Welding in Burlington, VT: A Comprehensive Career Guide

As someone who’s watched Burlington’s economy shift from a heavy manufacturing past to a more diversified present, I’ve seen welders become a crucial, if sometimes overlooked, part of the local economy. Burlington isn’t a sprawling industrial powerhouse; it’s a compact, lakefront city where skilled tradespeople are in steady demand. This guide is for the welder weighing a move here—whether you’re a recent graduate from a technical school or a seasoned professional looking for a change of scenery. We’ll cut through the promotional fluff and look at the real numbers, the real employers, and the real lifestyle of a welder in Burlington.

The Salary Picture: Where Burlington Stands

Let’s start with the data. The median salary for Welders in the Burlington metro area is $49,590 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $23.84. This figure aligns perfectly with the national average of $49,590/year, which is somewhat surprising for a smaller, high-cost-of-living area like Burlington. It suggests that while the base pay isn’t inflated by a major industrial boom, it also isn’t lagging behind the rest of the country. However, this median figure is a starting point. Your actual earnings will depend heavily on your specialty, the industry you enter, and your experience level.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in the Burlington area. These figures are estimates based on local job postings and industry conversations, sitting around the $49,590 median.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Local Industries
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$38,000 - $45,000	General fabrication, small machine shops, some construction support.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$45,000 - $60,000	Aerospace components, marine fabrication, public works projects.
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	$60,000 - $75,000+	Specialized welding (TIG, automated), pipeline work, lead/foreman roles.

Comparing to Other Vermont Cities:
Burlington’s salary is competitive within the state. In the Barre-Montpelier area (a hub for stone and granite industries), welders might see slightly lower median wages, closer to $47,000, due to a more traditional manufacturing base. In Rutland, another manufacturing center, the median is similar to Burlington’s, around $48,000, but with fewer high-tech opportunities. The key differentiator for Burlington is the presence of aerospace and tech-adjacent manufacturing, which can offer higher premiums for specialized skills compared to other Vermont regions.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many local employers offer seasonal bonuses tied to company performance, especially in the aerospace and marine sectors. It’s not uncommon for a mid-level welder to see an extra $2,000 - $4,000 at the end of a good year.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The $49,590 median salary looks solid on paper, but Burlington’s cost of living is a major factor. The city’s Cost of Living Index is 100.0, exactly the national average. However, this index is a bit misleading because it doesn’t fully capture the housing crunch. The real story is in the rent.

For a single welder earning the median, the math looks like this:

• Gross Annual Salary: $49,590
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home (after ~22% for taxes & deductions): ~$3,030
• Average 1BR Rent in Burlington: $1,441/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,441	This is the citywide average; see neighborhood section for specifics.
Utilities	$200	Includes electricity, heating (a must in VT winters), and internet.
Groceries	$400	Slightly above national average due to Vermont's local food focus.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Essential. Public transit is limited for trades.
Fuel & Maintenance	$150	Commuting in winter adds to wear and tear.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies by employer; many offer good plans.
Discretionary/Savings	$39	This is the reality check. After essentials, there’s very little left.

Can they afford to buy a home?
On a single $49,590 income, buying a home in Burlington proper is extremely challenging. The median home price in Burlington is over $450,000. A 20% down payment would be $90,000, and a mortgage on that price would be roughly $2,200/month before taxes and insurance—more than the typical take-home pay. However, it’s not impossible with discipline. Living with a partner, sharing housing costs, or targeting more affordable nearby towns like Winooski or South Burlington (where prices are slightly lower) can make homeownership a realistic 5-10 year goal. Many local welders I know buy homes in Essex Junction or Colchester, where the commute is short and prices are more manageable.

Where the Jobs Are: Burlington's Major Employers

Burlington’s job market for welders is specialized. You won’t find massive, traditional steel mills. Instead, look for precision-oriented companies serving aerospace, marine, and municipal needs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes 89 jobs in the metro area, a small but stable pool. Hiring trends are steady, with a slight uptick in demand for welders proficient in TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) and MIG (Metal Inert Gas) for aluminum and stainless steel, crucial for the local aerospace and marine industries.

Here are the key local employers:

1. Beta Technologies: This electric aviation company is one of Burlington’s biggest success stories. They have a massive facility in South Burlington and are constantly fabricating prototypes and production parts. They hire welders with experience in aerospace-grade materials and processes. This is a high-tech, fast-paced environment.
2. Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBC): While not headquartered in Burlington, they have a significant presence through their Bristol Bay Technical Services division, which supports local federal contracts. They often need welders for projects at the nearby Burlington International Airport and for municipal infrastructure.
3. Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO): As the state’s transmission utility, VELCO has a large workshop in Williston (a 10-minute drive from downtown). They need welders for maintaining and fabricating high-voltage transmission towers and substation equipment. This is stable, union-supported work.
4. Burlington Shipyard / Marine Fabricators: Several smaller shops around the Lake Champlain waterfront cater to the recreational and commercial boating industry. Companies like Wright’s Boatworks (in nearby Essex) and custom fabricators in the Burlington Breakwater area work on aluminum and steel hull repairs. Work is seasonal but skilled.
5. University of Vermont (UVM): UVM’s facilities management department employs welders for maintaining campus buildings, research equipment, and the university’s fleet. It’s a stable, public-sector job with excellent benefits, though the hiring process can be slow.
6. City of Burlington Public Works: The city’s own shop maintains snowplows, bridges, and public infrastructure. These are civil service positions with strong job security, competitive pay, and a pension. They often post openings on the city’s official website.
7. Local Machine Shops: Numerous small-to-medium machine shops in Essex Junction and Winooski serve the broader regional economy, from medical devices to food processing equipment. They provide a constant source of contract and full-time work for general welders.

Insider Tip: The most reliable jobs are with VELCO and the City of Burlington. Aerospace (Beta) is exciting but can be more cyclical. For steady work, check the state job board and municipal websites regularly.

Getting Licensed in VT

Vermont takes a pragmatic approach to welding credentials. The state itself does not issue a mandatory "welding license" for general fabrication. However, specialized certifications are essential for employability, and they are often required by specific employers or for certain projects.

1. The Essential Cert: The American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder credential is the gold standard. It’s not state-specific but is recognized by all major employers. You get tested on specific processes (e.g., GMAW-M on plate) and materials. Testing is done at accredited facilities, like the one at Vermont Technical College in Williston.
2. Pressure Welding: If you want to work on pipelines, boilers, or pressure vessels, you need a National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBIC) certification or a state-issued "R" stamp. This requires extensive experience and passing a rigorous exam. It’s a major career booster.
3. Structural Welding: For work on bridges or buildings, you may need certifications compliant with the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) or American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) codes, often administered through an employer’s quality control program.
4. Costs and Timeline:
   • AWS Certification Test: $200 - $400 per test plate. A basic certification (one process) can be achieved in a single day.
   • Technical School: A 1-year certificate program at Community College of Vermont (CCV) or Vermont Tech costs roughly $8,000 - $12,000 in tuition and fees. This provides structured training and access to testing.
   • Timeline: You can get a basic AWS certification in a week. A full certificate program takes 9-12 months. Advanced credentials (like NBIC) can take years of on-the-job experience.

State Licensing Body: For pressure work, contact the Vermont Department of Public Service, Public Buildings Division. For general information, the Vermont Department of Labor is a key resource.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Where you live will dictate your commute, your rent, and your lifestyle. Burlington is small, so commutes are short, but neighborhood choice matters.

1. Winooski (The "Burlington Adjacent"):
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400/month for a 1BR.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to downtown Burlington or South Burlington.
   • Lifestyle: A walkable, former mill town with a younger vibe, great breweries, and direct access to I-89. Perfect for welders working at Beta Technologies or in South Burlington. More affordable than Burlington proper.
2. South Burlington (The Employer Hub):
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,700/month for a 1BR.
   • Commute: 0-15 minutes to most major employers (Beta, VELCO, airport).
   • Lifestyle: Car-centric, strip-mall convenience, with access to great shopping and the airport. Ideal if you work at Beta or for the airport authority. Less character, more practicality.
3. Essex Junction:
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,550/month for a 1BR.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to Burlington, 5 minutes to many machine shops.
   • Lifestyle: A classic suburban town with a strong community feel, excellent schools, and a quieter pace. Great for welders with families or those who want a yard. Home to many small fabrication shops.
4. The Old North End (Burlington):
   • Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,450/month for a 1BR.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to downtown, 15 minutes to South Burlington.
   • Lifestyle: The most urban, diverse, and walkable part of Burlington. Older housing stock, vibrant arts scene, and a mix of students and long-time residents. Good for those who want a city vibe without the price of the Hill Section.
5. Colchester (Lakeshore Area):
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,300/month for a 1BR.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to Burlington.
   • Lifestyle: More rural and residential, with fantastic access to Lake Champlain’s beaches and bike paths. Ideal for welders who work at VELCO (in nearby Williston) and value outdoor recreation. The most affordable option near the city.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth for welders in the U.S. is 2%, a figure that reflects automation and offshoring. In Burlington, the outlook is similar—steady but not explosive. Growth will come from specialization, not volume.

• Specialty Premiums: The real money is in niche skills.
  • Aerospace TIG Welding: Welders certified for thin-gauge aluminum and stainless can command $5-$10/hour above the median.
  • Underwater Welding: While not common in Burlington, those who get certified and work on Lake Champlain’s infrastructure or for companies servicing the Great Lakes can earn $60,000 - $80,000+.
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): Moving from the torch to quality control can push your salary over $70,000. This requires passing an AWS exam after years of experience.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Welder → Lead Welder/Fabricator → Shop Foreman → Project Manager. The leap from foreman to manager often requires additional training in logistics, CAD, or business. Companies like Beta and VELCO offer tuition assistance for this kind of upskilling.
• 10-Year Outlook: Automation will handle repetitive tasks, but complex, custom, and repair work will remain human-driven. Burlington’s focus on high-value, low-volume manufacturing (aerospace, specialty marine) protects welders here more than in regions focused on mass production. The key is to stay adaptable and certified in the latest processes.

The Verdict: Is Burlington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Specialized Employers (Aerospace, Utilities, Municipal).	High Cost of Living, especially housing, relative to salary.
Short Commutes and easy access to outdoor recreation.	Limited Job Volume – only 89 jobs in the metro.
Competitive Salary matching the national average.	Winters are long and harsh, affecting commute and lifestyle.
Strong Sense of Community and high quality of life.	Social scene can feel small if you’re used to large cities.
Opportunities for High-Skill Specialization (TIG, Aerospace).	Buying a home on a single welder's salary is very difficult.

Final Recommendation:
Burlington is an excellent choice for a welder who values quality of life over sheer volume of work. It’s ideal for a mid-career professional with specialized skills (especially TIG) looking for stability with a reputable employer like VELCO or Beta, or for someone with a partner whose income helps with the high rent. It’s not the best choice for an entry-level welder seeking the highest possible starting wage or for someone looking to buy a home immediately on a single income. If you can navigate the housing market and embrace Vermont’s distinct culture, Burlington offers a rewarding and stable career path in a beautiful setting.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own welding rig to get a job in Burlington?
No, most employers provide all equipment. For city or utility jobs, you’ll use their trucks and tools. For smaller shops, you might use shop-owned equipment. Having your own rig isn’t a requirement here like it might be in pipeline work elsewhere.

2. How’s the demand for welders right now?
Demand is steady, not booming. The 89 jobs in the metro indicate a consistent need, especially for those with AWS certifications. The best time to look is in the spring, as construction and marine work pick up.

3. Is Vermont a "right-to-work" state?
No, Vermont is a strong union state. You may find union opportunities with VELCO (IBEW) or on larger public works projects. Union jobs often come with better benefits and pensions, which can offset the high cost of living.

4. What’s the winter commute like for a welder?
It requires preparation. You’ll need a reliable vehicle with good winter tires (a must, not an option). Commutes are short (10-20 minutes), so even in a snowstorm, it’s manageable. Employers are generally understanding about weather delays.

5. Can I get a job without formal training?
Yes, but it’s harder. Many small shops hire based on skill and a certification test. However, for the better-paying jobs at Beta or VELCO, a certificate from Vermont Tech or CCV, plus AWS certifications, will make you a much stronger candidate. It’s an investment that pays off.