Lawyers in Vermont. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
What the numbers say
Vermont's median lawyer wage landed at $101,090 in 2024, about 32% below the national median of $149,496. That is a large gap by any measure, and it reflects something real about the state's legal market: Vermont has roughly 1,150 employed lawyers, a small professional base compared to most states, and the practice mix skews toward smaller firms, public-sector work, and general practice rather than the high-billing corporate and securities work that lifts medians in New York or Massachusetts.
The spread between what lawyers at the lower end earn and what those at the upper end earn is notable. The 10th-percentile wage was $76,250 and the 75th percentile reached $160,770. That is more than a twofold difference within the state alone, which tells us experience, firm size, and specialty matter as much here as anywhere.
Vermont's cost-of-living index sits at 102, just above the national baseline. The nominal gap with the US median is largely real, not a statistical artifact of cheaper housing or lower prices. A lawyer earning the Vermont median takes home wages that, in purchasing terms, still land well below what peers in higher-paying states see after adjusting for what things actually cost.
BLS projects average growth for this occupation between 2024 and 2034, with national demand expected to rise 4.2%. Vermont's small market means individual openings matter more than percentages. When a senior position opens at a state agency or an established firm, it tends to move the local employment count visibly.
Salary distribution
Where Vermont lawyers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $100,790 and $188,090, with a median of $127,310.
Where do you stand?
Get an instant percentile reading. Anonymous, no signup.
Aggregate unlocks once 5 readers have shared a salary for this role and state.
Lawyers pay by experience level in Vermont
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Vermont over the past 3 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2025 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.9 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.7 / 5
Law and Government
Knowledge
- 4.6 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.6 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.5 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.5 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.5 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
- 02
Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
- 03
Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
- 04
Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- 05
Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.
- 06
Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
- 07
Work in environmental law, representing public interest groups, waste disposal companies, or construction firms in their dealings with state and federal agencies.
- 08
Present and summarize cases to judges and juries.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+4.2%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Lawyers
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesCompare Lawyers pay across nearby states
Considering a move? Compare Vermont with another state
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Lawyers in Vermont?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Lawyers in Vermont is $127,310.
- How does Vermont compare to the national median for Lawyers?
- The Vermont median is -20.1% versus the BLS national figure of $159,328.
- What is the salary range for Lawyers in Vermont?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $85,510 and the 90th-percentile at $336,450, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Lawyers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 4.2% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Lawyers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.