Burlington vs Essex Junction: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Burlington, VT and Essex Junction, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, VT | Essex Junction, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,731▲ | $101,174 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.91▲ | $48.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,771 | $73,980▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,188▲ | $86,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,924 | $116,746▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,948▲ | $128,705 |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Essex Junction.
The salary gap between Burlington and Essex Junction is $557 (0.55%). Burlington's median is -1.61% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $58,177,Essex Junction spans $54,725. Burlington 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 ($100,775 effective) pays 3.09% more than Essex Junction ($97,753 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 ($101,731/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,948)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,775)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Essex Junction if…
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Burlington grew 26.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.7% growth in Essex Junction over the same period.
Burlington, VT
$78,160 (2019) → $98,710 (2025)
Essex Junction, VT
$84,148 (2024) → $98,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
Essex Junction, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Burlington or Essex Junction?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Essex Junction?
Should I relocate from Burlington to Essex Junction as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Burlington vs Essex Junction?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov