Project Manager in Barre, VT

The Salary Picture: Where Barre Stands

If you’re a Project Manager looking at Barre, Vermont, let’s cut to the chase: the numbers are good, but the context is everything. You're not walking into a high-cost metro like Boston or Denver. Barre is a small, tight-knit city where your salary stretches differently, and your professional network is built in person, not just on LinkedIn.

First, the hard data. According to the most recent available statistics, the median salary for a Project Manager in the Barre metro area is $103,558/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $49.79/hour. This is notably above the national average for the role, which sits at $101,280/year. For a city of only 8,461 people, this is a strong indicator of demand for skilled PMs, especially in niche local industries.

What does this mean for your career stage? Let’s break it down. Note that these are estimates based on the median and local industry standards; actual offers will vary by sector (e.g., tech vs. construction).

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Barre, VT)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Assisting senior PMs, task tracking, documentation, small project coordination.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$85,000 - $115,000	Leading mid-sized projects, budget management, stakeholder communication, team leading.
Senior (8-12 years)	$115,000 - $145,000	Managing large/complex projects, strategic planning, mentoring, cross-departmental initiatives.
Expert/Principal (12+ years)	$145,000+	Portfolio management, executive advising, developing PMO standards, high-stakes client relations.

For context within the state, Barre’s median salary is competitive. It sits close to the Burlington-South Burlington metro (the state’s largest), where the cost of living is significantly higher. In other Vermont cities like Rutland or St. Johnsbury, you might find slightly lower median salaries, often in the $95,000 - $100,000 range for mid-career roles, reflecting a smaller industrial base. Barre’s strength is its unique blend of manufacturing, healthcare, and administrative resilience, which sustains those higher-paying project roles.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base number. In Barre, many senior roles come with bonuses tied to project completion or efficiency gains, which can add 5-15% to your total compensation. Always negotiate the full package.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $103,558 looks excellent on paper. But in Vermont, you need to factor in state income tax (which is progressive, topping out at 8.75% for highest earners) and the local cost of living. Let’s do the math for a single Project Manager.

Assumptions for a Single Filer:

• Gross Monthly Income: $103,558 / 12 = $8,629
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): ~28% (Vermont has no sales tax on groceries, but other taxes apply).
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,213

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Housing (1BR Avg): -$1,343
• Utilities (Electric/Gas/Internet): -$220
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in rural VT): -$450
• Groceries & Dining: -$600
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): -$300 (often subsidized)
• Student Loans/Other Debt: -$400
• Retirement Savings (10%): -$863 (Strongly recommended)
• Discretionary/Entertainment: -$800

Total: ~$4,976
Remaining Buffer: ~$1,237

This budget is tight but manageable. The key variable is housing. The average 1BR rent is $1,343/month, but this can swing from $1,100 in older buildings to $1,600+ for something modern. The buffer allows for savings or unexpected costs, which are common in older New England homes (e.g., heating oil price spikes in winter).

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question. The median home price in the Barre area is approximately $275,000. With a 20% down payment ($55,000), a mortgage would be around $1,400/month (including taxes and insurance), which is slightly above the average rent. With a $103,558 salary, getting approved for that mortgage is feasible, but saving for the down payment on the current take-home pay would take discipline. It’s a 3-5 year goal for most, not an immediate move.

Insider Tip: Many locals use local credit unions like New England Federal Credit Union or Vermont Federal Credit Union for mortgages. They often have better rates and more flexible terms for residents than national banks.

Where the Jobs Are: Barre's Major Employers

Barre’s job market isn’t about Fortune 500 giants; it’s about stable, mid-sized organizations that need constant project oversight. The 10-year job growth is 6%, which is modest but steady, driven by healthcare, education, and local government. There are about 16 Project Manager listings in the metro area at any given time, which is typical for a small city.

Here are the key players you should have on your radar:

1. Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS): A major behavioral health provider. They are constantly running projects related to facility upgrades, new program implementation (like telehealth), and IT system migrations. Hiring trends show a need for PMs who can handle sensitive, public-facing projects with strict compliance (HIPAA).
2. Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC): The area’s primary hospital (part of the UVM Health Network). Projects here range from construction (new wings, renovations) to EHR (Electronic Health Record) system rollouts and process improvement initiatives. These are high-stakes, well-compensated roles.
3. State of Vermont Agencies: Barre is the county seat, hosting several state offices. The Vermont Agency of Transportation, Department of Buildings and General Services, and Department of Health frequently hire contract and permanent PMs for infrastructure, public health, and IT projects. These jobs offer excellent benefits and job security.
4. Local Manufacturing & Fabrication: While not as dominant as in the past, companies like Vermont Quarries Corp. (in nearby Danby) and various custom fabrication shops in Barre’s industrial parks need PMs for production, logistics, and expansion projects. This is a niche but stable sector.
5. The Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA): A unique institution offering low-residency MFA programs. They need PMs for campus development, online learning platform projects, and accreditation processes. A great fit for PMs with an arts or education background.
6. Construction & Engineering Firms: Firms like Swinerton (with local projects) or Bread Loaf Corporation often have project offices in Central Vermont. They hire for specific construction management projects, offering a cyclical but lucrative contract market.
7. Non-Profits & Associations: Organizations like the Vermont Foodbank (regional hub) and the Barre Area Senior Center manage grants and community projects, requiring PMs who are adept at budgeting and stakeholder management in a non-profit context.

Hiring Trend Insight: The biggest demand is for PMs who are bilingual in traditional project management (PMP/PRINCE2) and some form of technical or clinical knowledge. A PM who can lead a hospital IT upgrade and understand clinical workflows is gold here.

Getting Licensed in Vermont

Project Management is not a state-licensed profession in Vermont, unlike engineering or architecture. There is no state-specific “Project Manager license” you need to obtain. However, the professional standards are high, and certifications are the de facto credential.

Key Certifications & Requirements:

• PMP (Project Management Professional): The gold standard, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). No state-specific requirements, but you need 36 months of leading projects with a bachelor's degree (or 60 months without). Cost: The exam fee is $405 for members, $555 for non-members. Study courses add $500-$2,000. Most employers in Barre, especially in healthcare and state government, will expect or strongly prefer this.
• CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management): A great entry-level cert from PMI. Requires a secondary degree and 23 hours of project management education. Cost: $225 (member) or $300 (non-member).
• State-Specific Considerations: For public sector (state government) or federally funded projects, you may need to adhere to specific procurement and reporting standards set by the Vermont Agency of Administration. Familiarity with state contracting processes can be a significant advantage.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. If you have no cert: Study for the CAPM (3-6 months). Apply for entry/mid-level roles while you gain experience.
2. If you have experience but no PMP: Enroll in a PMP prep course (online or local—check with Community College of Vermont for occasional workshops). Plan for 4-6 months of study and exam prep. Update your resume immediately upon passing.
3. For locals/insiders: Join the Vermont Chapter of PMI. They hold events (often in Montpelier or Burlington), which is where the real networking happens. It’s a small community; being known matters.

Insider Tip: Don’t overlook the value of a Lean Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt) for manufacturing or healthcare roles in Barre. It pairs perfectly with PMP and can command a $5,000-$10,000 salary premium.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Living in Barre isn’t about trendy downtown lofts. It’s about community, commute, and access to nature. The city is compact, but neighborhoods have distinct vibes.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown Barre	Historic, walkable, close to shops & restaurants. Commute to major employers is under 5 mins. Can be noisy.	$1,300 - $1,500	Young professionals who want a social scene and short commute.
North Barre / East Barre	Residential, quieter, more single-family homes. 5-10 minute drive to downtown. More space for the money.	$1,100 - $1,350	PMs looking to buy a home soon. Family-friendly.
South Barre / Websterville	Industrial and residential mix. Close to the airport and industrial parks. Access to hiking trails.	$1,000 - $1,250	Practical, budget-conscious PMs who work in manufacturing/logistics.
Montpelier (Capital City, 10 mins)	More upscale, political, boutique feel. Higher rents, but more cultural amenities and younger demographic.	$1,500 - $1,800	PMs who prioritize dining, arts, and a more urban (for Vermont) feel.
Moretown / Fayston (20-30 mins)	Rural, mountainous, ski-town adjacent. Longer commute but incredible outdoor access.	$900 - $1,200 (for older rentals)	Outdoor enthusiasts willing to trade commute time for lifestyle.

Insider Tip: If you’re moving from out of state, consider a short-term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) for 1-2 months in Montpelier or Downtown Barre to get a feel for the area before signing a long-term lease. The rental market moves fast, especially in summer.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A 6% job growth over 10 years isn’t explosive, but it’s solid in a stable market. Growth in Barre comes from specialization and moving up within existing organizations.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • IT/Software Project Manager: +10-15% over base median. High demand for digital transformation in healthcare and state gov.
  • Construction/Engineering PM: +5-10%. Tied to infrastructure and development projects.
  • Public Sector/Government PM: +0-5% (but with superior benefits and pension). Job security is the premium here.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Project Coordinator -> Project Manager: Standard path, requires PMP and taking ownership.
  2. Project Manager -> Senior PM/Program Manager: Requires managing multiple projects or large, complex ones (e.g., a hospital wing build).
  3. Senior PM -> Director of PMO: Very rare in Barre due to small org size. This often requires moving to Burlington or a national company with a local office.
  4. The Consultant Route: Many experienced PMs in Barre work as independent contractors for multiple clients (e.g., a state agency one year, a non-profit the next). This offers variety but less stability.
• 10-Year Outlook: The trend is toward hybrid roles. The PM who also understands data analysis, change management, or a specific industry (like renewable energy, which is growing in VT) will have the most options. The 16 job openings will slowly increase, likely in the $110,000+ salary range, as inflation and demand rise.

Insider Tip: The path to the highest salaries often involves leaving Barre temporarily. Many PMs take a high-paying contract role in Burlington or remote for a national firm, then return to Barre with a higher skill set and network, often working remotely or for a local satellite office.

The Verdict: Is Barre Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Salary vs. Cost of Living: Your $103,558 median goes far here compared to major metros.	Limited Job Market: Only 16 PM jobs at any time. You may need to be flexible.
Quality of Life: Unbeatable access to skiing, hiking, and lakes. Small-town community feel.	Harsh Winters: Can be isolating and challenging if you’re not prepared.
Stable Employers: Hospitals, state government, and mental health services offer job security.	Social Scene: Quiet. Nightlife and dining options are limited compared to Burlington.
Work-Life Balance: Short commutes (5-15 mins) and a culture that values time outdoors.	Political Homogeneity: Very liberal/progressive lean, which can feel insular to some.
Growth Potential: Specializing in local industries can build a unique, valuable niche.	Transportation: You need a reliable car. Public transit is minimal.

Final Recommendation:
Barre is an excellent choice for a Project Manager who values stability, community, and nature over the hustle of a big city. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals ($85,000 - $115,000 range) looking to buy a home, start a family, or simply slow down without sacrificing professional engagement. It’s less ideal for those seeking rapid career acceleration in a mega-corporation or a vibrant, 24/7 urban environment.

Go for it if: You can secure a remote or hybrid role, or you’re excited to immerse yourself in Vermont’s unique healthcare, government, or non-profit sectors.
Think twice if: Your career goal is to become a C-level PMO director at a global firm within 5 years, or if you rely on a bustling social calendar for your well-being.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for Project Managers in Barre?
It’s competitive but not cutthroat. With only 16 active jobs, each opening might get 20-50 applicants. However, many lack local experience or the specific PMP + industry combo. Tailor your resume to highlight regional knowledge (e.g., “Managed a project compliant with VT state procurement rules”). Networking through the Vermont PMI chapter is crucial.

2. What’s the real cost of living compared to a place like Boston?
Barre’s Cost of Living Index is 107.5 (US avg = 100). Boston is around 160+. Rents are 60-70% lower. While your salary might be 10-15% lower than in Boston, your disposable income and quality of life will likely be higher, unless you prioritize urban density.

3. Do I need a car?
Absolutely. Barre is not walkable as a primary mode of transport. Public transit exists but is limited. A reliable vehicle is a necessity for commuting, grocery shopping, and enjoying the outdoors. Budget $450-$600/month for a car payment, insurance, and gas.

4. Are there opportunities for remote Project Manager work based in Barre?
Yes, and this is a growing trend. Many Barre residents work remotely for companies in Burlington, Boston, or even nationally, enjoying the Vermont lifestyle while earning a higher salary. This can be a great way