Financial Analyst in South Burlington, VT

The Salary Picture: Where South Burlington Stands

As a local who’s watched the Burlington metro area’s job market evolve, I can tell you South Burlington offers a unique blend of opportunity and quality of life. For Financial Analysts, the compensation is solid, especially considering Vermont’s cost of living. Let’s break down the numbers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for Financial Analysts in the South Burlington metro area is $99,010 per year. This translates to an hourly rate of $47.6/hour. It’s important to note that this national average of $99,010/year sits right in the sweet spot for the region. While major hubs like New York or Boston might offer higher nominal salaries, the purchasing power in Vermont often evens the playing field.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect based on experience:

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$65,000 - $85,000	Data gathering, basic modeling, assisting with reports.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$85,000 - $115,000	Building complex financial models, forecasting, presenting to management.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$110,000 - $145,000	Leading projects, strategic planning, mentoring junior analysts.
Expert / Managerial (15+ years)	$135,000 - $170,000+	Departmental leadership, C-suite advisory, M&A due diligence.

How does this stack up against other Vermont cities? South Burlington is the economic engine of the state. While Montpelier (the state capital) has government-related finance roles and Rutland has a more traditional manufacturing and healthcare base, South Burlington’s mix of tech, insurance, higher education, and the airport creates the highest demand and compensation for specialized Financial Analysts. The 10-year job growth for the metro is projected at 9%, which is healthy and indicates sustained demand.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The raw salary number is one thing; what you can actually spend is another. Let’s calculate a realistic monthly take-home for an analyst earning the median $99,010/year.

Using Vermont’s 2024 income tax brackets and typical deductions (health insurance, retirement contributions), a single filer would see roughly 28-30% withheld for taxes and benefits. This leaves a net monthly take-home of approximately $5,800 - $6,000.

Now, let’s layer in housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in South Burlington is $1,441/month. Utilities (electricity, heating, internet) will add another $200 - $250/month, especially during Vermont's long, cold winters.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Filer, $99,010 Gross Salary):

• Net Take-Home: ~$5,900
• Rent (1BR Avg): $1,441
• Utilities: $230
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance: $450
• Health Insurance (if not fully employer-covered): $200
• Misc. (Entertainment, Phone, etc.): $500
• Remaining for Savings/Debt: ~$2,679

This leaves a comfortable cushion for savings, student loans, or discretionary spending. However, the question of buying a home is more complex. The median home price in South Burlington is over $450,000. With a 20% down payment ($90,000), a mortgage payment, property taxes, and maintenance would likely exceed $2,800/month. While your salary supports it, accumulating the down payment is the primary hurdle for many. Insider Tip: Many locals look to neighboring Winooski or Essex Junction for slightly more affordable starter homes, with a reasonable commute.

Where the Jobs Are: South Burlington's Major Employers

The job market here is not as vast as a major metro, but it's deep and stable. The Jobs in Metro: 40 BLS statistic refers to the specific "Financial and Investment Analysts" occupational code; the actual number of finance professional roles is much larger when you include corporate finance, budgeting, and planning across all industries.

Here are the key local employers and their hiring trends:

1. University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMC): The state’s largest employer. They have a robust finance department for budgeting, revenue cycle analysis, and capital planning. Hiring is steady, especially for analysts with healthcare finance experience. Insider Tip: UVMC’s fiscal year ends in June, leading to a hiring surge for project-based roles around Q4.

2. Burlington International Airport (BTV): While a federal entity, the airport’s ground operations, retail, and management companies (like Delta, United, and the airport authority itself) employ financial staff for operational analysis, concessionaire contract analysis, and facility budgeting.

3. The University of Vermont (UVM): Beyond UVMC, the university proper has a large finance and administration division. Roles here focus on endowment management, grant accounting, and departmental budgeting. Academic calendar cycles heavily influence hiring timelines.

4. Swiss Precision Instruments (SPI) / GlobalFoundries: The semiconductor industry is a quiet giant in the region. Analysts here work on cost accounting, supply chain finance, and capital expenditure analysis. The work is highly technical, and demand for these niche skills is strong.

5. National Life Group (Headquartered in Montpelier, major presence in Chittenden County): A major insurance and financial services company. They hire Financial Analysts for investment analysis, product pricing, and corporate financial planning. This is one of the few places where you can work in a pure "financial services" environment without leaving the state.

6. Dealer.com (Now part of Cox Automotive): A former local tech darling, now part of a larger corporation. Their finance team analyzes subscription models, marketing ROI, and operational efficiency. The culture is more startup-esque, and they often look for analysts with strong data visualization skills (Tableau, Power BI).

7. Local Banks & Credit Unions: Institutions like People’s United Bank (now M&T), KeyBank, and Vermont Federal Credit Union have regional headquarters here. They hire for credit analysis, commercial lending, and internal financial planning.

Getting Licensed in VT

For most Financial Analyst roles (especially in corporate finance, budgeting, and analysis), no state-specific license is required. However, if your career path leans toward investment advising or securities, you'll need to follow the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) guidelines.

• Series 7 & 66 Licenses: If you work for a broker-dealer or investment adviser, you’ll likely need these FINRA licenses. The state requires them through the National Licensing System (NMLS). There is no state exam, but you must apply for registration through Vermont, which costs $150 in application fees.
• CFA or CPA: While not state licenses, these credentials are highly valued. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is gold-standard for investment analysis. The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is critical for roles heavy on accounting or auditing. Vermont follows the same 150-hour education requirement as most states.
• Timeline: For a Series 7/66, the process from sponsorship to full registration can take 3-6 months. For the CFA, it’s a multi-year endeavor (3 levels, 300+ hours of study each). For a CPA, once you meet the education requirement, passing the exam and meeting the experience requirement can take 1-2 years.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, especially in insurance and banking, will sponsor your licensing for the right candidate. Always ask about this during the interview process.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Location matters for your commute and lifestyle. South Burlington is small, but each area has a distinct feel.

Neighborhood	Commute to Main Business Districts (Downtown BTV, Shelburne Rd)	Lifestyle & Vibe	Avg. 1BR Rent Estimate
South End (SoBu)	5-10 minutes	Trendy, walkable, near breweries (Foam, Zero Gravity) and restaurants. Young professional vibe.	$1,550
Shelburne Road Corridor	5-15 minutes	Convenience-focused. Big-box stores, grocery chains, easy access to I-89. More suburban feel.	$1,450
Ethan Allen Park Area	10-15 minutes	Quiet, residential, with beautiful park access. Family-friendly, more single-family homes.	$1,350
Old North End (Burlington)	10-20 minutes	Historic, diverse, more affordable. An easy commute across the bridge. Very community-oriented.	$1,250
Essex Junction	15-25 minutes	A separate town with its own identity. Great for those working near the airport or global foundries. Strong school systems.	$1,400

Personal Insight: If you value nightlife and a short walk to lunch, the South End is unbeatable. If you’re saving for a house and want more space, Essex Junction or the Old North End offer better value. Traffic is minimal, so a 20-minute commute is considered long here.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 9% suggests a stable, if not explosive, market. Growth comes from specialization and advancement, not just tenure.

• Specialty Premiums: Certain skills command a salary premium. FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis) is always in demand. Data Analytics/SQL/Python skills are increasingly required. Healthcare Finance expertise is a golden ticket due to UVMC’s dominance. Supply Chain Finance is valuable at manufacturers like GlobalFoundries.
• Advancement Paths: The common track is Analyst → Senior Analyst → Finance Manager → Director of Finance. In larger organizations, you might move into Controller or FP&A Director roles. The key is moving from pure data crunching to strategic advisory. Take on projects that involve presenting to leadership.
• 10-Year Outlook: The Burlington area is diversifying beyond tourism and education. The growth in tech (fueled by UVM and the airport) and advanced manufacturing will create more specialized finance roles. However, the pool of senior-level candidates is small, so internal promotion is common. Insider Tip: To leap ahead, consider an MBA from UVM or a remote MBA program. It’s a recognized credential in the local market and can fast-track you to management.

The Verdict: Is South Burlington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Culture prioritizes outdoor activities (skiing, hiking, biking) over 60-hour weeks.	Limited Job Market: The number of open roles is small at any given time. You need to be patient.
Strong Purchasing Power: The $99,010 median salary goes much further here than in a major coastal city.	High Barriers to Home Ownership: Home prices are steep relative to local salaries, requiring significant savings.
Stable, Diverse Employers: Not reliant on one industry; healthcare, education, tech, and insurance provide stability.	Seasonal Challenges: Winters are long, dark, and can be isolating. You must enjoy or tolerate snow and cold.
Natural Beauty & Access: World-class skiing, Lake Champlain, and Green Mountains are your backyard.	Cultural & Diversity Limitations: It’s a predominantly white, liberal small city. Dining and cultural scenes are good for its size but lack metropolitan depth.
Tight-Knit Professional Network: It’s easy to build connections and get referred.	"Brain Drain" Concern: Some ambitious professionals leave for larger markets to accelerate careers, though this is lessening.

Final Recommendation: South Burlington is ideal for a Financial Analyst who values quality of life over relentless career velocity. If you’re seeking a stable, well-compensated role that allows you to ski before work or hit the lake on weekends, this is a top-tier choice. It’s not the place for someone who needs the constant buzz of a major financial center. The key is to have a clear financial plan for buying a home and to actively engage in the local professional community to overcome the small market size.

FAQs

1. Is the $99,010 median salary enough for a comfortable life in South Burlington?
Absolutely. With the cost of living index at 100.0 (US avg = 100), your paycheck holds its value. After rent and utilities, you have significant disposable income for savings, travel, and Vermont’s unique recreational activities.

2. How competitive is the job market given there are only about 40 specific Financial Analyst jobs?
The Jobs in Metro: 40 figure from the BLS is just for the precise "Financial and Investment Analysts" code. When you expand to all corporate finance, budgeting, and planning roles, the pool is much larger. Competition is moderate. Being a local or showing a genuine commitment to Vermont in your application is a major advantage.

3. Do I need to know French or have a specific cultural background?
No. While Vermont has a rich French-Canadian history, the professional environment is entirely English-speaking. The culture is overwhelmingly liberal, outdoorsy, and community-focused. Adaptability to the weather and lifestyle is more important than any specific cultural knowledge.

4. What’s the best way to find a job here?
Leverage the small network. Use LinkedIn to connect with finance professionals at key employers (UVMC, National Life, etc.). Check the "Careers" sections of company websites, as many local firms don't use large job boards. Local recruiters (like those at WinterWyman or Boutwell Group) specialize in the region. Be patient; the hiring cycle can be slower than in large markets.

5. Can I work remotely for a company outside Vermont?
Yes, but there are tax considerations. Vermont taxes all income earned by residents, regardless of where the employer is based. If you work remotely for a company in, say, Massachusetts, you’ll pay Vermont income tax and may need to file a non-resident return in the employer’s state. It’s manageable, but best to consult a tax professional. Many local analysts do this successfully.