Burlington vs Essex Junction: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer 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 | $67,183▲ | $64,005 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.30▲ | $30.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,603▲ | $50,621 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,503▲ | $58,888 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,939▲ | $75,770 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,985 | $87,712▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Essex Junction.
The salary gap between Burlington and Essex Junction is $3,178 (4.97%). Burlington's median is +2.70% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $27,382,Essex Junction spans $37,091. Essex Junction has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Burlington ($66,551 effective) pays 7.62% more than Essex Junction ($61,841 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 ($67,183/year)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,551)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Essex Junction if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,712)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Burlington grew 27.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.8% growth in Essex Junction over the same period.
Burlington, VT
$50,240 (2019) → $64,210 (2025)
Essex Junction, VT
$52,837 (2024) → $61,173 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
Essex Junction, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers 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 athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Burlington vs Essex Junction?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% 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 Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov