Burlington vs Essex Junction: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical 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 | $101,671 | $103,020▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.88 | $49.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,749 | $79,291▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,111 | $90,179▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,540 | $120,495▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,097 | $131,049▲ |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Essex Junction, VT offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and Essex Junction is $1,349 (1.33%). Essex Junction's median is -2.15% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $50,348,Essex Junction spans $51,758. Essex Junction has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Burlington ($100,715 effective) pays 1.18% more than Essex Junction ($99,536 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,715)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Essex Junction if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,020/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,049)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Burlington grew 29.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in Essex Junction over the same period.
Burlington, VT
$76,610 (2019) → $99,230 (2025)
Essex Junction, VT
$88,062 (2024) → $100,547 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
Essex Junction, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical 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 physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Burlington vs Essex Junction?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov