Salaries in Bennington CDP, VT
What every job actually pays โ cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 ยท 27 occupations ยท BLS + Census data
Hereโs the thing about working in Bennington CDP: you might not expect a Vermont town of under 9,000 people to have a software developer earning over $130,000. But it does. And with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, the job market is tighter than a drum.
Letโs talk purchasing power. Benningtonโs cost of living sits at 107.5โabout 7.5% above the national average. A one-bedroom apartment runs you $1,343 a month. That means the median household income of $53,839 doesnโt stretch as far as youโd hope. While itโs not a budget paradise, itโs also not a wallet-draining metropolis. For the right professional, it can feel manageable.
Who actually thrives here? Beyond the standout software developer salaries, this is a place for skilled trades and essential services. Registered nurses and accountants both pull in around $88,000, and electricians arenโt far behind. The local economy leans on healthcare, education, and some light manufacturing, with places like Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and Bennington College serving as key anchors. Itโs a classic small-city mix.
Hereโs my honest take: wages here aren't spectacular across the board. The average salary is $58,289, but after you adjust for that higher cost of living, the real-world value drops to about $54,223. If youโre in a top-tier field like tech or healthcare, youโll do fine. If youโre in a more common role, you might feel the squeeze. The city works well for those with in-demand skills or a remote salary from a bigger market.
The data below will show you exactly how your profession stacks up against the local averages and what your take-home pay might really look like.
๐ Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Bennington CDP
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
๐ Complete Salary Guide โ All 27 Occupations in Bennington CDP
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (108/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.
| # | Occupation โ | Raw Salary โ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $130,123 |
| 2 | Accountant | $88,016 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $88,006 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $65,102 |
| 5 | Electrician | $62,934 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $62,863 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $54,284 |
| 8 | Firefighter | $51,125 |
| 9 | Dental Hygienist | $51,125 |
| 10 | Web Developer | $51,125 |
| 11 | Marketing Manager | $51,125 |
| 12 | Paralegal | $51,125 |
| 13 | Medical Assistant | $51,125 |
| 14 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $51,125 |
| 15 | Project Manager | $51,125 |
| 16 | Police Officer | $51,125 |
| 17 | Graphic Designer | $51,125 |
| 18 | Data Analyst | $51,125 |
| 19 | Plumber | $51,125 |
| 20 | Human Resources Specialist | $51,125 |
| 21 | Carpenter | $51,125 |
| 22 | Physical Therapist | $51,125 |
| 23 | Pharmacist | $51,125 |
| 24 | HVAC Technician | $51,125 |
| 25 | Financial Analyst | $51,125 |
| 26 | Welder | $51,125 |
| 27 | Construction Manager | $51,125 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
๐๏ธ Living Costs in Bennington CDP
๐งฎ Can You Afford to Live in Bennington CDP?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Bennington CDP. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
โ Bennington CDP Salary FAQ
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๐ Editor's Verdict: Is Bennington CDP Worth It?
Hereโs my honest take: Bennington isnโt a gold rush. The average salary ($58k) doesnโt stretch as far as youโd hope when the cost-of-living index is 107.5 and rent runs $1,343 a month. Itโs passable, but not great.
If youโre in tech, especially software development, the math works. With six-figure payโ$130k raw, $121k adjustedโyouโll live comfortably. Healthcare and trades can get by, but youโll feel the pinch unless youโve got dual income or a side hustle. For everyone else, Bennington is more about lifestyle than wealth-building.
Verdict: Worth it only if youโre in a high-paying role or youโre trading ambition for scenery and community.
Advice: Donโt move here for a generic average job. Lock in a remote tech salary or a local developer role firstโthen decide if the mountains are worth the compromise.