Burlington vs Rutland: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Burlington, VT and Rutland, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, VT | Rutland, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,418▲ | $102,775 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.53▲ | $49.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,729▲ | $80,006 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,355▲ | $86,541 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,787▲ | $127,251 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,215 | $152,351▲ |
| Total Employed | 390▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rutland.
The salary gap between Burlington and Rutland is $10,643 (10.36%). 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 Burlington spans $60,486,Rutland spans $72,345. Rutland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Burlington ($112,352 effective) pays 13.14% more than Rutland ($99,300 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 ($113,418/year)
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,352)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Rutland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($152,351)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Burlington grew 13.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Rutland over the same period.
Burlington, VT
$97,280 (2019) → $110,200 (2025)
Rutland, VT
$88,243 (2024) → $99,859 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
Rutland, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Burlington or Rutland?
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Should I relocate from Burlington to Rutland 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