Creative & Education Burlington, VT Pop. 44,743

Social Worker Salary in Burlington, Vermont

The median social worker salary in Burlington, VT is $60,885 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 8.9% above the Vermont state average.

City Median
$60,885
vs State Avg
+$4,981
vs National
+$5,535
Cost of Living
110%

Social Worker Pay in Burlington: What to Expect (2026)

Burlington offers a median social worker salary of $60,885, which is $4,981 above the Vermont state average of $55,904. Compared to the national median of $55,350, 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 social workers in Burlington spans from $40,040 at the 10th percentile to $96,580 at the 90th percentile — a $56,540 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,800, while senior social workers 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.

Social Worker Salary in Burlington by Experience

In Burlington, an entry-level social worker earns around $41,800, 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)
$41,800
+$3,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,600
+$5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,200
+$8,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Burlington, VT

Percentile Burlington
10th Percentile $40,040
25th Percentile $48,620
Median (50th) $60,885
75th Percentile $77,440
90th Percentile $96,580

Social Worker Salary in Other Vermont Cities

South Burlington, VT
$59,778
Pop. 20,292
Essex, VT
$56,457
Pop. 22,044
Colchester, VT
$55,350
Pop. 17,658
Rutland, VT
$49,815
Pop. 15,807

How to Become a Social Worker in Burlington

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Burlington and the surrounding Vermont area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Burlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Burlington

Browse open social worker positions in Burlington, VT:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Burlington

How much does a Social Worker make in Burlington, VT? ▼
The median social worker salary in Burlington, Vermont is $60,885 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $40,040 (10th percentile) to $96,580 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Burlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,885, a social worker in Burlington earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Burlington compare to the Vermont state average for social worker pay? ▼
Burlington's median social worker salary of $60,885 is 8.9% above the Vermont state average of $55,904. 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 social worker salary of $60,885 in Burlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Burlington? ▼
Most social worker positions in Burlington require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.