Burlington vs Essex Junction: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant 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 | $168,990▲ | $137,368 |
| Hourly Rate | $81.25▲ | $66.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $113,146▲ | $102,907 |
| 25th Percentile | $142,055▲ | $127,274 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,563▲ | $164,364 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $225,434▲ | $185,750 |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Essex Junction.
The salary gap between Burlington and Essex Junction is $31,622 (23.02%). Burlington's median is +20.37% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $112,288,Essex Junction spans $82,843. 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 ($167,401 effective) pays 26.13% more than Essex Junction ($132,723 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 ($168,990/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($225,434)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $167,401)
- ✓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, physician assistant salaries in Burlington grew 40.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.4% growth in Essex Junction over the same period.
Burlington, VT
$116,570 (2019) → $163,560 (2025)
Essex Junction, VT
$119,373 (2024) → $132,954 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
Essex Junction, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants 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 physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Burlington vs Essex Junction?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov