Burlington vs Essex Junction: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Burlington, VT and Essex Junction, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, VT | Essex Junction, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,247▲ | $66,605 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.58▲ | $32.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,623▲ | $52,799 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,392▲ | $63,640 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,748▲ | $78,001 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,124▲ | $83,508 |
| Total Employed | 350▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Essex Junction.
The salary gap between Burlington and Essex Junction is $13,642 (20.48%). Burlington's median is +17.89% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $34,501,Essex Junction spans $30,709. Burlington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Burlington ($79,493 effective) pays 23.53% more than Essex Junction ($64,353 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 ($80,247/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,124)
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,493)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Essex Junction if…
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Burlington grew 44.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.2% growth in Essex Junction over the same period.
Burlington, VT
$52,510 (2019) → $75,920 (2025)
Essex Junction, VT
$57,729 (2024) → $63,013 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
Essex Junction, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Burlington or Essex Junction?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Essex Junction?
Should I relocate from Burlington to Essex Junction as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Burlington vs Essex Junction?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov