Burlington vs Colchester: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Burlington, VT and Colchester, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, VT | Colchester, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,150▲ | $62,665 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.25▲ | $30.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,030▲ | $47,144 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,477▲ | $51,296 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,410▲ | $80,212 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,816 | $97,132▲ |
| Total Employed | 470▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Colchester.
The salary gap between Burlington and Colchester is $6,485 (10.35%). Burlington's median is +5.72% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $43,786,Colchester spans $49,988. Colchester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Burlington ($68,500 effective) pays 13.14% more than Colchester ($60,546 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 ($69,150/year)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,500)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Colchester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,132)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Burlington grew 26.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.9% growth in Colchester over the same period.
Burlington, VT
$53,430 (2019) → $67,450 (2025)
Colchester, VT
$59,401 (2024) → $61,125 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
Colchester, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Burlington or Colchester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Colchester?
Should I relocate from Burlington to Colchester as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Burlington vs Colchester?
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov