Plumber in Burlington, VT

As a career analyst who's watched the trades evolve in the Green Mountain State for years, I can tell you that Burlington offers a unique proposition for plumbers. It's not the booming metropolis of the Northeast corridor, but a tightly knit, stable market with a distinct rhythm. This guide is for the working plumber—the one who cares about the day-to-day reality of pay, rent, and finding a crew that respects your skills. We're cutting through the brochure talk and looking at the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the real path to a sustainable career in Vermont's largest metro.

The Salary Picture: Where Burlington Stands

First, let's ground this in data. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) figures for the Burlington-South Burlington, VT metro area, the median annual salary for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $63,350. This translates to a median hourly rate of $30.46/hour. It's important to note this figure aligns with the national average of $63,350/year, which is somewhat unusual and indicates a stable, if not booming, local market.

However, the 10-year job growth is projected at only 6%, which is slower than the national average for the trade. There are currently about 89 jobs in the metro area. This isn't a field exploding with new openings, but rather one with steady demand and a relatively small, competitive labor pool. Most of your opportunities will come from replacing retiring workers and servicing the existing infrastructure of a city with a lot of old housing stock.

Here’s how experience typically breaks down in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-3 years	$45,000 - $55,000	Assisting with installations, drain cleaning, basic repairs under direct supervision.
Mid-Level / Journeyperson	3-8 years	$58,000 - $70,000	Leading residential service calls, commercial rough-ins, working independently.
Senior / Lead Technician	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000+	Complex diagnostics, mentoring apprentices, managing commercial projects.
Expert / Master Plumber	15+ years	$80,000+ (often plus profit-sharing)	Business ownership, complex system design, state code expert, inspector liaison.

Insider Tip: The jump from Journeyperson to Senior/Lead is where you'll see the most significant salary increase. Specializing in commercial systems (medical gas, fire suppression) or complex residential projects (historic home renovations, geothermal systems) can push you toward the higher end of that range faster than staying in standard service work.

When compared to other Vermont cities, the story is consistent. While Burlington has a slightly higher cost of living than Montpelier or Rutland, it also offers more job density and higher earning potential due to the concentration of commercial and institutional work. Pay in Vermont tends to be compressed across the state, so your choice between cities often comes down to lifestyle and commute rather than a massive salary delta.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The headline salary of $63,350 looks decent, but the real question is: what does it buy you in Burlington? Let's break down a monthly budget for a plumber earning the median wage.

Assumptions: Gross monthly pay of $5,279. After federal, state (Vermont has a progressive income tax), and FICA taxes, net take-home pay is estimated at approximately $4,050 per month (this is a rough estimate; actual taxes vary).

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Plumber Earning $63,350/year:

Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Take-Home Pay	$4,050	Post-tax income
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,441	Citywide average. Can be higher downtown.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$225	Varies by season; winters are costly.
Car Payment & Insurance	$400	Essential in VT; public transit is limited.
Groceries & Household	$450	Reflects VT's slightly higher food costs.
Health Insurance	$300	Often provided by employer, but copays/deductibles apply.
Savings/Retirement (10%)	$400	Critical for a trade career.
Miscellaneous/Leisure	$834	Buffer for tools, gear, and Vermont's lifestyle.

Can they afford to buy a home? With a median home price in Burlington over $500,000, it's a steep climb on a single plumber's income. A down payment alone would take years of aggressive savings. However, in the surrounding towns like Winooski, Colchester, or South Burlington, prices are slightly more accessible (often in the $350k-$450k range). The key is dual-income households or reaching a senior/expert level salary. Renting is the default for early-career plumbers, but homeownership becomes a realistic goal after a decade of experience and career advancement.

Where the Jobs Are: Burlington's Major Employers

The job market here is defined by a mix of private companies, institutional employers, and a growing need for residential service. The 89 jobs in the metro are concentrated among a handful of key players. Hiring is steady, not frantic; they look for reliable journeypersons who can pass a background check and have a clean driving record.

1. Sampson & Sons Plumbing & Heating: A local institution. They handle a massive portion of the commercial and residential new construction in Chittenden County. They hire apprentices consistently and are known for strong, union-backed benefits for journeypersons. Their projects range from UVM campus work to high-end custom homes in the New North End.
2. Vermondia Plumbing & Heating: Based in South Burlington, they focus heavily on residential service and replacement. This is a prime spot for someone who enjoys the diagnostic puzzle of fixing old systems. They have a strong reputation and a loyal customer base, which means steady work.
3. Burlington Electric Department: While not a plumbing contractor, the city's utility employs licensed plumbers for its water and sewer utility divisions. These are coveted, stable municipal jobs with excellent benefits and pensions. Watch the City of Burlington job board religiously; openings are rare but do occur.
4. University of Vermont (UVM) Facilities Department: UVM is one of the largest employers in the state. Their facilities team maintains a vast array of buildings, from historic dormitories to labs and athletic facilities. They need in-house plumbers skilled in everything from basic repairs to sophisticated steam systems. This is a job that offers variety and relative stability.
5. The University of Vermont Medical Center: Similar to UVM, the hospital has its own facilities team. The work here is specialized—medical gas, high-purity water systems, and 24/7 maintenance. It requires a clean background and often additional certifications, but it's a high-demand, high-skill niche.
6. Local Mechanical Contractors: Companies like C. B. M. Inc. and D. S. MacLean are major players in the mechanical trades, often bidding on large commercial projects (like the recent expansion at the airport or new corporate offices). They hire plumbers for specific project timelines, which can offer variety but less long-term stability than a service company.
7. Residential Service Companies: Beyond Vemondia, companies like Farnham Heating & Air Conditioning and Pinnacle Mechanical also have plumbing divisions. These are often the best entry points for new arrivals, as they provide the vehicles and tools you need to build a local clientele.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward "combination" plumbers who can also do light HVAC or gas fitting. In a smaller market like Burlington, versatility makes you more employable. The retirements of the baby boomer generation are creating openings, but companies are picky. They want people who show up on time, know the code, and can communicate with customers.

Getting Licensed in VT

Vermont's licensing is handled by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). It's a straightforward but mandatory process.

• Apprentice License: Required to work under a licensed plumber. No experience needed to start, but you must be registered with the state.
• Journeyperson License: Requires 8,000 hours (about 4 years) of documented work under a master plumber and passing the state exam. The exam covers the International Plumbing Code (IPC) with Vermont amendments.
• Master Plumber License: Requires 4 years as a licensed journeyperson plus passing a more comprehensive exam. This is the license needed to open your own business and pull permits.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship Registration: Nominal fee (under $100).
• Journeyperson/Master Exam Fees: Approximately $150-$200 each.
• Study Materials: Code books and study guides can cost $200-$500.
• Timeline: From zero to Journeyperson is a minimum of 4 years of full-time work. The exam is offered periodically; you must schedule it in advance.

Insider Tip: Vermont's code is based on the IPC but has state-specific amendments, especially regarding well water and septic systems, which are common in rural areas surrounding Burlington. Study the amendments. Also, the state does not have reciprocity with every state, so if you're moving from elsewhere, check the OPR website for current agreements.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Living in Burlington itself is great, but the commute for service plumbers who cover a wide area is key. Here’s the lay of the land:

• Winooski: Just north of Burlington. A small, walkable city with a younger vibe and a significant fraction of the plumbing jobs (both residential and for companies like Sampson). Rent is slightly below the Burlington average (~$1,300/month). An ideal 5-minute commute to most Burlington jobs.
• South Burlington: Home to the airport, major retailers, and UVM Medical Center. Excellent for plumbers working in commercial/corporate or medical facilities. Commute to downtown Burlington is 10-15 minutes. Rent is on par with the city average (~$1,450/month). Very car-dependent.
• Old North End (Burlington): The historic heart of the city. Charming, older homes mean lots of plumbing work, but parking is a nightmare. If you work for a downtown company or do service calls in the neighborhood, it's perfect. Rent varies widely ($1,300 - $1,600/month). Best for those who don't mind a walkable, dense environment.
• Colchester (Malletts Bay): North of the city, offers more space and lower rent (~$1,200/month). It's a haul to downtown jobs (20-30 minutes in traffic) but ideal if you work for a company based in the north end or service the suburbs. The lifestyle is quieter, more suburban.
• The Lake Champlain Islands (via Rt. 2): A longer commute (30-45 minutes), but offers a truly rural lifestyle. Rent is lower ($1,000 - $1,300/month), but you're far from the core job market. This is a better fit for a master plumber who owns a business and sets their own schedule, not a journeyperson relying on a steady employer.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook (6% growth) suggests a stable, not explosive, market. Your growth will come from specialization and leadership, not from a flood of new jobs.

• Specialty Premiums: In Burlington, specialties that can boost income include:
  • Fire Protection Systems: Certification in sprinkler installation/maintenance.
  • Medical Gas Piping: Required for hospital and lab work; high demand, lower competition.
  • Geothermal & Hydronic Heating: Vermont's push for efficient heating systems makes these skills valuable.
  • Backflow Prevention Testing: Many commercial properties in the area require annual certification.
• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is Apprentice → Journeyperson → Lead Technician → Master Plumber. The pivot point is the Master License. Once you have it, your options branch:
  1. Stay with a large company as a project manager or service manager.
  2. Start your own one- or two-van operation. The overhead in Burlington is manageable, and the lack of new entrants creates a niche for a reliable, local business.
  3. Move into inspection. The City of Burlington and state need licensed master plumbers to enforce code. It's a stable, government job with great benefits.

10-Year Outlook: The market will continue to rely on servicing existing infrastructure. The push for energy efficiency (heat pumps, solar thermal) will create hybrid jobs blending plumbing with mechanical systems. The aging workforce ensures that any licensed plumber who is reliable will have work. The key is to not get stagnant in a single role—keep learning new codes and technologies.

The Verdict: Is Burlington Right for You?

This isn't a city where you'll get rich quick as a plumber, but you can build a very solid, upper-middle-class life with the right strategy.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Low turnover, steady demand from existing infrastructure.	Slow Growth: Few new jobs; competition for the best positions is real.
Competitive Pay: Median salary matches the national average in a lower-cost state.	High Rent Burden: The $1,441/month average rent consumes a large portion of take-home pay.
Quality of Life: Access to outdoors, culture, and a tight-knit community.	Seasonal Work Dips: Construction slows significantly in winter, though service work continues.
Career Ceiling: Clear path to a master license and business ownership.	Limited Specialization Market: Smaller pool of clients for ultra-niche specialties.
Union Presence: Some large employers offer union benefits (IAPMO Local 283).	Rigid Licensing: Requires full apprenticeship; no "test-out" for out-of-state pros.

Final Recommendation: Burlington is an ideal choice for a plumber who values stability and quality of life over chasing the highest possible salary. It's perfect for a journeyperson ready to commit to a long-term apprenticeship, a family person seeking a safe community with good schools, or a master plumber looking to start a small business in a supportive market. If you're in your early 20s and want to make a fortune fast, look to Boston or NYC. If you want a sustainable career where your skills are respected and your life outside of work matters, Burlington is a strong contender.

FAQs

1. As an out-of-state plumber, can I get licensed in Vermont without repeating my apprenticeship?
It depends. Vermont has reciprocity with some states, but not all. You must contact the Vermont OPR and provide documentation of your out-of-state license and work history. You may need to take the state exam, even if you're licensed elsewhere.

2. Is it worth joining a union in Burlington?
The Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 283 covers parts of Vermont and New York. Many of the larger commercial contractors (like Sampson & Sons) are signatory to the union. For journeypersons, it can mean higher wages and excellent benefits. For residential service plumbers, it's less common.

3. What's the winter work like?
Service work is year-round. Frozen pipes are a major source of income from December to March. New construction slows, but companies like Vemondia stay busy with repairs and replacements. You'll need a reliable heated van and the right tools for winter work.

4. How do I find a job as a newcomer?
Start by applying to the mid-sized service companies (Vemondia, Farnham). They have the most consistent need for staff. Network on platforms like LinkedIn, but also visit local supply houses (like Faulkner & Co. or HW Supply) and talk to the reps—they know who's hiring. Your best shot is to show up in person, resume in hand, and ask to speak with the service manager.

5. What tools should I expect to provide as an apprentice?
You'll start with basic hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, channel locks). As you progress, you'll invest in a good pipe wrench, basin wrench, and eventually a cordless drill/driver. The company should provide the specialized tools (drain machines, press tools, etc.) and a vehicle. Always clarify tool policy in the interview.