Physical Therapist Career Guide: Burlington, Vermont

As a local career analyst who's watched Burlington's healthcare landscape evolve over two decades, I've seen physical therapy become one of the region's most stable and rewarding professions. Burlington isn't just the "Queen City"—it's a compact, walkable medical hub where physical therapists can build a meaningful career without sacrificing quality of life. This guide cuts through the promotional fluff and gives you the data-driven reality of practicing here.

The Salary Picture: Where Burlington Stands

Let's start with the numbers that matter. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Vermont Department of Labor data, the median salary for Physical Therapists (PTs) in the Burlington metro area is $99,710/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $97.94/hour. This figure sits right at the national average of $99,710/year, a notable fact for a smaller metro area. It signals that Burlington's market values PTs competitively, even if it can't match the salaries of major coastal cities.

The job market is active but specialized. The Burlington metro supports approximately 89 PT positions, and the 10-year job growth projection is 14%. This growth is driven by an aging population, a robust outdoor culture leading to sports injuries, and the state's focus on integrated healthcare.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Burlington are heavily influenced by experience, setting, and specialty. Here’s how they typically break down:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Salary Range (Burlington)	Key Employers & Settings
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$78,000 - $88,000	UVM Medical Center (rotations), outpatient clinics, home health agencies. Focus is on earning licensure and building a caseload.
Mid-Career	3-8 years	$92,000 - $110,000	Specialization begins (orthopedics, neurology). Moves into lead PT roles at smaller clinics or senior staff at hospitals.
Senior-Level	9-15 years	$108,000 - $125,000	Management (Clinic Director), specialized roles (pelvic health, vestibular rehab). Often involves mentoring and program development.
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$120,000+	Runs own practice, consults for major employers (UVM, Central VT), teaches at UVM or Vermont State University.

Insider Tip: The salary jump from mid-career to senior is significant in Burlington. Specializing in a high-demand area like pelvic health or vestibular rehabilitation can push you into the top tier of this range more quickly than in general outpatient orthopedics.

Comparison to Other VT Cities

Burlington is the state's economic engine, but it's not the only option. For context, here’s how the median PT salary compares across Vermont's key regions.

City/Metro Area	Median PT Salary	Cost of Living (Index)	Key Notes
Burlington-South Burlington	$99,710	100.0	Highest salary and job volume. Competitive but stable market.
Barre/Montpelier	~$92,000	95.0	State government and hospital jobs (Central VT Hospital). Lower cost of living.
Rutland	~$88,000	92.0	Smaller hospital system, more community-based care. Slower growth.
St. Johnsbury	~$85,000	88.0	Rural, critical access hospitals. Higher demand for generalist skills.

Burlington's premium comes with a higher cost of living, but as we'll see, the balance is often favorable.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $99,710 salary sounds great, but what does it mean for your daily life in Burlington? Let's break it down with real local costs.

Assumptions: Single filer, no dependents, using Vermont's 2024 tax brackets. Federal tax estimate includes standard deduction. Take-home pay is calculated after state and federal taxes.

• Gross Annual Salary: $99,710
• Estimated Annual Taxes: ~$24,500 (Federal + State + FICA)
• Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$75,210
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$6,267

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Single PT:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (Burlington Average)	Notes & Local Context
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,441	Downtown/South End pushes to $1,600+. Old North End/University areas are cheaper.
Utilities (Heat, Elec, Internet)	$250 - $350	Winters are long and cold. Older buildings have poor insulation—check heating type!
Groceries	$350 - $450	Local co-ops (City Market) are pricier. Hannaford/Shaw's are mid-range.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350 - $500	Insider Tip: You can live car-free in Burlington. The #1 bus runs frequently, and biking is viable April-October. This saves ~$400/month.
Student Loans	$300 - $800	Highly variable. Federal repayment plans can lower this.
Health Insurance	$150 - $250	Often employer-subsidized. UVM Medical Center offers excellent plans.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$500	Breweries, Lake Champlain access, skiing. Burlington's social scene is affordable if you're selective.
Savings/Retirement (10%)	$627	403(b) at UVM is a common, strong option.
Total Estimated Expenses	$3,968 - $4,727	Leaves a monthly surplus of $1,540 - $2,299

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
The median home price in Burlington is approximately $425,000. With a $99,710 salary and a ~20% down payment ($85,000), a monthly mortgage (including taxes/insurance) would be around $2,400 - $2,600. This would consume 38-42% of your monthly take-home pay, which is high but potentially manageable if you have a dual-income household or significant savings. For a single PT, buying in Burlington proper is challenging without a large down payment. Many PTs buy in surrounding towns like South Burlington, Williston, or Essex Junction for better value.

Where the Jobs Are: Burlington's Major Employers

Burlington's job market is anchored by its medical center and university, but a network of community clinics provides diverse opportunities. Hiring is steady, with a slight uptick in home health and outpatient orthopedics following the pandemic.

1. The University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMC): The region's largest employer. They have inpatient PT, outpatient orthopedics, neurology, and specialty rehab. Hiring is continuous for staff PTs. Trend: They are expanding their orthopedic and pelvic health programs. Insider Note: UVMC is a union shop (VSEA), which provides strong pay scales and benefits but can mean a slower hiring process.

2. UVM Health Network - Central Vermont Medical Center: Located in Berlin (15-minute drive from downtown), this is a key employer for those preferring a smaller-city feel with a major medical system behind it. Strong demand for generalist PTs.

3. Vermont Rehabilitation Associates (VRA): A large, private outpatient orthopedic practice with multiple locations in the Burlington area. Known for a strong focus on manual therapy and sports rehab. They often hire recent graduates and offer mentorship.

4. The Center for Orthopaedics & Movement Health (COMH): A specialty clinic affiliated with UVMC. Focuses on orthopedics, sports medicine, and hand therapy. A great place for specialists to work.

5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden & Grand Isle Counties): A growing sector. Offers more autonomy and a different pace. Trend: Post-pandemic, demand for home health PTs remains high, especially for geriatric care.

6. Essex Junction Rehabilitation & Nursing: Located just outside Burlington in Essex Junction. A skilled nursing facility offering acute rehab and long-term care. A solid option for those interested in geriatrics.

7. Vermont State University: While not a direct employer, the university's health sciences programs (especially at its Williston campus) often seek clinical instructors and adjunct faculty for their PTA program, offering a path into academia.

Getting Licensed in Vermont

Licensing is managed by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). The process is straightforward but requires planning.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited PT program.
2. National Exam: Pass the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination).
3. State-Specific Exam: Pass the Jurisprudence Exam (open-book, on Vermont laws and rules).
4. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a criminal history check.
5. Application: Submit the full application with fees to the VT OPR.

Costs & Timeline:

• Fees: Application ($150) + Jurisprudence Exam ($50) + Background Check ($30) = **$230**.
• Timeline: From application submission to license issuance typically takes 4-8 weeks if all materials are complete. It's wise to apply for a temporary permit (有效期 90 days) to start work while your full license is pending, especially if you have a job offer.

Insider Tip: The Vermont Jurisprudence Exam is a unique hurdle. Study the Vermont Physical Therapy Practice Act and OPR rules thoroughly. Many find it easier after working in a clinical setting where these rules are applied daily.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Commute to UVMC (Downtown)	Vibe & Lifestyle	1BR Rent Estimate
South End	5-10 min drive / 15 min bike	Trendy, walkable, artsy. Close to the Lake Champlain waterfront and popular restaurants. Parking can be a challenge.	$1,500 - $1,700
Old North End (ONE)	10-15 min drive / 20 min bike	Historic, diverse, more affordable. "Old North End" has a strong community feel. Older housing stock.	$1,200 - $1,400
University District	5-15 min walk/drive	Mix of students and young professionals. Can be noisy. Excellent access to UVM and downtown amenities.	$1,400 - $1,600
South Burlington	10-20 min drive	Suburban, family-friendly, excellent schools. More apartment complexes and newer builds. Requires a car.	$1,450 - $1,650
Essex Junction	20-25 min drive	A separate town with its own character. Quieter, more residential, and slightly cheaper. Home to Essex High School and major shopping.	$1,300 - $1,500

Insider Tip: If you work at UVMC x, the South End or Old North End are ideal. You can bike or take a quick bus ride, saving on parking and car costs. For a quieter life after your shift, South Burlington or Essex are perfect.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Burlington rewards specialization and leadership. The 10-year outlook is positive, with continued demand for PTs who can handle complex cases.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) or Sports Certified Specialist (SCS): Can add a 5-10% salary premium. Crucial for private practice and athletic settings.
• Pelvic Health Specialist: Extremely high demand in Vermont. Limited providers mean you can build a large caseload quickly. This is a career accelerator.
• Neurologic Specialist (NCS): In high demand at UVMC's inpatient rehab and outpatient neuro clinics.
• Leadership: Clinic Director roles (offering $115k+) are available at VRA and other large practices. Management experience is key.
• Academia: UVM and Vermont State University often seek adjunct faculty. This path offers stability and a different pace.

10-Year Outlook:
The 14% job growth is robust for a rural state. Key drivers:

• Aging Population: Vermont has one of the oldest populations in the U.S.
• Sports & Outdoor Culture: Skiing, hiking, and cycling injuries create steady outpatient demand.
• Integrated Care Models: Value-based care pilots are growing, where PTs work closely with primary care to reduce opioid use and improve outcomes.

The Verdict: Is Burlington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Salary vs. Cost of Living: A $99,710 salary supports a comfortable lifestyle, even with $1,441 rent.	Limited Job Variety: 89 jobs mean the market is tight. Moving between employers can be tricky.
Work-Life Balance: Compact city means short commutes and easy access to outdoor recreation.	High Barrier to Homeownership: The housing market is competitive for buyers.
Meaningful Work: You'll treat a tight-knit community, from UVM athletes to lifelong Vermonters.	Winters are Long & Dark: Seasonal affective disorder is real. Consider your tolerance for 4-5 months of gray.
Stable Market: The healthcare system is anchored by UVM, providing long-term job security.	Limited Diversity: It's a predominantly white, liberal city. Can feel insular to newcomers.
No State Sales Tax: Your paycheck goes further on everyday purchases.	Cost of Living at Average: The index of 100.0 means it's not cheap; you must budget carefully.

Final Recommendation:
Burlington is an excellent choice for a mid-career PT seeking a balanced life. It's ideal if you value outdoor access, community connection, and a stable, if not glamorous, career. It's less ideal for a new grad seeking maximum salary or a wide variety of employers to jump between. If you can specialize early (especially in orthopedics or pelvic health) and be strategic about housing, Burlington offers a rewarding, sustainable career path without the pressures of a major metropolis.

FAQs

1. Can I live in Burlington without a car?
Yes, but with caveats. The city has decent public transit (Chittenden County Regional Transit Authority), and the core is very bikeable. If you live and work in the South End, Old North End, or University District, a car is optional. If you work in South Burlington or Essex, a car is highly recommended.

2. How competitive is the job market for new graduates?
It's moderately competitive. While there are openings, many clinics prefer 1-2 years of experience. Insider Tip: For new grads, the best path is to apply for the UVM Medical Center's residency program or a staff PT position at a large outpatient clinic like VRA. These roles offer structured mentorship and are the most common entry points.

3. What is the malpractice insurance situation?
Most employers (hospitals, clinics) provide malpractice insurance as part of your employment. If you start your own practice, you'll need to purchase it separately. Expect to pay $1,500 - $3,000 annually for a solo policy in Vermont.

4. Are there opportunities for PTs to work in schools or sports teams?
Yes, but they are niche. School-based PT is often contracted through agencies like the Vermont Agency of Education or specific school districts. Sports team positions are rare and usually filled by PTs with SCS certifications who are already well-connected in the local sports medicine community (often through UVM Athletics or local ski clubs).

5. How does Vermont's license compact work for PTs?
Vermont is not a member of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. This means if you are licensed in another state, you must apply for a Vermont license separately. If you hold a multistate PT license through the compact, you would need to apply for a single-state VT license to practice here. Always check the latest status on the VT OPR website.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook; Vermont Department of Labor; Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR); U.S. Census Bureau; Local MLS data for median home prices; Local rental market analysis (2024).