Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Vermont 2024 (Inc Salaries)

Aside from its famous Grade A Maple syrup, the state of Vermont offers Americans another sweet treat: work-life balance. While this balance may seem elusive—even impossible—this state does its best to give its residents the best of both worlds.

It garnered the 7^th spot in US News' list of the Best States Overall and is considered one of the greenest and healthiest states in the country, so it offers a safe and enjoyable living environment to everyone.

Not only that, but it also ranks 1^st in the Opportunity and 20^th in the Economic category, which means that it provides professionals with plenty of economic and equal opportunities, a low cost of living, high levels of job growth, and a good business environment.

If you want to build your career and enjoy your life at the same time, check out our list of the highest-paying jobs in Vermont below.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Vermont 2024 (Inc Salaries) 

1. Orthopedic Surgeon

• Salary Range: $316,000 to $590,000, with an annual median wage of $320,600

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 2% (300 new jobs) 

Orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and treating all types of musculoskeletal issues or conditions that affect the tendons, muscles, bones, joints, and ligaments.

They first recommend nonsurgical treatments, which may include pain and anti-inflammatory medications, mobility exercises, immobilization techniques, and lifestyle changes. If the condition or injury doesn't improve using such measures, they are also trained to perform surgical treatments, like joint replacement, osteotomy, release surgery, and many more.

It takes around 13 years to become an orthopedic surgeon. The process involves obtaining a bachelor's degree in life sciences and a medical degree and completing a 1-year internship and 5-year residency program in orthopedic surgery and fellowship training (optional but recommended).

In addition, they need to pass all three parts of the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) for licensure and the examination administered by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery for board certification. 

Essex Junction offers the best salaries for orthopedic surgeons in Vermont—6.3% above the VT average.

2. Psychiatrist

• Salary Range: $222,000 to $415,000, with an average yearly income of $228,300

• US Job Outlook: 7% (1,900 employment opportunities) 

Psychiatrists are the type of medical doctors focused on helping clients deal with mental health issues and substance abuse disorders.

As mental health experts, they provide psychotherapy treatments like psychologists do. As medical degree holders, they can also treat and manage more complex disorders using medications and other alternative therapies.

After completing a pre-med program and medical school, aspiring psychiatrists must undertake an internship and a psychiatry residency program. The next step is to pass the USMLE and exam administered by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) to get licensed and board-certified. 

There are 60 psychiatrists in Burlington-South Burlington, VT, making it one of the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients for this role.

3. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

• Salary Range: $155,5000 to $278,000, with an estimated total pay of $166,500

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 9% (4,500 open jobs) 

Nurse anesthetists are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), which means that they have gained additional training in their chosen field of nursing. In the case of CRNAs, their extensive education provides them with the expertise and authority they need to select and administer anesthesia in a wide range of medical settings. Additionally, they provide pre-anesthesia care and assist in pain management post-operation.

To become nurse anesthetists, registered nurses must pursue higher education through a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and obtain at least a year of acute care experience in either an ER or ICU.

After that, they have to pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). 

Offering an hourly mean wage of $122.50, Vermont is the 5^th top-paying state for nurse anesthetists.

4. Finance Director

• Salary Range: $164,000 to $281,000, with mean earnings of $146,900 per annum

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 16% (69,600 open positions)

*projected growth rate is for finance manager jobs           

Also known as Chief Finance Officers, finance directors are responsible for financial planning and maintaining accurate accounting records.

They are in charge of budget management and resource allocation to minimize risk and maximize profits. Additionally, they perform regular financial assessments and submit progress reports to the CEO and Board of Directors.

A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business administration is the starting point for this career. However, it’s important to obtain advanced degrees, like a Master's degree in Finance (MSF) or a Master's in Business Administration (MBA), and seek years of experience, preferably as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a senior management role.

Having industry connections and mentors is vital for transitioning from senior management to executive management positions. 

There are 1,040 finance managers in Northern and Southern Vermont, making them one of the nonmetropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients for this position.

5. Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant

• Salary Range: $122,00 to $207,000, with an average yearly income of $137,400

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 27% (12,200 new jobs)

*projected growth rate includes the need for all types of Physician Assistants 

Emergency PAs are physician assistants who collaborate with doctors and nurses to provide urgent medical care to patients in the emergency room or critical care unit. Their job responsibilities include conducting patient triage, ordering laboratory exams, interpreting results, and prescribing medications.

Their extensive training also gives them the authority to perform therapeutic procedures, like wound care, arthrocentesis, lumbar puncture, laceration repair, and many more.  

After obtaining a science-based bachelor’s degree and gaining hours of healthcare and patient care experience, prospective EMPAs must complete a Physician Assistant program and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to get licensed. 

Offering an average annual salary 4.1% above the VT average, St. Albans is the highest paying city for Emergency PAs in Vermont.

6. Database Architect

• Salary Range: $128,000 to $182,000, with an estimated annual salary of $123,100

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 8% (10,200 job openings) 

Database architects are IT professionals who design and implement secure and efficient databases for companies. They ensure that the databases meet the company's unique needs and help it achieve its goals. They also monitor database performance and identify and eliminate any potential problems that may arise in the future.

The first step to becoming a database architect is a bachelor’s degree in information technology or computer science. However, most employers prefer a master's degree in a related field. Gaining work experience and earning relevant certifications will also give aspirants a competitive edge. 

According to BLS, Burlington-South Burlington, VT, is the 4^th top-paying metropolitan area for database architects.

7. Nurse Practitioner

• Salary Range: $117,000 to $168,000, with an average yearly pay of $120,900

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 45% (118,600 employment positions) 

Nurse practitioners are authorized and licensed to take on more responsibilities than registered nurses. These include conducting physical examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, formulating treatment plans, and prescribing all types of medications.

Their scope of practice varies depending on state laws. NPs in Vermont are given full practice, which means they can perform all their responsibilities without physician supervision once they have completed 2,400 hours of APRN experience

After finishing nursing school and earning their state license, registered nurses must obtain the required years of experience and pursue an MSN or DNP degree.

Then, they need to obtain national certification by passing an exam administered by Vermont-accredited bodies, such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), or National Certification Corporation (NCC). The last step is to apply for a Vermont NP license.

While it’s optional, getting an MBA is highly recommended. This program can provide them with the business know-how and management skills needed to start their own practice. 

As per ZipRecruiter, an Internal Medicine Nurse Practitioner is the highest-paid NP in Vermont.

8. Pharmacist

• Salary Range: $107,000 to $153,000, with a mean annual pay of $116,900

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% (13,400 job opportunities) 

Pharmacists are experts in all things related to drugs and medicines. In addition to filling doctor's orders (hospital and community pharmacists), they are also responsible for working with doctors to select medications and monitor their effects on patients (clinical pharmacists), research and development of new drugs (manufacturing pharmacists), advising healthcare and insurance companies on medication use (consultant pharmacists), and preparing and distributing radioactive drugs (nuclear pharmacists).

You need a license to practice pharmacy in Vermont, and the licensure application process involves getting a PharmD degree, passing the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE), and completing specific hours of practical experience. 

Offering an hourly mean wage of $65.22, Vermont is the 3^rd top paying state for pharmacists.

9. Data Scientist

• Salary Range: $111,000 to $191,000, with an average yearly wage of $115,300

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 35% (17,700 employment openings) 

Data Scientists use their in-depth data analytics knowledge and a wide range of programming languages to analyze and optimize massive amounts of raw data and convert it into information that can give companies insights on how to solve their problems, optimize their operations, and maximize their profits.

A bachelor’s degree in data science can help aspirants to land an entry level position in this industry. However, most employers prefer applicants with a master’s degree in this field. Not only that, but prospective data scientists must also obtain data science certifications, like the following:

• Certified Analytics Professional (CAP),

• Statistical Analysis System (SAS) Certified Data Scientist,

• Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer, and many more. 

According to Indee.com, Cloud architecture is the best-paid skill for data scientists.

10. Judge

• Salary Range: $135,000 to $253,000, with an estimated total pay of $114,400

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 2% (700 job openings)

*projected growth rate includes demand for judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates           

Judges are the heads of the courtroom, and their main role is to ensure that all trials and legal proceedings are carried out fairly and within the law.

In bench trials, judges are in charge of evaluating the presented evidence and applying the law before rendering a verdict. On the other hand, they are responsible for making sure that the facts are explained to the jury properly and without bias in jury trials. 

Lawyers can become judges through either an election or appointment, which usually involves politics. They are also required to pass a comprehensive examination provided by the US Office of Personnel Management and complete the judicial education programs offered by the National Center for State Courts.

To qualify as a judge candidate in Vermont, you must be a Vermont resident and have practiced law for a minimum of 10 years. 

Essex Junction offers an average annual wage 13.9% higher than the Vermont average, making it the best-paying city for judges in Vermont.

FAQs

What is the highest paying job within Vermont State in 2024?

Orthopedic surgeons will be the highest-paying occupation in Vermont in 2024, with an annual average salary of $320,600. In addition to basic pay, this role may also generate an estimated additional income of $100,600 through cash bonuses. 

Fun Fact: This role, along with other medical specialties, ranks ^2nd among the highest-paying jobs in the US.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which Vermont jobs are projected to have the highest level of growth?

When it comes to the need for employment in Vermont and the entire US, three occupations stand out the most. With a projected growth rate of  45%, Nurse Practitioner (NP) will be the fastest-growing role until 2032. It's closely followed by data scientists (35%) and Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant (EMPA) (27%).

What is the best career path in Vermont in 2024?

Considering the nature of the highest-paying jobs on the list, the best career options in Vermont would be medical (all kinds of physicians, especially psychiatrists and orthopedic surgeons) and healthcare (pharmacists and APRNs).

Suppose your skills aren't in line with these sectors. In that case, the next industries you should consider are Information Technology (IT), law, and finance.

What skills or expertise is required for high-paying Vermont jobs?

With the right technical expertise and industry-specific skills, you can land an entry-level position in these industries. However, developing soft skills is highly recommended if you wish to advance your career and increase your earning potential.

Soft skills are the type of skills that will allow you to work well with other people and improve your ability to get the work done promptly and effectively. The best examples of soft skills are your capacity to manage your time properly, your ability to resolve conflicts and collaborate with other team members, your work ethic, and your potential to lead a group of people and manage a department.  

Download Our Free Report here and discover the skills you need to achieve career growth.

What qualifications are required for high-paying Vermont jobs?

The academic qualifications for these high paying VT jobs vary depending on the type of industry you’re in. For example:

• Medical degrees for psychiatrists and orthopedic surgeons,

• Doctorate for Pharmacist,

• Juris Doctor degree for judges,

• And MBA for data scientists, database architects, and finance directors. This advanced degree is also recommended for professionals who wish to climb up the career ladder.

Aside from obtaining these educational requirements, gaining work experience and pursuing relevant certifications and advanced degrees can give you that competitive advantage.

Why is it beneficial to gain a BBA/MBA degree to earn a high paying job in Vermont?

According to career resources, having an online BBA or MBA degree offers plenty of benefits for working professionals for plenty of good reasons.

For one, it opens plenty of job opportunities for you since most employers prefer applicants with higher degrees. And since the higher the degree, the higher the salary, it can also dramatically increase your earning potential.

These programs are also designed to help you develop your leadership and management abilities, which are among employers' most sought-after soft skills.

In addition to broadening your knowledge of how organizations work, these degrees will also provide you with an opportunity to expand and strengthen your professional network, which is a must if you want to steer your career toward its peak.

Conclusion

According to the Vermont Department of Labor, these VT jobs offer salaries that are significantly higher than the state median wage, so landing any of them means you're one step closer to achieving the sought-after work/life balance.

Resume resources show that adding a business degree to your credentials can boost your employability and increase your chances of landing a lucrative job.

Having said that, Nexford is here to help you advance in your career. This US-accredited university offers self-paced, 100% online MBA and BBA programs with up to 12 competencies and 6 specializations, giving professionals access to the information and skills they need to grow their careers in the most convenient, efficient, and affordable way possible.