The Software Developer's Guide to Burlington, Vermont

As a career analyst who’s called Burlington home for over a decade, I’ve watched the tech scene evolve from a few startups in the Old North End to a robust ecosystem powered by university talent and remote work. If you're a software developer eyeing the Queen City, this guide cuts through the fluff. We’ll talk real numbers, specific employers, and the nitty-gritty of life here—not just the postcard views of Lake Champlain.

Burlington isn't Silicon Valley or Austin. It's a mid-sized college town with a distinct personality: fiercely independent, outdoors-obsessed, and surprisingly tech-savvy for a city of 44,649. The cost of living is right at the national average, but the trade-off is a tight job market with only 267 developer positions in the metro. You're trading scale for quality of life. Let's break down if it's the right move for you.

The Salary Picture: Where Burlington Stands

First, the numbers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analysis, the median salary for a Software Developer in the Burlington-South Burlington metro area is $127,260/year, with an hourly rate of $61.18/hour. This is identical to the national average, which is a significant point in Burlington's favor—many smaller cities can't match national pay scales.

However, salary is heavily dependent on experience and specialty. The local market is small, so senior roles are highly competitive and command a premium.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown (Burlington, VT):

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Local Employers for this Level
Entry-Level	0-2	$75,000 - $95,000	Dealer, OnLogic, UVM Medical Center
Mid-Level	3-6	$95,000 - $130,000	MyWebGrocer, Consumer Reports, Darn Tough
Senior-Level	7-10	$130,000 - $165,000	GE Digital, Ben & Jerry's, State of VT
Expert/Lead	10+	$165,000+ (often with equity/bonuses)	Early-stage startups, remote FAANG roles

Comparison to Other VT Cities:
Burlington is the undisputed tech hub of Vermont, but other cities offer different trade-offs.

• Montpelier: The state capital. Salaries are similar (median ~$125k), but the job market is dominated by state government and smaller non-profits. Fewer pure software roles, more IT and policy-adjacent tech jobs.
• Hartford, VT (Upper Valley): Home to Dartmouth College and a cluster of biotech (like Amgen). Salaries can be higher for mid-to-senior roles ($130k+), but the housing market is equally tight and less diverse.
• Rutland: A smaller city with a lower cost of living. Software developer jobs are scarce, and salaries are typically 10-15% below Burlington's median.

Burlington offers the best balance of opportunity and compensation in the state. If you're looking to maximize income within Vermont, this is your target.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A six-figure salary in Vermont doesn't feel the same as it does in a state with no income tax. Let's do a realistic monthly budget for a single Software Developer earning the median salary of $127,260/year.

Assumptions: Filing single, using the 2024 federal and Vermont tax brackets. VT state income tax is progressive, maxing at 8.75%. Property taxes are high but are factored into rent.

• Gross Monthly Income: $10,605
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, VT State): ~$2,900/month
• Net Take-Home (after taxes): $7,705/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,441	Citywide median. Can be lower ($1,100) in Winooski or higher ($1,800+) downtown.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$200	Vermont winters mean higher heating costs. Spectrum/Comcast are the main providers.
Groceries & Essentials	$500	Grocery costs are slightly above national average. Shop at City Market or Hannaford.
Transportation	$300	Public transit (CTD) is limited. Most own a car. Insurance is average. Gas is often cheaper than national avg.
Healthcare (Out-of-Pocket)	$300	Assuming employer-sponsored insurance with a moderate deductible.
Debt/Student Loans	$300	Placeholder; adjust based on your situation.
Entertainment & Dining	$600	Burlington has a vibrant food and brewery scene. This budget is realistic for an active social life.
Savings & Investments	$4,104	After all expenses, you have a healthy surplus for retirement, savings, or discretionary spending.

Can they afford to buy a home?
The median home price in Chittenden County (Burlington metro) is approximately $450,000. With a $127,260 salary, a 20% down payment ($90,000) is a significant hurdle for early-career developers. However, for a mid-to-senior developer with a partner or strong savings, it's achievable. A mortgage on a $450k home would be roughly $2,200-$2,500/month (including taxes/insurance), which is higher than rent but builds equity. Many developers in Burlington opt to live in nearby towns like Essex Junction or Winooski for more affordable homeownership.

Where the Jobs Are: Burlington's Major Employers

The job market is small, so knowing the key players is crucial. Here are 5-7 specific employers that consistently hire software developers:

1. Dealer (formerly Dealer.com): This is the behemoth of Vermont tech. A SaaS company for automotive retail, Dealer employs hundreds of developers. They're known for a robust internal tech stack (Java, .NET, cloud), competitive pay, and a strong campus in South Burlington. Hiring trends are steady, with a focus on mid-to-senior talent.
2. OnLogic: A hardware and IoT company that designs rugged industrial computers. They build everything in-house, from firmware to web platforms. This is a great spot for full-stack or embedded developers. They've seen steady growth and have a modern office in South Burlington.
3. The University of Vermont (UVM) & UVM Medical Center: UVM is the state's largest employer. The medical center runs complex electronic health record (EHR) systems and custom software for patient care. They hire for backend, data, and security roles. Salaries are slightly below market but come with excellent benefits and job security. The hiring process is notoriously slow.
4. MyWebGrocer: A digital commerce platform for the grocery industry. They're a smaller, agile company that often hires for full-stack roles (JavaScript, Node.js, React). It's a solid mid-sized company with a less corporate feel than Dealer.
5. Consumer Reports: Their IT and software team supports the digital transition of this iconic non-profit. Roles are often in data engineering, web development, and security. It's a mission-driven environment with a focus on ethical tech.
6. State of Vermont: The Department of Digital Services is actively modernizing state government tech. They hire developers for public-facing services (like myVT.gov). Salaries are public and can be found on the state's HR website. They offer great work-life balance but can be bureaucratic.
7. Remote-First & Startups: The pandemic shifted the landscape. Many Burlington developers now work remotely for companies in Boston, NYC, or San Francisco, earning higher salaries while enjoying Vermont's lifestyle. Local startups like Flux (a cannabis tech company) and Pillar (a medical device startup) are small but offer equity and rapid growth potential.

Insider Tip: Networking is key here. The Vermont Technology Alliance and meetups at places like the Burlington Brewery or the Hula Lakeside campus are where you'll hear about unposted roles.

Getting Licensed in VT

Good news: Vermont has no state-level licensing requirement for software developers. You don't need a state license to code. However, there are important considerations for certain roles and business activities.

• Professional Engineer (PE) License: If you're working on software for critical infrastructure (e.g., traffic control systems, medical devices under FDA regulation, or structural engineering software), you may need to work under a PE. The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation oversees this. The exam is national, but state-specific rules apply. Cost: ~$500 for the exam, plus annual fees.
• State Business Registration: If you're a sole proprietor or starting an LLC, you'll need to register with the Vermont Secretary of State. Filing fee for an LLC is $125. This is a one-time cost.
• Timeline: Registering a business takes 1-2 business days online. There's no "getting licensed" timeline for standard software development jobs.

The real "license" here is your portfolio and network. Vermont employers value practical experience and cultural fit over formal certifications.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Where you live in Burlington drastically impacts your commute and lifestyle. The city is small, but traffic is minimal—most commutes are under 20 minutes. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Downtown Burlington: The epicenter. Walk to work at Dealer, City Market, or lakeside parks. High-energy, lots of restaurants and breweries. Rent is premium: $1,600 - $2,200+ for a 1BR. Best for young professionals and those who want to be in the middle of it all.
2. Old North End (ONE): Just north of downtown. More affordable, diverse, and artsy. Home to many young families and creatives. A 5-10 minute bike ride to downtown. Rent: $1,200 - $1,600. Great for developers who value community and affordability.
3. South End: A mix of residential and light industrial. Home to the Flynn Theater, breweries (Foam, Zero Gravity), and the popular "South End Art Hop." Commutes are easy by car or bike. Rent is moderate: $1,300 - $1,700. Ideal for those who want a bit more space and a quieter vibe but still close to the action.
4. Winooski (Adjacent City): Technically its own city, but part of the metro. A revitalized mill town with a dense, walkable downtown. It's often more affordable than Burlington proper. Rent: $1,100 - $1,500. Commute to Burlington is <10 minutes. A top choice for developers looking to stretch their salary.
5. Essex Junction/Essex: A suburb about 15 minutes east. Home to many families, better school districts, and larger homes. The commute is easy but requires a car. Rent: $1,200 - $1,600. Best for established developers with families who prioritize space and schools.

Insider Tip: The rental market is competitive. Start looking at least 60 days before your move. Use local sites like the Burlington Free Press classifieds or Facebook Marketplace, as many landlords don't list on national sites.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Burlington's tech scene is mature but not massive, so career paths are different from major hubs.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest premiums are in cloud architecture (AWS/Azure), cybersecurity, and data engineering. There's a shortage of seniors in these areas. An expert in Kubernetes or threat modeling can command $160k+. Generalist full-stack developers are abundant; specialists stand out.
• Advancement Paths: The ladder is shorter. You might go from Developer to Senior in 4-6 years, but Director or VP roles are limited. Many developers hit a ceiling and pivot to management at a local company or, more commonly, transition to a remote senior/lead role for a higher salary.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 10-year job growth projection for software developers is 17%, which is faster than the national average for many professions. This is driven by the digital transformation of Vermont's traditional industries (agriculture, tourism, healthcare) and the state's push to attract tech talent. However, the absolute number of jobs (267) will remain small. The real growth will be in remote work—Burlington will become a haven for high-earning developers who choose lifestyle over location.

The Verdict: Is Burlington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Quality of Life: Unbeatable access to outdoor recreation (skiing, hiking, biking, sailing). A genuine four-season climate.	Limited Job Market: Only 267 jobs. You cannot bounce between companies easily.
Salary vs. Cost of Living: Median salary matches the national average while cost of living is also at the national average. A good value.	High Taxes: VT has a high state income tax and property tax. Your take-home may surprise you.
Vibrant, Small Community: Easy to network, be seen, and make an impact. Tight-knit tech community.	Harsh Winters: Long, dark, and cold. A significant lifestyle factor to consider.
Remote Work Hub: Perfect base for a remote job with a high salary from a coastal city.	Housing Costs: Rent is rising, and inventory is low. Buying a home is a major financial commitment.

Final Recommendation:
Burlington is an excellent choice for a mid-career software developer (3-10 years experience) who is either:

1. Seeking a remote role with a high salary and a superior quality of life.
2. Specializing in a high-demand niche like cloud or security and willing to be patient for the right local role.
3. Prioritizing lifestyle, outdoor access, and community over rapid career climbing in a massive corporate ladder.

It is not ideal for:

1. Early-career developers needing to job-hop frequently to double their salary.
2. Those who require the energy and anonymity of a massive metropolis.
3. Anyone who cannot tolerate long, snowy winters.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the Burlington job market for software developers?
A: It's competitive but in a unique way. There are few openings (267), so you're competing with a small, local talent pool and some remote applicants. Having a local network (via UVM alumni, meetups) or a standout portfolio is more important than in a large city where volume matters.

Q: Can I live in Burlington without a car?
A: It's challenging but possible. Downtown, the Old North End, and parts of the South End are walkable/bikeable. Public transit (CTD) is limited. If you work remotely, you could manage. If you need to commute to South Burlington (where Dealer, OnLogic are), a car or e-bike is highly recommended.

Q: What's the tech community like?
A: It's collaborative and friendly, not cutthroat. Groups like Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) and the Vermont Technology Alliance host events. The "Startup Challenge" at UVM is a big deal. It's easy to meet people, but it's not the endless conference circuit of Austin or Boston.

Q: Is Vermont a good state for remote work taxes?
A: It's complicated. If you work remotely for a company based in another state, you still pay Vermont income tax on that income as a resident. However, you may also owe taxes to your employer's state (often a credit). Consult a tax professional, but know that VT is a "tax everything" state.

Q: How do the winters really affect developer life?
A: They can be long. Snowfall from November to March can disrupt commutes (though roads are cleared quickly). The upside? It forces a culture of indoor collaboration, cozy coffee shops, and a vibrant ski/snowboard culture. Many remote developers use the winter to focus deeply on coding projects. If you're from a warm climate, it's a significant adjustment.