Burlington vs Rutland: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Burlington, VT and Rutland, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, VT | Rutland, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,605▲ | $50,801 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.29▲ | $24.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,430▲ | $32,242 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,396▲ | $39,412 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,334▲ | $65,025 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,537▲ | $78,742 |
| Total Employed | 10▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rutland.
The salary gap between Burlington and Rutland is $1,804 (3.55%). Burlington's median is -15.12% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $49,107,Rutland spans $46,500. 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, Burlington ($50,826 effective) pays 3.55% more than Rutland ($49,083 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 ($52,605/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,537)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,826)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Rutland if…
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Burlington grew 27.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.1% growth in Rutland over the same period.
Burlington, VT
$38,950 (2019) → $49,613 (2025)
Rutland, VT
$47,958 (2024) → $47,912 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
Rutland, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Burlington or Rutland?
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Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.03% 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, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov