Public Service Burlington, VT Pop. 44,743

Firefighter Salary in Burlington, Vermont

The median firefighter salary in Burlington, VT is $56,848 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 8.9% above the Vermont state average.

City Median
$56,848
vs State Avg
+$4,651
vs National
+$5,168
Cost of Living
110%

Firefighter Pay in Burlington: What to Expect (2026)

Burlington offers a median firefighter salary of $56,848, which is $4,651 above the Vermont state average of $52,197. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Burlington pays above average for this role.

Burlington's cost of living is 110% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for firefighters in Burlington spans from $32,560 at the 10th percentile to $102,080 at the 90th percentile — a $69,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,200, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,200. Burlington is a smaller market (pop. 44,743), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Firefighter Salary in Burlington by Experience

In Burlington, an entry-level firefighter earns around $35,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,200
+$3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,200
+$5,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,200
+$8,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Burlington, VT

Percentile Burlington
10th Percentile $32,560
25th Percentile $42,460
Median (50th) $56,848
75th Percentile $78,320
90th Percentile $102,080

Firefighter Salary in Other Vermont Cities

South Burlington, VT
$55,814
Pop. 20,292
Essex, VT
$52,714
Pop. 22,044
Colchester, VT
$51,680
Pop. 17,658
Rutland, VT
$46,512
Pop. 15,807

How to Become a Firefighter in Burlington

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Burlington and the surrounding Vermont area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Burlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Burlington

Browse open firefighter positions in Burlington, VT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Burlington

How much does a Firefighter make in Burlington, VT? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Burlington, Vermont is $56,848 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $32,560 (10th percentile) to $102,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Burlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,848, a firefighter in Burlington earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Burlington compare to the Vermont state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Burlington's median firefighter salary of $56,848 is 8.9% above the Vermont state average of $52,197. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Burlington, VT? ▼
Burlington has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $56,848 in Burlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Burlington? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Burlington require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.