Barre vs Burlington: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Barre, VT and Burlington, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Barre, VT | Burlington, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,126▲ | $100,988 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.62▲ | $48.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,642 | $70,527▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,597 | $83,264▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,019▲ | $113,047 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $150,950▲ | $135,974 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Barre, VT offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Barre and Burlington is $138 (0.14%). Barre's median is -2.29% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Barre spans $81,308,Burlington spans $65,447. Barre has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Burlington ($100,039 effective) pays 2.39% more than Barre ($97,706 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Barre if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,126/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($150,950)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,039)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Barre grew 14.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.1% growth in Burlington over the same period.
Barre, VT
$85,988 (2024) → $98,535 (2025)
Burlington, VT
$73,370 (2019) → $98,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov