Burlington vs Essex Junction: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager 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 | $106,988 | $116,362▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.44 | $55.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,571▲ | $71,656 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,266 | $93,649▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $132,709 | $148,943▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,269 | $180,361▲ |
| Total Employed | 520▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Essex Junction, VT offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and Essex Junction is $9,374 (8.76%). Essex Junction's median is -2.15% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $83,698,Essex Junction spans $108,705. Essex Junction has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced construction managers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Essex Junction ($112,427 effective) pays 6.08% more than Burlington ($105,982 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Larger job market (520 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Essex Junction if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,362/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($180,361)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,427)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Burlington grew 28.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.0% growth in Essex Junction over the same period.
Burlington, VT
$80,390 (2019) → $103,450 (2025)
Essex Junction, VT
$97,846 (2024) → $112,514 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
Essex Junction, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers 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 construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Burlington vs Essex Junction?
Written by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM
Career Analyst
Michael has 10 years of experience in construction management. He specializes in project scheduling and cost control. He works with a mid-sized general contracting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.42% 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 Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov