Salaries in Rutland, VT

Here’s a look at the numbers behind making a living in Rutland, Vermont, as of 2026.

You might assume a small city in Vermont would be a low-wage town, but Rutland’s top earners punch well above their weight. The city’s population is just 15,747, yet its highest-paid marketing managers and software developers pull in salaries that would feel right at home in a much larger metro. It’s a surprising pocket of high earning potential tucked into the Green Mountains.

The catch? Rutland’s cost of living sits at 107.5, meaning it’s about 7.5% more expensive than the national average. That $55,000 median household income doesn’t stretch as far as it might in, say, the Midwest. A one-bedroom apartment runs you $997 a month, which feels steep for a city this size. The purchasing power story here is one of high earning potential being somewhat dampened by a higher cost of living, especially in housing.

So who actually thrives here? The economy is anchored by healthcare and a growing tech sector, with major employers like Rutland Regional Medical Center and a cluster of small software firms. The unemployment rate is a razor-tight 2.3%, so if you have in-demand skills, you have leverage. The city’s educational attainment—32.2% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—isn’t sky-high, which can work in favor of those with specialized degrees.

Here’s my honest take: Wages for top professions are impressive, but for the average worker, they’re not keeping pace with the cost pressures. This city works beautifully for a pharmacist or a construction manager with a mortgage locked in, but a young professional just starting out might feel the squeeze. It’s a market that rewards experience and specific, high-demand skills over general hustle.

The data below breaks down the top-paying roles, the real income after cost-of-living adjustments, and how the averages stack up.