Burlington vs South Burlington: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between Burlington, VT and South Burlington, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, VT | South Burlington, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,664 | $85,093▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.71 | $40.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,572▲ | $57,677 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,606▲ | $67,778 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,739 | $108,919▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,019▲ | $131,895 |
| Total Employed | 1,040▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Burlington and South Burlington are closely matched on overall accountant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Burlington and South Burlington is $429 (0.51%). South Burlington's median is -0.90% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $71,447,South Burlington spans $74,218. South Burlington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced accountants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Burlington ($83,868 effective) pays 2.01% more than South Burlington ($82,215 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,019)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,868)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose South Burlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,093/year)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in Burlington grew 15.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.6% growth in South Burlington over the same period.
Burlington, VT
$71,310 (2019) → $82,510 (2025)
South Burlington, VT
$72,360 (2024) → $82,929 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
South Burlington, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays accountants more: Burlington or South Burlington?
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% 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 Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov