Burlington vs Montpelier: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Burlington, VT and Montpelier, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, VT | Montpelier, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,988▲ | $98,653 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.55▲ | $47.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,527 | $72,210▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,264▲ | $78,529 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,047 | $122,640▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,974 | $148,831▲ |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Montpelier.
The salary gap between Burlington and Montpelier is $2,335 (2.37%). Burlington's median is -2.42% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $65,447,Montpelier spans $76,621. Montpelier has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Burlington ($100,039 effective) pays 4.95% more than Montpelier ($95,317 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,988/year)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,039)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Montpelier if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,831)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Burlington grew 34.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.6% growth in Montpelier over the same period.
Burlington, VT
$73,370 (2019) → $98,400 (2025)
Montpelier, VT
$83,886 (2024) → $96,125 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
Montpelier, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Burlington or Montpelier?
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Should I relocate from Burlington to Montpelier as a civil engineer?
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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