Salaries in Essex Junction, VT
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
Essex Junction is the kind of place where a software developer earning $127,000 can still feel like they’re winning. It’s a small town of 10,720 people that somehow manages to pay its top tech salaries at the national level, yet its cost of living sits dead-on the U.S. average. That’s the first thing you notice when you crunch the 2026 numbers.
The cost of living index of 100.0 is a bit of a mirage, honestly. It means your dollars stretch exactly as they would anywhere else in America, but here, a one-bedroom apartment rents for $1,250 a month. That’s not cheap, but it’s not crushing, either. With a median household income of $94,423—well above the national figure—most working couples can afford that rent without sweating. The purchasing power is real, but it’s not a secret discount; it’s just stability.
This village runs on a mix of tech, healthcare, and education. You’ve got the legacy of IBM’s presence in the region, which still pulls in software developers and engineers. The local school system is a major employer, and Central Vermont Medical Center anchors the healthcare sector. It’s a classic New England white-collar economy, with a surprisingly high 50.3% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. That educated workforce is what keeps those salaries for accountants and nurses competitive.
Here’s the catch, though: wages for most roles aren’t soaring to match the gentle creep in costs. The average salary across all jobs is $57,007—exactly the national average when you adjust for the cost of living. So, while a teacher or electrician can live comfortably here (they earn in the low $60s), they’re not building wealth fast. This city is a fantastic fit for dual-income households or remote workers bringing in coastal salaries. It’s less of a gold rush for everyone else.
The data below will show you exactly how your profession stacks up in this tight job market, where the unemployment rate is a razor-thin 2.3%.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Essex Junction
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Essex Junction
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (100/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $127,260 |
| 2 | Accountant | $86,080 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $86,070 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $63,670 |
| 5 | Electrician | $61,550 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $61,480 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $53,090 |
| 8 | Web Developer | $50,000 |
| 9 | Dental Hygienist | $50,000 |
| 10 | Construction Manager | $50,000 |
| 11 | Marketing Manager | $50,000 |
| 12 | Medical Assistant | $50,000 |
| 13 | Paralegal | $50,000 |
| 14 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $50,000 |
| 15 | Welder | $50,000 |
| 16 | Firefighter | $50,000 |
| 17 | Project Manager | $50,000 |
| 18 | Police Officer | $50,000 |
| 19 | HVAC Technician | $50,000 |
| 20 | Graphic Designer | $50,000 |
| 21 | Data Analyst | $50,000 |
| 22 | Plumber | $50,000 |
| 23 | Pharmacist | $50,000 |
| 24 | Human Resources Specialist | $50,000 |
| 25 | Physical Therapist | $50,000 |
| 26 | Carpenter | $50,000 |
| 27 | Financial Analyst | $50,000 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Essex Junction
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Essex Junction?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Essex Junction. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Essex Junction Salary FAQ
What is the average salary in Essex Junction, VT?
▼
What jobs pay the most in Essex Junction?
▼
Is Essex Junction affordable on a Software Developer salary?
▼
How does Essex Junction's cost of living affect my paycheck?
▼
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Essex Junction?
▼
📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Essex Junction Worth It?
Here’s my honest take: Essex Junction is affordable on paper—$1,250 rent and a cost-of-living index of 100.0—but the average salary of $57,007 doesn’t stretch far if you’re not in the right role. The clear winner here is tech. Software developers earning $127,260 (even after cost-of-living adjustments) are in a completely different financial position than everyone else. If you’re in healthcare or trades, you’ll likely find the wages underwhelming compared to the cost of living.
Is it worth it? Only if you’re in tech or can land one of the few high-paying roles. Otherwise, you’re better off looking elsewhere. My advice: secure a job before you move. This isn’t a place where opportunities are abundant enough to wing it.