Barre vs Burlington: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Barre, VT and Burlington, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Barre, VT | Burlington, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,881▲ | $101,671 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.46▲ | $48.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,945▲ | $70,749 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,840▲ | $82,111 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,521▲ | $104,540 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,218▲ | $121,097 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 340▲ |
Verdict
Barre, VT offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Barre and Burlington is $1,210 (1.19%). Barre's median is -2.29% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Barre spans $45,273,Burlington spans $50,348. Burlington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Burlington ($100,715 effective) pays 1.32% more than Barre ($99,402 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Barre if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,881/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,218)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,715)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Barre grew 14.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.5% growth in Burlington over the same period.
Barre, VT
$87,943 (2024) → $100,411 (2025)
Burlington, VT
$76,610 (2019) → $99,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Barre or Burlington?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov