Burlington vs South Burlington: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Burlington, VT and South Burlington, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, VT | South Burlington, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,785 | $78,180▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.39 | $37.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,409 | $59,667▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,012 | $70,435▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,183 | $98,522▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,909 | $121,179▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,140▲ | 4 |
Verdict
South Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and South Burlington is $395 (0.51%). South Burlington's median is +21.03% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $52,500,South Burlington spans $61,512. South Burlington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Burlington ($77,054 effective) pays 2.01% more than South Burlington ($75,536 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 (1,140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,054)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose South Burlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,180/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,179)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Burlington grew 28.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.7% growth in South Burlington over the same period.
Burlington, VT
$60,150 (2019) → $77,030 (2025)
South Burlington, VT
$60,626 (2024) → $77,421 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
South Burlington, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Burlington or South Burlington?
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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 Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov