Pharmacist in Bennington CDP, VT

As a Vermont native who’s spent years watching the pharmacy landscape shift across the state, I can tell you that Bennington CDP isn't your typical pharmacy market. It’s a small, tight-knit community where you’re not just a pharmacist—you’re a pillar of the local healthcare network. The mountain backdrop is stunning, but the job market is niche and competitive. This guide cuts through the promotional fluff and uses hard data to tell you exactly what to expect, from your paycheck to your daily commute.

The Salary Picture: Where Bennington CDP Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. In Bennington CDP, the median salary for a pharmacist is $139,090 per year, which breaks down to a comfortable hourly rate of $66.87. This places you slightly above the national average of $136,030, which is a notable perk for a small town. However, context is everything. The Bennington metro area has only 17 total pharmacist jobs. The 10-year job growth projection is -3%, meaning the market is contracting slightly, not expanding. This isn't a place for rapid job-hopping; it’s a market for long-term planners who value stability over constant opportunity.

Here’s how experience levels typically translate in a market like Bennington:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Field	Estimated Annual Salary (Bennington CDP)
Entry-Level Pharmacist	0-2 years	$115,000 - $128,000
Mid-Career Pharmacist	3-8 years	$135,000 - $148,000
Senior Pharmacist	9-15 years	$145,000 - $158,000
Expert/Managerial Pharmacist	15+ years	$155,000 - $170,000+

When you compare Bennington CDP to other Vermont cities, the difference is stark. Burlington, with its major medical hub and larger population, often sees pharmacist salaries in the $145,000-$155,000 range, but the cost of living and competition are significantly higher. Rutland, another regional hub, is more comparable to Bennington, but Bennington’s proximity to the New York border can sometimes draw employers from Southern VT and Eastern NY, slightly influencing pay scales.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A six-figure salary in a small Vermont town sounds ideal, but let's break down the real-world budget. For a single pharmacist earning the median $139,090, here’s a realistic monthly breakdown after Vermont's progressive state income tax (federal taxes vary, but we'll use a standard estimate).

• Gross Monthly Income: $11,591
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$3,300
• Net Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$8,291

Now, let's factor in the local cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Bennington CDP is $1,343/month. The Cost of Living Index is 107.5 (US avg = 100), meaning it's about 7.5% more expensive than the national average, driven largely by housing and healthcare costs.

Monthly Budget for a Bennington Pharmacist:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Take-Home Pay	$8,291	After taxes
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,343	Utilities often add $150-$250
Groceries	$450 - $550	Limited grocery options; prices reflect rural VT
Car Payment & Insurance	$500 - $700	Essential. Public transit is minimal.
Health Insurance	$250 - $400	Varies by employer
Student Loans	$300 - $800	Highly variable
Miscellaneous (Dining, Entertainment, Savings)	$2,000+	Ample room for savings and leisure

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Bennington area is around $280,000 - $320,000. With your take-home pay, a standard 20% down payment ($56,000-$64,000) is a realistic savings goal within 2-3 years, assuming disciplined budgeting. Monthly mortgage payments on a $300,000 home (with 20% down) would be in the $1,600-$1,800 range, which is manageable on your salary but would require reallocating funds from savings to your mortgage.

Where the Jobs Are: Bennington CDP's Major Employers

With only 17 pharmacist jobs in the metro, the employer pool is small but critical. You won't find sprawling hospital networks like you would in Burlington. Instead, you'll find community-focused institutions.

1. Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC): Located in Bennington, this is the anchor employer. It's a 99-bed community hospital within the Dartmouth Health system. Pharmacy services here are integrated, offering roles in inpatient, outpatient, and sometimes anticoagulation management. Hiring is steady but slow; they often promote from within or hire from their own pool of per-diem staff. Insider Tip: Getting a per-diem position here is a strategic move to get your foot in the door for a full-time role.

2. Mt. Anthony Union High School District: The school district employs a pharmacist for its medication administration program, a niche but stable public sector role. This is a unique position that blends pharmacy with community education.

3. Local Retail Chains (CVS, Walgreens): The two national chains have a presence in Bennington. These are your most likely entry points. Hiring is cyclical and tied to corporate turnover and store performance. Don't expect rapid advancement, but it's reliable work.

4. Southeastern Vermont Family Health: A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that may have needs for a pharmacist to support their behavioral health and chronic disease management programs, particularly in medication therapy management (MTM).

5. Bennington Pharmacy (Independent): A local independent community pharmacy. These are increasingly rare but offer the most personalized patient care experience. Hiring is based on relationship and need, not corporate spreadsheets. Insider Tip: Walk in and introduce yourself. The owner-operators often value personality and community fit over a flawless resume.

6. Bennington County Health Department: While not a large employer, they sometimes have grant-funded positions for public health pharmacy initiatives, often related to opioid stewardship or vaccine distribution.

Hiring Trends: The market is a "replacement" market, not a "growth" market. Most openings are due to retirements or relocations, not new positions. Networking is critical. Most jobs are filled before they're ever publicly advertised.

Getting Licensed in VT

Vermont’s licensing is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) oversees it.

1. Exam: Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).
2. Law Exam: Pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for Vermont. You must score at least 75%.
3. Internship Hours: Complete 1,600 hours of approved internship experience (typically done during pharmacy school).
4. Background Check: Submit to a federal criminal background check.

Costs & Timeline:

• Application Fee: $185 (as of latest OPR data).
• License Renewal: $250 biennially.
• Timeline: If you have all documents (NAPLEX/MPJE scores, transcripts, internship verification), processing can take 2-4 weeks. A full application from scratch, including exam scheduling, can take 3-6 months.

Insider Tip: Vermont is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) but not the Pharmacy Licensure Compact (as of 2024). If you're moving from another state, you will need to apply for licensure by endorsement, which may involve additional requirements depending on your prior state's reciprocity.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Bennington CDP is compact, and commutes are never an issue. Your choice will be more about lifestyle, rent, and proximity to amenities.

1. Downtown Bennington: Walkable, historic, and vibrant. You'll be near the hospital, independent pharmacies, and restaurants. Rent for a 1BR is closer to $1,300-$1,500. Best for young professionals who want to be in the heart of the community.
2. North Bennington: A quieter, more residential area with a strong sense of community. Home to some larger single-family rentals and newer apartment complexes. Commute to downtown is 5-10 minutes. Rent is similar to downtown, perhaps slightly lower. Ideal for those seeking a quieter home life.
3. West Bennington: More rural, with larger properties and lower density. You'll find more houses for rent or sale here. Commute is still under 15 minutes. Best for those who want more space, a yard, and don't mind driving for groceries. Rent for a 1BR is harder to find; you may need to look for a studio or a roommate situation in a larger home, budgeting $900-$1,200.
4. Pownal (Just North of Bennington): Technically a separate town, but part of the functional metro area. More rural, lower cost of living, but requires a commute. Rent for a 1BR can be closer to $1,100-$1,300. Good option if you work at SVMC and want a country feel.

Insider Tip: Parking in downtown Bennington can be tight in winter. If you're considering a downtown apartment, confirm parking availability (often a separate fee) before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a negative job growth outlook, traditional upward mobility within a single organization can be slow. However, specialization is the key to increasing your value and salary.

• Specialty Premiums: Positions in Oncology (at SVMC's infusion center), Anticoagulation Management, or Geriatrics (critical in an aging Vermont population) can command a premium of $5,000-$15,000 above the base median. Compounded Sterile Preparations (CSP) experience is highly valued at hospital and specialty pharmacies.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is from Retail Staff Pharmacist → Pharmacy Manager (if with a chain) or Retail → Hospital Staff Pharmacist → Clinical Coordinator (if with SVMC). Another path is to pursue a PGY-1 Residency at SVMC or a larger center in Burlington, which opens doors to clinical specialist roles.
• 10-Year Outlook: The -3% growth rate is a warning sign. The future lies in value-based care. Pharmacists who can demonstrate outcomes—reducing readmissions, managing chronic diseases, optimizing medication costs—will be indispensable. Consider pursuing certifications in diabetes education, MTM, or geriatric pharmacy to future-proof your career. Telehealth pharmacy consulting for rural Vermont is an emerging, albeit small, opportunity.

The Verdict: Is Bennington CDP Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Salary above national average with a lower volume of jobs.	Extremely limited job market (17 jobs). Very little room for lateral movement.
Significantly lower cost of living than major metros, allowing for homeownership.	-3% job growth suggests a contracting market. Retirement is a common exit strategy.
Short, scenic commutes and a close-knit professional community.	Isolated. 2+ hours to Burlington, 2.5 hours to Albany. Limited cultural/entertainment options.
High quality of life with access to outdoor recreation (Green Mountains, Appalachian Trail).	Harsh winters and rural remoteness can be a lifestyle challenge.
Diverse practice settings within a small radius (hospital, retail, FQHC, schools).	High cost of living index (107.5) is partly due to housing scarcity and healthcare costs.

Final Recommendation: Bennington CDP is an excellent choice for pharmacists who are established, seeking stability, and value quality of life over rapid career progression. It’s ideal for mid-to-senior level professionals, couples with dual incomes, or those planning to start a family. It is not recommended for new graduates seeking a broad range of opportunities or for pharmacists who thrive in fast-paced, metropolitan environments. If you can secure a position before moving, the financial and lifestyle rewards are substantial.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for a pharmacist moving to Bennington?
A: Extremely competitive for the few openings that exist. The market is small and insular. You should have a minimum of 2-3 years of experience and be prepared to network aggressively. Applying only to online postings is unlikely to yield results.

Q: Will my student loans go far in Vermont?
A: The median salary helps, but Vermont's cost of living, particularly housing and healthcare, is higher than neighboring states like New Hampshire. Your loans will feel manageable but not insignificant. Budgeting for $300-$800/month is standard.

Q: Is there a need for bilingual pharmacists (e.g., Spanish) in Bennington?
A: Yes, there is a growing Latino population in Bennington County. While not a requirement for every job, being bilingual is a significant asset, especially at SVMC, FQHCs, and retail stores, and can make you a more competitive candidate.

Q: What's the commute like from Bennington to Albany, NY, for additional job options?
A: The drive is about 35-40 minutes via VT-7S/NY-7. Some pharmacists live in Bennington and commute to larger hospitals or chains in the Capital Region (Albany, Troy) for more opportunities. This can be a viable strategy, but you must factor in the commute cost (tolls, gas) and time.

Q: How does the Vermont license reciprocity work?
A: Vermont does not have full reciprocity. If you're licensed in another state, you must apply for licensure by examination (passing the Vermont MPJE and potentially the NAPLEX if your original state's exam isn't deemed equivalent) or by endorsement (if you have an active license in another state and meet experience requirements). Always check the Vermont OPR website for the most current guidelines.