Salaries in Montpelier, VT
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
You might be surprised to learn that Vermont’s capital, with a population barely over 8,000, has a lower unemployment rate (just 2.3%) than the entire nation. It’s a tiny city that punches way above its weight.
But here’s the real story: living here costs you about 7.5% more than the average U.S. spot. That median household income of $79,175 sounds decent, but once you adjust for that cost of living, your purchasing power takes a hit. You’re not getting a bargain, but you’re not getting gouged either; it’s a wash, with the COL-adjusted average salary sitting at a more modest $54,223.
So who actually thrives here? The data is clear: it’s the tech and healthcare sectors. A software developer can pull in over $130,000, making them the top earner by a mile. Nurses and accountants do respectably well, too. You’ll find state government and places like the Vermont State Employees Credit Union are major employers, anchoring the local economy for those with the right skills.
Here’s my honest take: unless you’re in a high-demand field like software, wages aren’t exactly keeping pace with the cost of living. A teacher or electrician will find the financial math a lot tougher. It works best if you’ve got a remote salary from a bigger market or you’re in one of those few top-paying professions.
The numbers below will break down exactly what you can expect to earn and what it really means for your wallet in this small but expensive city.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Montpelier
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Montpelier
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (108/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $130,123 |
| 2 | Accountant | $88,016 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $88,006 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $65,102 |
| 5 | Electrician | $62,934 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $62,863 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $54,284 |
| 8 | Firefighter | $51,125 |
| 9 | Web Developer | $51,125 |
| 10 | Dental Hygienist | $51,125 |
| 11 | Carpenter | $51,125 |
| 12 | Paralegal | $51,125 |
| 13 | Medical Assistant | $51,125 |
| 14 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $51,125 |
| 15 | Welder | $51,125 |
| 16 | Police Officer | $51,125 |
| 17 | Project Manager | $51,125 |
| 18 | Graphic Designer | $51,125 |
| 19 | Data Analyst | $51,125 |
| 20 | Plumber | $51,125 |
| 21 | Marketing Manager | $51,125 |
| 22 | Physical Therapist | $51,125 |
| 23 | Human Resources Specialist | $51,125 |
| 24 | Financial Analyst | $51,125 |
| 25 | Pharmacist | $51,125 |
| 26 | HVAC Technician | $51,125 |
| 27 | Construction Manager | $51,125 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Montpelier
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Montpelier?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Montpelier. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Montpelier Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Montpelier Worth It?
Here’s my blunt take: Montpelier isn’t a gold rush—it’s a trade-off. With a COL index of 107.5 and rent at $1,343, your paycheck stretches a bit less than average, but the vibe is unbeatable if you value community over sprawl. The $58k average salary is livable if you’re frugal, but you’ll feel the pinch unless you’re in tech. Software Developer is the clear winner here, both in raw pay ($130k) and COL-adjusted ($121k), making it the only role where you’re truly thriving, not just surviving. Healthcare and trades? You’ll do okay, but don’t expect to get rich. Tech workers get the best of both worlds: solid salaries and a city that rewards a slower pace. If you’re considering the move, my advice? Secure the job first. Montpelier is charming, but it’s not a place to bet on finding work after you arrive.