Pharmacist in Burlington, VT

The Salary Picture: Where Burlington Stands

If you're a pharmacist looking at Burlington, Vermont, you're looking at a market where the numbers are straightforward but the context is everything. The median salary for a pharmacist in the Burlington metro area is $136,030/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $65.4/hour. Now, here’s the important part: this isn't some cherry-picked local figure. It's exactly the same as the national average for the profession. On paper, the pay in Burlington is competitive with the rest of the country. But as any local will tell you, the story of living and working in Burlington is written in the details that surround those numbers.

The job market itself is tight. There are only 89 pharmacist positions listed in the entire metro area. This isn't a city of sprawling corporate pharmacy chains; it's a concentrated, specialized market. The 10-year job growth projection is -3%, which signals a field that is stable but not expanding. In practical terms, this means jobs exist, but they are competitive. Turnover is low, and openings are often filled through networks or internal promotions. For an outsider, this means you need a targeted approach—applying to specific openings and leveraging any connections you have in the state's healthcare network.

To give you a clearer picture of where you might fit into this salary structure, here’s a breakdown by experience level. This is based on general industry data and reflects the progression within Vermont's hospital and retail systems.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Salary Range (Burlington, VT)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$120,000 - $128,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$128,000 - $138,000
Senior/Staff	8-15 years	$138,000 - $145,000
Expert/Managerial	15+ years	$145,000+

When you compare Burlington to other cities in Vermont, the landscape changes. The Burlington metro is the economic and healthcare hub of the state. Cities like Rutland or Barre might offer similar salary ranges, but the cost of living is often slightly lower, with fewer professional opportunities. The key difference is not the base pay, which is relatively flat across the state, but the type of role. Burlington offers more specialized positions (e.g., in oncology, infectious disease) at the University of Vermont Medical Center, while other cities are dominated by community retail pharmacy. For a pharmacist looking for career advancement, Burlington is the undisputed center of gravity in Vermont.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s do the math on a $136,030 salary. Vermont has a progressive state income tax, ranging from 3.35% to 8.75%. For a single filer earning this amount, you can expect an effective tax rate (federal and state combined) of roughly 25-28%. After taxes, your annual take-home pay would be approximately $98,000 to $102,000, or about $8,160 to $8,500 per month.

Now, let's factor in the rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Burlington costs $1,441/month. This is for the metro area, which includes South Burlington, Winooski, and Essex Junction. If you choose to live in the heart of the trendy South End or the Old North End, your rent will be higher. If you commute from a more affordable suburb like Milton or Colchester, you could find something closer to $1,300/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated)

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$11,335
• Estimated Taxes (26%): -$2,947
• Net Take-Home: ~$8,388
• Rent (1BR Average): -$1,441
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, etc.: ~$6,947

With over $6,900 left after rent and taxes, the financial picture is strong. You have significant room for savings, student loan payments, and discretionary spending. The cost of living index for the Burlington-South Burlington metro is 100.0, exactly the U.S. average. This is a crucial point: your $136,030 salary will buy you a comparable standard of living to what it would in many other American cities of similar size. You are not paying a "Vermont premium" on goods and services.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Chittenden County (where Burlington is located) is around $450,000. With a 20% down payment ($90,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would result in a monthly payment of roughly $2,280 (including property taxes and insurance). Given your take-home pay, this is very manageable. Many pharmacists in the area own homes, often in the surrounding towns of South Burlington, Essex, or Williston where you get more space for your money.

Where the Jobs Are: Burlington's Major Employers

The 89 pharmacist jobs in Burlington are concentrated in a handful of major institutions. The market is dominated by healthcare systems, a university, and a few key retail players. Here’s who you need to know:

1. The University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMC): The largest employer in the state and the heart of the medical community. They have a massive inpatient pharmacy (over 100 beds) and numerous outpatient clinics. They are the primary source for specialty roles in oncology, critical care, and ambulatory care. Hiring is often slow and bureaucratic, but the benefits and pension are excellent. They are almost always hiring for clinical pharmacist positions, especially those with residencies.

2. The University of Vermont College of Pharmacy: While not a direct employer for most, UVM is a critical hub. They run a prestigious PGY-1 and PGY-2 residency program. If you're a new graduate, securing a residency here is a golden ticket to a local job. They also employ faculty and researchers. The presence of the college creates a constant pipeline of well-trained candidates.

3. CVS Health / Walgreens: The national chains have a significant presence. In Burlington proper, you'll find several locations, especially on the main corridors like Shelburne Road and Route 7. These are typically staff pharmacist positions. The pace can be high, but it's a stable, well-paying entry point. A key "insider tip": the retail market is saturated. New hires often start in more rural Vermont locations (e.g., St. Johnsbury, Newport) and transfer to Burlington after 1-2 years.

4. The Vermont Department of Health: For a non-traditional path, the state government employs pharmacists in roles related to public health, regulatory affairs, and medication assistance programs. These jobs are competitive and offer a different work-life balance, often with a standard state government schedule.

5. Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) & Porter Medical Center: While located in Berlin (30 min east) and Middlebury (45 min south), these are part of the UVM Health Network and are major employers for the region. They offer a community hospital feel and are often looking for pharmacists who want a less urban environment. Commuting from Burlington is feasible.

6. University Endoscopy Center & Other Ambulatory Surgery Centers: A growing area for pharmacy is in ambulatory care. Centers like the one at the UVM Medical Center's Fanny Allen campus often have needs for pharmacists to manage pre- and post-operative medication protocols. These are niche but growing roles.

Getting Licensed in VT

The Vermont Board of Pharmacy is your governing body. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

• Requirements: You need a Pharm.D. from an ACPE-accredited program, 1,500 hours of supervised experience (usually your internship), and passing scores on the NAPLEX and the MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam). Vermont also requires a background check.
• Costs: Expect to pay around $400-$500 total. This includes application fees (~$150), NAPLEX fee ($492), and MPJE fee ($209). The background check is an additional ~$30. Your biggest cost, of course, is your education.
• Timeline: The process can take 2-3 months from application to licensure, assuming you already have your NAPLEX/MPJE scores. You can apply for a limited license to start work while waiting for full licensure, which is common for new grads starting a residency.
• Insider Tip: Vermont is part of the NABP's "NAPLEX/MPJE Score Transfer" service. If you take your exams in another state, you can easily transfer your scores to Vermont. Also, the Board is relatively small and responsive. A phone call to their office (802-828-2840) can often clarify questions faster than email.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Living in Burlington is about choosing your vibe. The metro is compact, so you're never far from work, but neighborhoods have distinct personalities.

1. The Old North End (Burlington): This is the most urban, walkable, and diverse neighborhood. It's full of historic homes, apartments, and a vibrant food scene. You're a 10-minute bike ride from UVM Medical Center. Rent for a 1BR is slightly above average, around $1,450-$1,600. It's ideal if you want to be in the thick of city life and minimize your commute.

2. The South End (Burlington): Trendy, artistic, and home to the famous "South End Art Hop." It's a bit more residential but still has a creative energy. You're close to the lake and the bike path. Commute to the hospital is easy (10-15 mins by car). Rent is comparable to the North End, $1,400-$1,650. Great for young professionals who want a bit more space and a strong community feel.

3. South Burlington: Technically a separate city, this is where many healthcare professionals and families choose to live. It's more suburban, with newer apartment complexes and condos. You get better amenities (like the massive University Mall area) and more square footage for your rent. The commute to UVM Medical Center is a breeze (5-10 mins). Average 1BR rent is very close to the metro average, $1,350-$1,500.

4. Essex Junction/Essex: A 15-minute drive northeast of Burlington, this is a classic "bedroom community." It's quieter, with excellent schools and a more suburban feel. The Essex Outlets offer great shopping. Many pharmacists who work in Burlington but want a quieter home life choose Essex. Rent is more affordable, with 1BR apartments often available for $1,250-$1,400.

5. Winooski: A small city just north of Burlington, it has undergone a major revitalization. It's incredibly walkable, with a dense main street full of restaurants and bars. The "Onion City" has a younger, energetic vibe. The commute to Burlington is 5-10 minutes. Rent can be a bit of a deal, with 1BRs in the $1,300-$1,450 range.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a -3% job growth rate, "growth" in Burlington means advancement within existing structures, not an explosion of new positions. Here’s how to play the long game:

• Specialty Premiums: To earn above the median, you need specialization. Pharmacists with BCPS (Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist), BCOP (Oncology), or BCCCP (Critical Care) credentials are in high demand at UVM Medical Center and can command salaries at the top end of the range ($145,000+). A PGY-2 residency in a specialty is the most direct path.
• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is Staff Pharmacist -> Clinical Pharmacist -> Pharmacy Manager/Director. At UVMC, the clinical ladder allows for promotion based on expertise and project leadership, not just management. Another path is industry: Vermont has a small but growing biotech and medical device sector (e.g., companies like Kolskog, which was acquired by a larger firm), though direct pharmacist roles are rare.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is one of consolidation and specialization. Retail pharmacy will continue to be stable but not grow. The real opportunities are in integrated health systems. The UVM Health Network is expanding its outpatient and specialty services. Pharmacists who can demonstrate value in medication therapy management, cost savings, and patient outcomes will be secure. The -3% growth should be seen not as a threat, but as a signal to differentiate yourself.

The Verdict: Is Burlington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Salary is nationally competitive ($136,030 median).	Extremely competitive job market (only 89 jobs, -3% growth).
High quality of life with access to outdoor recreation.	Winters are long, dark, and can be harsh.
Cost of living is at the national average (Index: 100.0).	The city is small; professional social circles can feel insular.
Excellent healthcare system (UVM Health Network).	Limited career mobility without relocating.
Vibrant, walkable neighborhoods with a strong local culture.	Getting a "foot in the door" often requires starting in a rural VT location.

Final Recommendation:
Burlington is an excellent choice for a pharmacist who prioritizes quality of life, outdoor access, and a stable, well-paying job over rapid career expansion. It is not for someone seeking a fast-paced, high-turnover job market with endless openings. If you are a new graduate, be prepared to look outside the immediate Burlington metro for your first role. If you are an experienced pharmacist with a specialty, your skills will be valued, and you will find a competitive salary and a manageable cost of living. For the right person, Burlington offers a rare combination: a salary that stretches far, in a city that feels like a community.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a pharmacist job in Burlington as an outsider?
Yes, it can be. With only 89 jobs and low turnover, many positions are filled internally or through professional networks. Your best strategy is to apply broadly to all openings, consider starting in a rural Vermont location for 1-2 years, and network with Vermont pharmacists through the Vermont Pharmacists Association.

2. How do winters affect the commute and lifestyle?
Winters are a major factor. Snowfall is significant, and while the city is good at clearing roads, commutes can be slow. Most professionals own a car with all-wheel drive. The city's culture embraces winter (skiing, snowshoeing), but if you hate the cold and dark, it will be a challenge from December to March.

3. Are there opportunities for part-time or flexible schedules?
Yes, more so in retail and some outpatient settings than in hospital. UVM Medical Center does offer some part-time and per-diem positions, which can be a good way to enter the market. Retail chains like CVS may also have part-time needs, though full-time is more common.

4. What's the job market like for a pharmacist with a spouse/partner in a different field?
This is a key consideration. If your partner is in tech, academia, or healthcare, Burlington has opportunities. The tech scene is small but growing (thanks to UVM and a startup incubator). For other fields, the options are limited. It's a "two-body problem" that can be challenging; many couples find one partner works for UVM or a major local employer, which provides stability.

5. How does the Vermont license reciprocity work?
Vermont is part of the NABP's licensure transfer system. If you are licensed in another state, you can apply for licensure by endorsement. You'll need to provide proof of your existing license, NAPLEX/MPJE scores, and meet Vermont's specific requirements (like the background check). The process is efficient if your credentials are in order. Always check the Vermont Board of Pharmacy website for the most current forms and fees.