๐Ÿ’ฐ COL Index: 108 โ€” Near Avg Cost

Salaries in Middlebury CDP, VT

What every job actually pays โ€” cost-of-living adjusted

Updated: February 2026 ยท 27 occupations ยท BLS + Census data

Avg. Salary
$58,289
across 27 roles
COL-Adjusted Avg
$54,223
real purchasing power
Top Paying Role
Software Developer
$130,123
1BR Rent
$1,343
median monthly

Hereโ€™s the thing about Middlebury: for a town with a population that barely cracks 7,000, itโ€™s got a surprisingly deep bench of high-earning professionals. Youโ€™d expect a bigger paycheck in Burlington or Montpelier, but the data shows you donโ€™t always have to.

Letโ€™s talk purchasing power. With a cost of living index at 107.5, youโ€™re paying about 7.5% more than the national average. That $1,343 monthly rent for a one-bedroom isnโ€™t cheap, but itโ€™s not crushing, either. The median household income of $74,900 feels respectable, but the real story is the COL-adjusted average salary of $54,223. It means that while youโ€™re earning a decent wage, the local price tag slightly erodes its value. For some, itโ€™s a fair trade for the quality of life; for others, itโ€™s a squeeze.

Whoโ€™s actually thriving here? The economy is anchored by education and healthcare. Middlebury College is the giant employer, but youโ€™ll also find a strong cohort of accountants, nurses, and surprisingly, software developers pulling in six figures. With 63% of residents holding a bachelorโ€™s degree or higher, the town attracts a highly educated workforce that commands top dollar in its fields. The 2.3% unemployment rate tells you itโ€™s a workerโ€™s market if you have the right skills.

Hereโ€™s my honest take: wages arenโ€™t exploding, but theyโ€™re holding steady against those creeping costs. If youโ€™re in tech or healthcare, this town offers a fantastic financial sweet spotโ€”a high salary that goes further than it would in a major metro. If youโ€™re an elementary school teacher or an electrician, however, youโ€™re working harder to make the math work.

The breakdown below will show you exactly where the money is and how far it really goes in Middlebury.

๐Ÿ† Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Middlebury CDP

Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.

๐Ÿฅ‡ +2% vs national

Software Developer

$130,123
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $121,045
โฑ Hourly $62.56/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +17.0%
๐Ÿฅˆ +2% vs national

Accountant

$88,016
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $81,875
โฑ Hourly $42.32/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +3.0%
๐Ÿฅ‰ +2% vs national

Registered Nurse

$88,006
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $81,866
โฑ Hourly $42.31/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +6.0%
4๏ธโƒฃ +2% vs national

Elementary School Teacher

$65,102
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $60,560
โฑ Hourly $31.30/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +3.0%
5๏ธโƒฃ +2% vs national

Electrician

$62,934
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $58,543
โฑ Hourly $30.26/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +3.0%

๐Ÿ“‹ Complete Salary Guide โ€” All 27 Occupations in Middlebury 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 Web Developer $51,125
10 Dental Hygienist $51,125
11 Carpenter $51,125
12 Medical Assistant $51,125
13 Paralegal $51,125
14 Nursing Assistant (CNA) $51,125
15 Welder $51,125
16 Police Officer $51,125
17 Project Manager $51,125
18 Graphic Designer $51,125
19 Plumber $51,125
20 Data Analyst $51,125
21 Marketing Manager $51,125
22 Physical Therapist $51,125
23 Human Resources Specialist $51,125
24 Pharmacist $51,125
25 Financial Analyst $51,125
26 HVAC Technician $51,125
27 Construction Manager $51,125

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.

๐Ÿ™๏ธ Living Costs in Middlebury CDP

๐Ÿ 
1BR Rent
$1,343/mo
๐Ÿก
2BR Rent
$1,678/mo
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ
Median Home
$388,100
๐Ÿ“‰
Unemployment
2.3%
๐Ÿ’ณ
Median Income
$74,900
๐ŸŽ“
College Educated
63%
๐Ÿšถ
Walk Score
35/100
๐Ÿ“Š
Cost of Living
108
Near Avg Cost

๐Ÿงฎ Can You Afford to Live in Middlebury CDP?

Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Middlebury CDP. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.

โ“ Middlebury CDP Salary FAQ

What is the average salary in Middlebury CDP, VT?

โ–ผ
The average salary across 40 occupations is $58,289. This figure is 23% below the highest-paying role (Software Developer at $130,123).

What jobs pay the most in Middlebury CDP?

โ–ผ
The highest-paying role is Software Developer at $130,123. This salary is 123% higher than the area's average of $58,289.

Is Middlebury CDP affordable on a Software Developer salary?

โ–ผ
Yes, a Software Developer's $130,123 salary is 173% higher than the median household income of $74,900. With a 1BR rent of $1,343/mo, housing costs are very manageable.

How does Middlebury CDP's cost of living affect my paycheck?

โ–ผ
Middlebury's cost of living index is 107.5, meaning prices are 7.5% above the national average. This reduces the purchasing power of your paycheck compared to lower-cost areas.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Middlebury CDP?

โ–ผ
To cover a 1BR rent ($1,343/mo) and other expenses comfortably, a salary around $60,000โ€“$65,000 is advisable. This is slightly above the area average of $58,289 but well below the top earner's salary.

๐Ÿ“ Editor's Verdict: Is Middlebury CDP Worth It?

Hereโ€™s my honest take: Middlebury is cozy, but itโ€™s not a cash cow. With an average salary of $58,289 and a cost-of-living index of 107.5, youโ€™re paying a premium for charm. Software developers win big hereโ€”both in raw pay ($130,123) and after adjusting for costs ($121,045). For everyone else, especially in healthcare or trades, the math gets tight fast when rent hovers around $1,343 a month.

If youโ€™re in tech, Middleburyโ€™s a sweet spot: solid income, manageable living costs, and killer fall foliage. For other workers? Itโ€™s a tougher sell unless youโ€™ve got a dual income or remote flexibility.

My advice: Donโ€™t move here just for a job offer. Come if you want the lifestyleโ€”close-knit community, outdoor access, and a slower paceโ€”and can make the numbers work. Otherwise, youโ€™ll feel the squeeze.

Explore Middlebury CDP Further