Science & Research South Burlington, VT Pop. 20,292

Physicist Salary in South Burlington, Vermont

The median physicist salary in South Burlington, VT is $164,624 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 6.9% above the Vermont state average.

City Median
$164,624
vs State Avg
+$10,670
vs National
+$12,194
Cost of Living
108%

Physicist Pay in South Burlington: What to Expect (2026)

South Burlington offers a median physicist salary of $164,624, which is $10,670 above the Vermont state average of $153,954. Compared to the national median of $152,430, South Burlington pays above average for this role.

South Burlington's cost of living is 108% 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 South Burlington spans from $84,240 at the 10th percentile to $257,040 at the 90th percentile — a $172,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $88,560, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $237,600. South Burlington is a smaller market (pop. 20,292), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physicist Salary in South Burlington by Experience

In South Burlington, an entry-level physicist earns around $88,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $237,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$88,560
+$6,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$167,400
+$12,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$237,600
+$17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Burlington, VT

Percentile South Burlington
10th Percentile $84,240
25th Percentile $116,640
Median (50th) $164,624
75th Percentile $210,600
90th Percentile $257,040

Physicist Salary in Other Vermont Cities

Burlington, VT
$167,673
Pop. 44,743
Essex, VT
$155,479
Pop. 22,044
Colchester, VT
$152,430
Pop. 17,658
Rutland, VT
$137,187
Pop. 15,807

How to Become a Physicist in South Burlington

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. South Burlington and the surrounding Vermont area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in South Burlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in South Burlington

Browse open physicist positions in South Burlington, VT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in South Burlington

How much does a Physicist make in South Burlington, VT? ▼
The median physicist salary in South Burlington, Vermont is $164,624 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $84,240 (10th percentile) to $257,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in South Burlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $164,624, a physicist in South Burlington earns approximately $79 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does South Burlington compare to the Vermont state average for physicist pay? ▼
South Burlington's median physicist salary of $164,624 is 6.9% above the Vermont state average of $153,954. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in South Burlington, VT? ▼
South Burlington has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $164,624 in South Burlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in South Burlington? ▼
Most physicist positions in South Burlington require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.