Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Burlington, VT: $71,771 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,771 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 100.9 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,096 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,731) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the occupational therapy field in Burlington, Vermont, can expect a starting salary around $71,771. This figure represents the lower end of the pay scale for entry-level positions, which stands in contrast to the city's median annual salary of $101,731. Over the first few years in their careers, these therapists may see their earnings rise steadily, moving from the 10th percentile toward the 25th percentile at approximately $89,188 as they gain experience and competence. Given the projected annual growth rate of 3.06%, the Burlington market presents a promising environment for newly minted occupational therapists, offering opportunities for professional development and salary advancement within a few years.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Entry-level occupational therapists in Burlington, VT typically start between $71,771 and $89,188 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,177 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,731 — 1.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Vermont of $125,000 represents just 174.17% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($71,771/year) in Burlington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Master's and Doctoral occupational therapy programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institution programs; MOT programs typically run 2-3 years post-bachelor's.
OT, OTR Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $71,771 to $89,188, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapist Compensation Range
The occupational therapist wage spread in Burlington is $58,177 ( 81.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,771, experienced hygienists can earn up to $129,948.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,400
2025 BLS Actual
$69,640
2026 Current Est.
$71,771
2019–2027 Growth
+83.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,400 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,260 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,430 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,640 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,771 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,967 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, VT grew 72.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,400 in 2019 to $69,640 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,967. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Burlington
Several key employers in Burlington actively seek newly graduated occupational therapists, including hospital systems that provide residency programs for specialty certifications, and school districts that typically offer summer-off contracts to fresh graduates. Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) also hire extensively, although they may impose productivity expectations that new therapists should prepare for. To enhance starting compensation in Vermont, obtaining credentials such as a Master's (MOT) or Doctorate (OTD) from an ACOTE-accredited institution, passing the NBCOT national exam, and obtaining a state OT license is vital. Additional specialized certifications, particularly the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, can significantly enhance earning potential. Given the shift towards requiring an entry-level OTD by 2027, establishing a solid foundation during the first three years is crucial for effective professional growth and salary increases.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Burlington in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Burlington?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Burlington?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Burlington?
How do I become a occupational therapist in Vermont?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov