Burlington vs Colchester: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Burlington, VT and Colchester, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, VT | Colchester, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,074 | $160,165▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.02 | $77.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,649 | $92,896▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,265 | $115,319▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $187,790 | $205,011▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $252,243▲ | $248,255 |
| Total Employed | 550▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Burlington and Colchester are closely matched on overall lawyer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Burlington and Colchester is $29,091 (22.19%). Colchester's median is -4.19% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $161,594,Colchester spans $155,359. Burlington 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, Colchester ($154,749 effective) pays 19.18% more than Burlington ($129,842 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($252,243)
- ✓Larger job market (550 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Colchester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($160,165/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,749)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Burlington grew 40.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.7% growth in Colchester over the same period.
Burlington, VT
$89,320 (2019) → $125,190 (2025)
Colchester, VT
$119,759 (2024) → $152,975 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
Colchester, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Burlington or Colchester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Colchester?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov