Senior Nurse Practitioner Salary in Burlington, VT: $166,855 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nurse practitioners working in Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $166,855/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1171. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $165,286 in average-cost America. The 19% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Earning the top tier of the senior nurse practitioner pay scale in Burlington, VT, can be a lucrative endeavor, with the 2026 projected salary for the 90th percentile reaching $166,855. This figure places Burlington's top earners slightly ahead of the national average, reflecting a competitive market driven by demand for experienced professionals. The gap between the median annual salary of $140,692 and the upper echelon exemplifies the significant experience premium that shapes compensation in this field. To ascend to these financial heights, practitioners need to engage in continuous professional development and potentially secure advanced specializations that enhance their marketability, all while navigating the unique regulatory environment of Vermont as it pertains to nurse practitioner practice authority.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced nurse practitioners at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $162,417 and $166,855 per year (2026 est.). This $56,805 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $140,692 sits 2.8% above the US median.
Top NP Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $140,692 | $136,864 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,417 | $162,106 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $166,855 | $180,437 |
In Burlington, experienced nurse practitioners (P90) earn 18.60% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nurse Practitioner Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT nurse practitioners with additional specialty certifications within the advanced practice nursing field earn significantly above the $140,692 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Nurse Practitioners focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the advanced practice nursing field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $162,417–$166,855 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced nurse practitioners who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured nurse practitioners in 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
Nurse Practitioners in Vermont who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Nurse Practitioner Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Nurse Practitioner
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nurse Practitioner
5-10 yearsNurse Practitioner Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #4 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner nurse practitioner salary (90th percentile: $166,855).
Top 10% nurse practitioner compensation in Burlington ($166,855) is 0.02% above the Vermont average P90 ($166,818).
2019 BLS Actual
$149,030
2025 BLS Actual
$161,290
2026 Current Est.
$166,855
2019–2027 Growth
+15.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $149,030 | Actual |
| 2020 | $148,340 | Actual |
| 2021 | $152,920 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $158,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $165,690 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $166,855 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $172,611 | Projected |
Top-earning nurse practitioners (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 8.2% from $149,030 in 2019 to $161,290 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.45% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $172,611 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the 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 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Nurse Practitioner Earnings in Burlington
A variety of specialties can impact senior nurse practitioner pay in Burlington, with roles in acute care (AGACNP), psychiatric mental health (PMHNP), and pediatric primary care (PNP-PC) often commanding higher salaries. In terms of employer diversity, those working in hospital outpatient clinics or leading specialist practices may see different compensation structures than those at retail clinics or telehealth platforms. Positions as a lead NP or clinical practice manager can provide pathways for leadership and greater earnings, while advanced credentials like ANCC or AANP national certification add value and expertise. Furthermore, other compensation drivers exist, such as productivity bonuses or opportunities within 1099 locum services that can bolster an experienced nurse practitioner's income in this evolving healthcare environment. Taking into account the cost of living and practice conditions in Burlington ensures that these factors cohesively contribute to the overall financial strategy of a senior nurse practitioner in VT.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nurse practitioners make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher nurse practitioner pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost nurse practitioner salary in Burlington?
Can experienced nurse practitioners make six figures in Burlington?
How much does nurse practitioner salary increase over time in Burlington?
Related Pages
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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
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 $161,290 for nurse practitioners in the Burlington metro area. A 3.45% 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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