Entry-Level Nurse Practitioner Salary in Bennington, VT: $109,843 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse practitioners entering the Bennington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $109,843 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1171, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bennington's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $106,129 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($135,739) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bennington, VT, new graduate nurse practitioners can expect a starting salary around $109,843 in 2026. While this figure is below the city’s median annual salary of $135,739, it marks a reasonable entry point for those beginning their careers in healthcare. Over the first few years, early-career NPs can anticipate their earnings increasing, especially as they gain experience and potentially move toward higher earnings at $123,254 (the 25th percentile) and eventually the median range. Given these figures, Bennington represents a solid market for new nurse practitioners, allowing them to establish a foothold in their profession while benefiting from the employment landscape and community healthcare needs.
About the Bennington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bennington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bennington
Entry-level nurse practitioners in Bennington, VT typically start between $109,843 and $123,254 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,628 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $135,739 — 0.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average advanced practice nursing program cost in Vermont of $110,000 represents just 100.14% of the starting nurse practitioner pay ($109,843/year) in Bennington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CCNE- and ACEN-accredited graduate nursing programs. Tuition varies significantly between public in-state MSN programs and private DNP programs, and often requires completed BSN coursework as a prerequisite.
NP Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Bennington
- 1Research the Bennington market: entry-level nurse practitioner pay ranges from $109,843 to $123,254, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the advanced practice nursing field — employers in VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bennington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Bennington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bennington's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Nurse Practitioner Compensation Range
The nurse practitioner wage spread in Bennington is $58,628 ( 53.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $109,843, experienced hygienists can earn up to $168,471.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$85,298
2025 BLS Actual
$106,180
2026 Current Est.
$109,843
2019–2027 Growth
+33.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Bennington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,298 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,922 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,265 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,511 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,045 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,288 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,180 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $109,843 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $113,633 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse practitioner compensation (10th percentile) in Bennington, VT grew 24.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $85,298 in 2019 to $106,180 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $113,633. New graduates entering the Bennington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bennington 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 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your advanced practice nursing Career in Bennington
Employers in Bennington actively seek out newly graduated nurse practitioners, particularly in settings such as primary care offices and urgent care chains that offer structured onboarding programs. Larger hospital systems may even provide residency or fellowship opportunities for NPs. For psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), opportunities in telehealth platforms can streamline entry into practice. Holding an active RN license, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and certifications such as those from ANCC or AANP sharply increase competitiveness in the job market. Entry-level NPs should also remember that the scope of practice in Vermont provides flexibility compared to more restrictive states, enhancing their potential. With thoughtful career planning during the first 1-3 years, nurse practitioners can reasonably expect to see salary increases as they move through the early stages of their careers.
More salary data for Bennington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nurse practitioners in Bennington in 2026?
How fast do nurse practitioner salaries grow in Bennington?
Is advanced practice nursing school worth it in Bennington?
What do new nurse practitioners make right out of school in Bennington?
How do I become a nurse practitioner in Vermont?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new advanced practice nursing graduates. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Bennington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bennington 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 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov