Burlington vs South Burlington: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant 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 | $61,221▲ | $60,273 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.43▲ | $28.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,491▲ | $42,703 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,152▲ | $52,603 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,838▲ | $68,790 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,053▲ | $76,253 |
| Total Employed | 10▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and South Burlington is $948 (1.57%). Burlington's median is -12.85% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $32,562,South Burlington spans $33,550. South Burlington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Burlington ($59,151 effective) pays 1.57% more than South Burlington ($58,235 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 ($61,221/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,053)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,151)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose South Burlington if…
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Burlington grew 7.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.2% growth in South Burlington over the same period.
Burlington, VT
$55,700 (2019) → $59,594 (2025)
South Burlington, VT
$60,626 (2024) → $58,671 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
South Burlington, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Burlington or South Burlington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and South Burlington?
Should I relocate from Burlington to South Burlington as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Burlington vs South Burlington?
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov