Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in South Burlington, VT: $78,093 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the South Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,093 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,452 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,187) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Burlington, the starting physical therapist salary is projected at $78,093 for 2026, which is about $24,094 less than the median annual salary of $102,187 in the city. New graduates aiming to enter the workforce can expect to transition from entry-level positions into progressively higher-paying roles as they gain experience. With an annual growth rate of 2.46%, many can realistically advance toward the 25th percentile earning $85,352 or even reach the median within their first few years. This trajectory indicates that South Burlington presents a favorable job market for newcomers, especially for those who strategically seek opportunities in settings such as outpatient clinics or hospitals.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South 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 South Burlington
Entry-level physical therapists in South Burlington, VT typically start between $78,093 and $85,352 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,773 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,187 — 2.95% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Vermont of $140,000 represents just 179.27% of the starting physical therapist pay ($78,093/year) in South 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 CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in South Burlington
- 1Research the South Burlington market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $78,093 to $85,352, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in South 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 South Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Burlington's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in South Burlington is $51,773 ( 66.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,093, experienced hygienists can earn up to $129,866.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,378
2025 BLS Actual
$76,218
2026 Current Est.
$78,093
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,378 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,771 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,098 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,396 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,945 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,218 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,093 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,014 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in South Burlington, VT grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,378 in 2019 to $76,218 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,014. New graduates entering the South Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
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 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in South Burlington
For new graduates, South Burlington offers various pathways to enhance their entry-level pay. Organizations like outpatient orthopedic chains often recruit recent DPT graduates, providing structured productivity ramps that can lead to increased earnings. Additionally, hospital systems may offer residency programs aimed at preparing physical therapists for board certification, which adds value to a resume and can help with salary negotiations. To further boost their earning potential, graduates should focus on obtaining a DPT from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE national exam, and getting licensed in Vermont. In the first few years, strategic moves such as considering employment in skilled nursing facilities or pursuing advanced board specialization can lead to realistic salary growth. Understanding the competitive landscape and staying abreast of trends, like cash-pay options versus insurance models, helps optimize both job satisfaction and earning potential for new grad physical therapists in South Burlington, VT.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in South Burlington in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in South Burlington?
Is physical therapy school worth it in South Burlington?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in South Burlington?
How do I become a physical therapist in Vermont?
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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
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 physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in South Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov