Registered Nurse in South Burlington, VT

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Registered Nurses considering a move to South Burlington, Vermont.

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The Salary Picture: Where South Burlington Stands

As a local who’s watched the nursing job market here evolve over the last decade, I can tell you the numbers are solid, but the context is everything. The salary data for South Burlington tells a story of stability and regional parity.

The median salary for a Registered Nurse in the South Burlington metro area is $86,070 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $41.38. It’s important to note that this figure aligns perfectly with the national average salary of $86,070/year for RNs. While you won’t see a massive cost-of-living premium here compared to the national average (which is a relief), you also won’t be taking a pay cut to move to a scenic, less-competitive market.

This salary supports a career, not just a job. The job market is tight but growing, with approximately 184 active RN jobs available in the metro area at any given time. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, which is steady and sustainable. This isn’t the explosive growth you’d see in a booming sunbelt city, but it’s a reliable, low-risk market—perfect for nurses who value stability and quality of life over frenetic career hopping.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a great baseline, actual pay scales with experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the South Burlington area:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate Range	Key Local Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$72,000 - $80,000	$34.62 - $38.46	Often starts with sign-on bonuses for bedside roles in Med/Surg or LTC.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$82,000 - $95,000	$39.42 - $45.68	Where most RNs land. Specialty certs (like ACLS, PALS) can bump this up.
Senior/Expert (8+ yrs)	$96,000 - $110,000+	$46.15 - $52.88+	Typically in specialized units, leadership (charge nurse), or advanced practice.

Comparison to Other Vermont Cities

South Burlington is part of the Chittenden County metro, which is the state's economic engine. Salaries here are typically on par with or slightly higher than other Vermont cities, reflecting the concentration of employers.

City	Median RN Salary	Cost of Living	Job Market Size
South Burlington	$86,070	100.0 (US Avg)	184 jobs
Burlington (city proper)	~$85,500	105.5	Dense, highly competitive
Rutland	~$80,200	98.0	Smaller, regional hospital focus
Montpelier	~$83,000	102.0	Government & state hospital focus

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Ask about differential pay. Shift differentials for nights and weekends in Burlington area hospitals can add $4-$6/hour, significantly boosting your annual income if you’re open to non-traditional hours.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the bottom line. Earning $86,070 sounds great, but Vermont has a progressive income tax system (ranging from 3.35% to 8.75%), and rent in Chittenden County is notoriously high.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an RN earning $86,070:

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,172
• Estimated Monthly Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$2,100
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$5,072/month

Here’s how that plays out with local costs:

• Average 1BR Rent (South Burlington): $1,441/month
• Utilities (Est.): $150-$200/month
• Student Loan Payment (Est.): $300-$400/month
• Health Insurance (Est. employer contribution): $150/month (pre-tax)
• Groceries/Transportation: $600-$800/month
• Remaining for Savings/Debt/Pleasure: ~$1,200-$1,500/month

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question. The median home price in Chittenden County is over $500,000. With $1,500/month available for a mortgage, down payment savings, taxes, and maintenance, buying a single-family home is a significant stretch for a single earner on this salary. It’s possible with a dual-income household or by targeting condos/townhouses in the $300k-$350k range, but it requires careful budgeting. Renting is the more common and realistic short-to-medium term strategy for a single RN moving here.

Where the Jobs Are: South Burlington's Major Employers

The job market is dominated by a few key players, each with a distinct culture. You’re not just applying to a hospital; you’re choosing a lifestyle.

1. The University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMC): The 892-bed academic medical center in Burlington (a 5-10 minute commute from South Burlington). It’s the state’s largest employer and Level 1 Trauma Center. Hiring is constant across all specialties. Trend: They heavily invest in nurse residency programs for new grads and offer tuition reimbursement for BSN and advanced degrees.
2. The University of Vermont Health Network – Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC): Located in Barre (a 40-minute commute). A community hospital with a more intimate feel. Trend: Often has sign-on bonuses for hard-to-fill positions like Med/Surg and Behavioral Health. Great for nurses who want to avoid the intensity of a major metro hospital.
3. The UVM Health Network – Porter Medical Center: In Middlebury (a 30-minute commute). Serves a beautiful, rural region. Trend: Known for a strong sense of community and collaboration. Often seeks nurses with experience in rural health or emergency care.
4. South Burlington Rehabilitation & Nursing Center: A key local long-term care (LTC) employer. Trend: The LTC sector is chronically understaffed statewide, offering high job security. Shift differentials here can be particularly lucrative.
5. The Vermont Center for Health & Rehabilitation (VCHR): Also in South Burlington, part of The University of Vermont Health Network. A premier acute rehabilitation facility. Trend: Requires specialized rehab experience and often pays a premium for certifications like CRRN (Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse).
6. The Vermont Department of Health: For nurses interested in public health, infection control, or school nursing. Trend: State jobs offer excellent benefits and pension plans, though base salaries can be slightly lower than acute care. Hiring is less frequent but highly competitive.
7. The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts (Per Diem): Okay, this is an outlier, but it’s a great example of the local scene. They, like many performing arts venues and corporate events, hire per diem nurses for first aid. It’s a fantastic side gig that pays $35-$50/hour cash and lets you enjoy the arts scene.

Getting Licensed in VT

The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) is your go-to source.

• Requirements: You must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for licensure by examination. If you’re already licensed in another state, you can apply for licensure by endorsement. Vermont is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means if you hold a multistate license from another NLC state (like NH, ME, or PA), you can practice in VT without getting a separate Vermont license. This is a huge advantage.
• Costs: The application fee is $175. The NCLEX-RN exam fee is $200. Total upfront cost: ~$375. If you need a background check, add $40-$50.
• Timeline: If you’re a new graduate, start the application process 6-8 weeks before graduation. It typically takes the OPR 4-6 weeks to process a complete application after they receive your official transcript. Once you get your Authorization to Test (ATT), you can schedule the NCLEX. Overall, plan for a 2-3 month timeline from application to holding your license.
• Insider Tip: The OPR website is user-friendly but can be slow. Call them if you have questions—they are actually helpful. For endorsements, start the process as soon as you decide to move, as it can take longer if your original state’s verification is delayed.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Where you live dictates your commute and your social life. South Burlington is small, but each area has a different vibe.

1. South Burlington’s "The South End" (Downtown Adjacent): Close to the UVM Medical Center and all amenities. Walkable to restaurants, the lake, and the airport. Commute: 0-5 minutes by car. Rent Estimate: $1,500-$1,800 for a 1BR. Best for: The nurse who wants zero commute and urban energy.
2. The Old North End (Burlington): A historic, densely packed neighborhood just north of downtown. Very diverse, with great character and older housing stock. Commute: 5-10 minutes. Rent Estimate: $1,200-$1,500 for a 1BR. Best for: The nurse who loves walkability, character, and a strong sense of local community.
3. Essex Junction/Essex (Town): A classic New England suburb about 10-15 minutes east. More family-oriented, with single-family homes and good schools. Commute: 15-20 minutes to UVMC. Rent Estimate: $1,300-$1,600 for a 1BR. Best for: Nurses with families or those who want more space and a quieter, suburban feel.
4. Shelburne (Town): A scenic, affluent suburb south of Burlington. Very tight-knit, with a beautiful town center and access to Lake Champlain. Commute: 10-15 minutes. Rent Estimate: $1,600-$2,000+ for a 1BR (premium for location). Best for: Nurses with a higher budget who prioritize quality of life, outdoor access, and a quiet, safe environment.
5. The Intervale/Winooski (Arlington Area): Just across the Winooski River. A mix of older homes and new developments. Offers a bit more affordability than the core of South Burlington. Commute: 10-15 minutes. Rent Estimate: $1,250-$1,450 for a 1BR. Best for: The budget-conscious nurse who still wants a short, easy commute and doesn’t need to be in the trendiest spot.

The Long Game: Career Growth

South Burlington is a fantastic place to build a long-term nursing career, especially if you value education and stability.

• Specialty Premiums: To move beyond the median salary, specialty certifications are key. Here’s what they can add locally:
  • Critical Care (CCRN): +$2-$4/hour premium (common at UVMC).
  • Oncology (OCN): +$1.50-$3/hour (at UVMC’s Cancer Center).
  • Pediatrics (CPN): +$2-$3/hour (at UVM Medical Center’s pediatric units).
  • Certified Nurse Educator (CNE): Strongly valued in academic and staff development roles.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is Bedside Nurse -> Charge Nurse -> Nurse Manager. However, Vermont has a unique opportunity: public health and policy roles. With the state’s focus on rural health and opioid crisis response, nurses with an MPH or policy background can find impactful roles at the Vermont Department of Health or in non-profits like the Vermont Care Network.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth is reliable. The aging population will keep demand high, especially in geriatrics and home health. The push for value-based care will increase demand for Case Management and Nurse Navigator roles. The biggest long-term factor? The University of Vermont. Its presence ensures a constant need for nurse educators, clinical instructors, and research nurses. If you’re thinking about a future MSN, DNP, or becoming a nurse practitioner, South Burlington is an ideal base with local education options and a job market ready to hire advanced practice nurses.

The Verdict: Is South Burlington Right for You?

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Here’s a balanced look.

Pros	Cons
Stable job market with major academic medical centers.	High rent relative to the region; homeownership is a challenge for singles.
Salary matches national average without a high cost-of-living premium.	Competitive housing market; you need to be quick to secure an apartment.
Access to top-tier education (UVM, UVM Medical Center).	Winters are long and gray; seasonal affective disorder is a real consideration.
Outdoor recreation is unparalleled (hiking, skiing, lake life).	Traffic congestion is growing, especially on I-89 and around downtown.
Strong sense of community and local pride.	A "transplant" can feel like an outsider in tight-knit social circles.
Compact state license (NLC) is a huge plus for nearby states.	Limited nightlife compared to larger cities.

Final Recommendation:
South Burlington is an excellent choice for the nurse who values work-life balance, professional growth, and a safe, beautiful environment. It’s ideal for mid-career nurses looking to specialize or pursue advanced degrees, and for new grads who want a supportive residency program. If you’re a single nurse on a $86,070 salary, you can live comfortably but will need roommates or a partner to comfortably buy a home. If you’re a two-income household or a nurse with a specialty premium, the financial equation becomes much more favorable.

FAQs

Q: Is the nursing shortage acute in South Burlington?
A: Yes, but in a managed way. It’s not a crisis of desperation but a consistent demand for qualified nurses. UVM Medical Center and other major employers offer robust hiring incentives. You won’t have trouble finding a job, but you will need to be patient with the hiring process (6-8 weeks is common).

Q: What’s the winter commute like?
A: It’s manageable but requires preparation. Snow tires are a must from November to April. The commute from Essex or Shelburne is usually plowed quickly, but a 15-minute drive can turn into 30 minutes during a major storm. Living close to the hospital (South Burlington "South End") is a huge advantage for night shift nurses in winter.

Q: Are there opportunities for nurses who don’t want to work in a hospital?
A: Absolutely. Vermont has a strong network of Federally Qualified Health Centers (like the Community Health Centers of Burlington), home health agencies (like the UVM Health Network Home Health & Hospice), and school districts. Public health is also a significant field here.

Q: How does the cost of living really feel on an RN salary?
A: It’s comfortable but not luxurious. You’ll have disposable income for activities, dining out, and travel, especially if you cook at home. The high rent is the primary budget item. Many locals mitigate this by having roommates or living in older, more affordable housing stock in the Old North End. The lack of sales tax (except on meals and rooms) helps offset other costs.

Q: Is it a good place for a new graduate nurse?
A: Yes, particularly because of the UVM Medical Center’s Nurse Residency Program. It’s a structured, supportive year-long program that eases the transition from student to professional. The cost of living is a hurdle, but the professional development is top-notch. Be prepared to share an apartment or live a bit further out for your first year.

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Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow Rental Market Data, City-Data.com, and local employer job postings (2023-2024).