Physicist Salary in Burlington, Vermont
The median physicist salary in Burlington, VT is $167,673 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 8.9% above the Vermont state average.
Physicist Pay in Burlington: What to Expect (2026)
Burlington offers a median physicist salary of $167,673, which is $13,719 above the Vermont state average of $153,954. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 physicists in Burlington spans from $85,800 at the 10th percentile to $261,800 at the 90th percentile — a $176,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $90,200, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $242,000. Burlington is a smaller market (pop. 44,743), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Physicist Salary in Burlington by Experience
In Burlington, an entry-level physicist earns around $90,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $242,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Burlington, VT
| Percentile | Burlington |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $85,800 |
| 25th Percentile | $118,800 |
| Median (50th) | $167,673 |
| 75th Percentile | $214,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $261,800 |
Physicist Salary in Other Vermont Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Burlington
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Burlington and the surrounding Vermont area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Burlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Physicist Jobs in Burlington
Browse open physicist positions in Burlington, VT: