Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Burlington, VT: $50,030 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,030 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, 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 $49,560 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,150) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Burlington, Vermont, new graduates entering the plumbing field can anticipate a starting salary of around $50,030 in 2026. While this figure is significantly below the city's median annual salary of $69,150, it offers a viable entry point into a profession with considerable room for growth. Over the first few years, entry-level plumbers have the potential to increase their earnings by reaching the 25th percentile, which is projected at $60,477. The upward trajectory of salaries in this region suggests that, with experience and skill development, new plumbers can expect to close the gap to the median salary within three to five years. Given the strong demand for plumbers in Burlington, largely fueled by an aging workforce and infrastructure, the market seems promising for fresh entrants looking to build a stable career.
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 plumbers in Burlington, VT typically start between $50,030 and $60,477 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,786 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,150 — 5.72% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Vermont of $12,000 represents just 23.99% of the starting plumber pay ($50,030/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 reflect apprenticeship-based training (primarily paid OJT) with union dues, tools, books, and related technical instruction fees. Non-union/trade school pathways cost more. Actual costs vary by local UA chapter and state licensing requirements.
Plumber Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $50,030 to $60,477, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the plumbing 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.
Plumber Compensation Range
The plumber wage spread in Burlington is $43,786 ( 87.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,030, experienced hygienists can earn up to $93,816.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,150
2025 BLS Actual
$48,800
2026 Current Est.
$50,030
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,150 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,080 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,960 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,210 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,450 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,030 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,291 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, VT grew 38.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,150 in 2019 to $48,800 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,291. 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 2.52% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your plumbing Career in Burlington
Employers in Burlington seeking to hire new graduates often include both union and non-union entities, with a variety of opportunities available. For instance, UA Local apprenticeship programs offer structured 4-5 year training, while non-union contractors provide hands-on training for apprentices. Large service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS actively recruit licensed journeymen through commission-based wages, presenting higher earning potential but with variable income. Credentials such as a journeyman plumbing license, coupled with advanced certifications like medical gas installer or backflow prevention tester, can significantly enhance starting pay in Vermont. In the first few years, new plumbers should focus on completing their apprenticeship while considering additional specialties, as service plumbing positions often offer commission incentives and the industrial maintenance sector demands skilled pipefitters. Realistically, those entering the field can see their salaries increase steadily as they gain experience, aligning them closer to the regional median.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Vermont
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
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 plumbing graduates. A 2.52% 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 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov