Occupational Therapist Salary in South Burlington, VT: $102,247 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in South Burlington, VT earns a median $102,247/year (≈ $49.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in South Burlington's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $98,789 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in South Burlington, Vermont, can expect a median annual salary of $102,247 in 2026, illustrating a competitive compensation landscape within the field. These professionals experience a salary range from $74,207 at the 10th percentile to $129,947 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic conditions, reflect the diversity of employment environments available to OTs in the area. South Burlington's unique blend of hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and school contracts creates a dynamic job market, providing opportunities that cater to varied work preferences, including positions that align with year-round or school-year schedules.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,207 | $35.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,706 | $40.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,247 | $49.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $117,908 | $56.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,947 | $62.47 |
Median Salary Position
1.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Burlington
In South Burlington, VT, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,740 (2026 est.). At $102,247, the local median is 1.12% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in South Burlington: You'd be above the median
How South Burlington Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
South Burlington median: $102,247/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Burlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $107,065 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -1.12% less |
Occupational Therapists in South Burlington, VT earn a median of $102,247 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.12% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.50% below the Vermont state average of $107,065.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Burlington has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Burlington, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $102,247 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,789 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,003
2025 BLS Actual
$99,211
2026 Current Est.
$102,247
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,003 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,318 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,616 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,141 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,295 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,094 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,211 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,247 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,376 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Burlington metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $84,003 (2019) to $99,211 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,376 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,373 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $74,207 – $83,706 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,706 – $102,247 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,247 – $117,908 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $117,908 – $129,947 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in South Burlington
The local job market in South Burlington currently employs only four occupational therapists, highlighting a niche yet potentially supportive environment for new graduates or those seeking to transition within the field. While the cost-of-living index stands at 103.5, indicating higher living expenses than the national average, the earnings potential may still align with financial goals for OTs. Employers such as hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities tend to pay more competitively compared to schools or skilled nursing facilities, driving salary variations. Critical factors influencing compensation include board certifications like CHT, productivity expectations, and the impact of reimbursements, especially in outpatient settings. For therapists in South Burlington, pursuing certifications and targeting employment in high-demand sectors can significantly enhance pay scales and job satisfaction in this local market.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in South Burlington, VT in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in South Burlington?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $99,211 for occupational therapistsin the South Burlington metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Burlington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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