Senior Plumber Salary in South Burlington, VT: $107,727 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of plumbers working in South Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $107,727/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 47-2152. Strip back South Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $104,084 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Burlington, Vermont, the earnings potential for experienced plumbers is remarkable. With a projected median annual salary of $69,501 in 2026, top earners can achieve salaries upwards of $107,727. This figure places top-tier salaries in South Burlington notably higher than the national average for the same role, where the national median sits at $65,408. The significant gap between the median and the high end reflects the experience premium that seasoned professionals command in this market. Achieving such top-tier pay typically requires over seven years of experience, specialization, and possibly credentials that elevate a plumber's marketability and value in a competitive landscape.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Burlington
Experienced plumbers at the top of the pay scale in South Burlington earn between $88,962 and $107,727 per year (2026 est.). This $58,951 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The South Burlington median of $69,501 sits 6.26% above the US median.
Top Plumber Salary Comparison
| Level | South Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $69,501 | $65,408 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,962 | $87,255 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $107,727 | $111,152 |
In South Burlington, experienced plumbers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Plumber Pay in South Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT plumbers with additional specialty certifications within the plumbing field earn significantly above the $69,501 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by South Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Plumbers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the plumbing field in South Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $88,962–$107,727 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the South Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced plumbers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured plumbers in South Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Plumbers in Vermont who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Plumber Career & Wage Growth Path in South Burlington
Clinical Plumber
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Plumber
5-10 yearsPlumber Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSouth Burlington ranks #1 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner plumber salary (90th percentile: $107,727).
Top 10% plumber compensation in South Burlington ($107,727) is 14.27% above the Vermont average P90 ($94,270).
2019 BLS Actual
$94,176
2025 BLS Actual
$105,079
2026 Current Est.
$107,727
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,176 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,841 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,072 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,962 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,079 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,727 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,442 | Projected |
Top-earning plumbers (90th percentile) in South Burlington saw their compensation grow 11.6% from $94,176 in 2019 to $105,079 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.52% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $110,442 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Burlington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.52% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Plumber Earnings in South Burlington
In the realm of senior plumbing compensation, several factors influence pay scales within South Burlington. Specializations such as service plumbing, medical gas systems, and backflow prevention testing typically command higher wages due to their technical demands and limited workforce availability. Compensation can also vary widely based on the employing organization; unionized pipefitters, for instance, often earn a premium compared to their non-union counterparts. Employers such as industrial maintenance teams, large service companies, and municipal water utilities present career advancements leading to positions like service manager or plumbing inspector. To further enhance earning potential, plumbers may pursue advanced credentials such as a master plumber license or certifications in specialized fields, positioning themselves favorably for higher pay and robust career trajectories. With a projected 2.52% growth rate, the demand for highly skilled plumbers underscores the continual opportunities within the profession in 2026.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced plumbers make in South Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher plumber pay in South Burlington?
What certifications boost plumber salary in South Burlington?
Can experienced plumbers make six figures in South Burlington?
How much does plumber salary increase over time in South Burlington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Vermont
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $105,079 for plumbers in the South Burlington metro area. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Burlington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov