Creative & Education Vermont (VT) Rank #16 of 50

Social Worker Salary in Vermont

The median social worker salary in Vermont is $55,904 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $55,350.

Median Salary
$55,904
vs National
+$554
State Rank
#16 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Social Worker Salary Overview in Vermont (2026)

Vermont ranks #16 out of 50 states for social worker compensation. Vermont falls in the middle of the pack for social worker pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $55,904 per year, social workers in Vermont earn $554 more than the national median of $55,350.

Vermont's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning social worker salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Vermont is significant: social workers at the 10th percentile earn $36,764, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $88,678 — a $51,914 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Vermont for this role is Burlington, where the median reaches $60,885.

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for social workers across the country.

Social Worker Salary in Vermont by Experience

In Vermont, an entry-level social worker earns around $38,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,820 per year. The cost of living index in Vermont is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,380
+$380 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,560
+$560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,820
+$820 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Vermont

Percentile VT Salary
10th Percentile $36,764
25th Percentile $44,642
Median (50th) $55,904
75th Percentile $71,104
90th Percentile $88,678

Social Worker Salary by City in Vermont

The largest employment areas for social workers in Vermont include Burlington, Essex, South Burlington, and Colchester. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Social Worker in Vermont

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Vermont has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook in Vermont

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Vermont's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Vermont

How much does a Social Worker make in Vermont? ▼
The median social worker salary in Vermont is $55,904 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $36,764 (10th percentile) to $88,678 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Vermont? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,904, a social worker in Vermont earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Vermont a good state for social workers? ▼
Vermont ranks #16 out of 50 states for social worker pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level social workers earn $38,380, while senior professionals earn $82,820.
How does Vermont compare to other states for social worker salary? ▼
The highest paying state for social workers is Hawaii at $94,095. Vermont's median of $55,904 ranks #16 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Virginia ($57,564) and Delaware ($55,904).
What is the entry-level social worker salary in Vermont? ▼
An entry-level social worker in Vermont earns approximately $38,380 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $56,560. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $82,820.
What city in Vermont pays social workers the most? ▼
Burlington is the highest paying city in Vermont for social workers, with a median salary of $60,885. Other cities include Essex and South Burlington.