Brattleboro vs Burlington: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Brattleboro, VT and Burlington, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brattleboro, VT | Burlington, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,068 | $113,418▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.51 | $54.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,783 | $87,729▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,831 | $89,355▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $129,053 | $132,787▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,570▲ | $148,215 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 390▲ |
Verdict
Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brattleboro.
The salary gap between Brattleboro and Burlington is $8,350 (7.95%). Burlington's median is +5.85% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brattleboro spans $76,787,Burlington spans $60,486. Brattleboro 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 ($112,352 effective) pays 10.68% more than Brattleboro ($101,515 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brattleboro if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($153,570)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,418/year)
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,352)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Brattleboro grew 13.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.3% growth in Burlington over the same period.
Brattleboro, VT
$90,212 (2024) → $102,087 (2025)
Burlington, VT
$97,280 (2019) → $110,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brattleboro, VT
Burlington, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Brattleboro or Burlington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brattleboro and Burlington?
Should I relocate from Brattleboro to Burlington as a mechanical engineer?
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov