/hospitality finance sector.
5. The "East Side" (near VT-133): A quieter, residential area with easy access to I-89 for trips to Burlington or Albany. Rents are moderate ($900 - $1,100/month). It’s a 10-minute drive to downtown. Good for analysts who might need to travel occasionally for work.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Rutland for the long term means understanding advancement paths. With a 9% 10-year job growth, opportunities will expand, but growth often requires specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: Developing expertise in a niche can push you from the median $98,000 toward the $120,000+ range. The most valuable specialties in Rutland are:
  • Healthcare Finance: At RRMC, this is a direct path to senior roles.
  • FP&A in Tourism/Hospitality: Critical for Killington and Pico.
  • Non-Profit/Grant Management: Skills in managing state and federal grants are in high demand at schools, hospitals, and community organizations.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Analyst → Senior Analyst → Finance Manager. In Rutland, becoming a Manager (often $130,000+) may require 8-10 years of experience. Lateral moves between employers are common and can lead to salary jumps. Moving to Burlington ($105,000+ median) is a logical step for those seeking higher corporate finance salaries, though it comes with a higher cost of living.
• 10-Year Outlook: The growth projection of 9% is healthy. It suggests that while the number of jobs is small, demand will keep pace. The key will be adapting to digital tools—proficiency in data visualization (Tableau, Power BI) and advanced Excel will be non-negotiable for future roles. Rutland’s economy is diversifying, and financial analysts who can bridge data analysis with strategic business insight will be in the best position.

The Verdict: Is Rutland Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Purchasing Power: A $98,000 salary goes much further here than in major metros.	Limited Job Market: Only 31 jobs means fewer openings and potentially longer job searches.
Short Commutes: Most neighborhoods are within a 10-15 minute drive to major employers.	Lower Salary Ceiling: Top-end salaries cap around $150,000, compared to $180,000+ in Burlington or Boston.
Outdoor Access: Unparalleled hiking, skiing, and lakes are minutes away.	Social/Professional Networking: Fewer industry events; you must be proactive.
Tight-Knit Community: Easy to build a professional and personal network.	Weather: Long, cold winters can be a lifestyle adjustment.
Stable Growth: 9% 10-year job growth indicates a stable, if not booming, market.	Limited Specialized Roles: Niche financial fields (e.g., investment banking) are non-existent.

Final Recommendation: Rutland is an outstanding choice for mid-career financial analysts seeking a high quality of life, work-life balance, and a stable career. It’s ideal for those who value outdoor recreation, community, and avoiding the grind of a major city. It is less ideal for those at the very start of their career (where mentorship is scarcer) or for those with an ultra-competitive, high-finance career trajectory in mind. If you’re a mid-level analyst ($85,000 - $115,000) looking to buy a home in the next 3-5 years and build a life outside of work, Rutland is a fantastic, data-driven decision.

FAQs

1. What’s the job search strategy for a Financial Analyst moving to Rutland?
Be patient. Most jobs are listed on VermontJobLink.com, company websites, and LinkedIn. Use the 3-6 months before your move to network via the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce. Many roles are unadvertised and filled through connections.

2. Is a car absolutely necessary?
Yes. While downtown is walkable, Rutland’s major employers are spread out. Public transit exists but is limited. Most analysts commute by car, and winter weather makes reliable transportation essential.

3. How does Vermont’s income tax impact my net pay?
Vermont has a graduated income tax. On a $98,000 salary, you’ll pay approximately 5.5% on average, which is higher than states with no income tax but comparable to other New England states. This is factored into the net take-home calculations.

4. Can I work remotely for companies outside Vermont?
Yes, and many do. The rise of remote work has allowed Rutland-based analysts to access higher-paying national jobs. However, you must consider time zones (Vermont is EST) and ensure your home internet is reliable, which can be spotty in rural parts of the county.

5. What’s the best way to get licensed (CFA/CPA) while working in Rutland?
There’s no local CFA society chapter, but the New England region has one. For the CPA, the Vermont Board of Public Accountancy is the source for state-specific requirements. Online study programs (like Becker or Wiley) are the norm, as there are no major in-person prep courses in the city.