Vermont Job Market: Top Industries, Salaries & Employers (2026)
Guide to the Vermont job market in 2026. Healthcare, tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture with remote work incentives.
Vermont's economy combines a strong tourism and agricultural heritage with innovative programs to attract remote workers. The state's $10,000 relocation incentive for remote workers was one of the first in the nation. Burlington has a vibrant food, tech, and healthcare economy despite its small size.
Top Industries
- Healthcare: University of Vermont Medical Center (Burlington) is the largest employer. Dartmouth-Hitchcock also serves VT. 50,000+ healthcare workers in a state of only 645,000 people — the highest per-capita healthcare employment in the nation.
- Tourism: Skiing (Stowe, Killington, Sugarbush), fall foliage, craft beer, farm-to-table dining. $3.5B+ tourism industry. Vermont attracts 13M+ visitors annually.
- Manufacturing: GlobalFoundries (Essex Junction — semiconductor fab, 2,000+ employees), GE Aviation, and Ben & Jerry's (Unilever). 28,000+ manufacturing workers.
- Agriculture: Vermont is famous for maple syrup (#1 producer), dairy, craft cheese, and craft beer. Agriculture contributes $3B+ annually. 7,000+ farms.
- Technology: Dealer.com (Burlington — automotive tech), GlobalFoundries, and a growing remote worker population. Burlington's tech scene is small but vibrant. Average tech salary: $85,000.
Major Employers
| Employer | Industry | Approx. VT Employees |
|---|---|---|
| UVM Medical Center | Healthcare | 8,000+ |
| State of Vermont | Government | 8,000+ |
| University of Vermont | Education | 5,000+ |
| GlobalFoundries | Semiconductor | 2,200+ |
| Keurig Dr Pepper | Food/Beverage | 1,500+ |
| Dealer.com | Technology | 1,000+ |
| Walmart | Retail | 3,500+ |
Average Salary by Region
| Region | Avg Salary | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Burlington | $56,340 | 115 |
| Montpelier | $52,870 | 105 |
| Rutland | $46,480 | 92 |
| Brattleboro | $45,630 | 98 |
Growing Sectors
- Remote Worker Economy: Vermont's $10,000 Remote Worker Grant Program has attracted 1,500+ workers since launch. Remote workers bring coastal salaries to Vermont's economy.
- Craft Food & Beverage: Vermont has the most craft breweries per capita in the nation (Heady Topper, Hill Farmstead). Cheese, maple, and spirits tourism growing.
- Clean Energy: Vermont targets 90% renewable energy by 2050. Already generates 99%+ of electricity from carbon-free sources (hydro, wind, solar, nuclear).
Remote Work Availability
Vermont is a pioneer in remote work attraction. The state offers relocation grants, and Burlington has strong broadband. The lifestyle — skiing, hiking, farm-to-table dining, small-town community — is the primary draw. Housing is the main challenge (low inventory, rising prices).
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Vermont?
$13.67/hour with annual CPI adjustments. Burlington area market rates typically start at $15-18+ due to worker shortages and high demand.