Brattleboro vs South Burlington: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Brattleboro, VT and South Burlington, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brattleboro, VT | South Burlington, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,811 | $70,912▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.68 | $34.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,999 | $44,915▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,600 | $54,874▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,998 | $90,768▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,533 | $109,914▲ |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 4 |
Verdict
South Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brattleboro.
The salary gap between Brattleboro and South Burlington is $7,101 (11.13%). South Burlington's median is +8.97% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brattleboro spans $57,534,South Burlington spans $64,999. South Burlington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, South Burlington ($68,514 effective) pays 11.13% more than Brattleboro ($61,653 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brattleboro if…
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose South Burlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,912/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,914)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,514)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Brattleboro grew 21.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.9% growth in South Burlington over the same period.
Brattleboro, VT
$50,989 (2024) → $61,737 (2025)
South Burlington, VT
$50,848 (2024) → $68,607 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brattleboro, VT
South Burlington, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Brattleboro or South Burlington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brattleboro and South Burlington?
Should I relocate from Brattleboro to South Burlington as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Brattleboro vs South Burlington?
Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% 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, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov