Have you ever dreamed of leaving the hectic city life behind and relocating to a peaceful and quiet state? Well, you’re not alone.
Many dream of relocating to areas surrounded by mountains, forests, and beautiful nature. The good news is that it’s possible!
Vermont, the Green Mountain State, wants to attract young and remote workers to relocate through specific programs. But you know what’s even better? You can actually get paid to move to Vermont!
Whether you’re a remote worker or want an on-site job in Vermont, it’s easy to relocate. In this guide, we’ll explain how you can get paid to enjoy living in Green Mountain State.
Can You Get Paid to Move to Vermont?
The short answer is yes. Vermont and other rural places in the United States have been experiencing slow population growth in recent years.
To combat this problem and attract new residents, Vermont’s Agency of Commerce and Community Development launched worker relocation incentive programs in 2018.
The goal was to attract new workers and their families to relocate to Vermont by offering them financial assistance.
Vermont was allocated $1,780,000 in 2018 to develop its first worker relocation program, and around 435 workers have moved to Vermont with their families since then.
Moving forward, in 2022, Green Mountain State allocated $3.09 million to upgrade its worker relocation programs and attract more reliable employees and remote workers.
How Much Can You Make by Moving to Vermont?
According to ThinkVermont.com, the current Worker Relocation Incentive Program offers reimbursement grants of up to $7,500 to people willing to relocate to Vermont. So why is the state granting these funds to new residents?
The state expects new residents to use these grants to cover their relocation expenses, including moving and housing costs like mortgage and utility bills.
The Worker Relocation Incentive Program accepts applications from individuals who work remotely for companies outside Vermont or those who want to take a job in Vermont.
As such, what you make by moving to Vermont varies significantly depending on many factors, such as your expertise, job title, skills, profession, and more.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary in Vermont is around $74,403 per year, but you can earn as low as $39,678 and up to $111,963 annually.
The good news is that Green Mountain State needs workers in various fields and industries, from technology to construction and healthcare.
Entry-level jobs such as cashiers, fast-food workers, waiters, and bartenders are also available. So there’s a high chance you get a good-paying full-time or part-time job in Vermont without prior experience in the same field.
Are There Tax Benefits to Moving to Vermont?
Even though Vermont has one of the highest tax rates in the United States (up to 8.75%), many tax benefits and subtractions exist for tax-paying residents.
For example, the Vermont Standard Deduction and Personal Exemption work to reduce taxable income for residents. They also offer deductions for blind filers or those aged 65 years or above.
If you benefit from social security and earn below the income threshold, you’ll get subtractions and even exemptions for your income taxes.
Other tax benefits in Vermont include:
- Limited Military and Other Retirement Income Exemption
- Capital Gains Exclusion
- Adjustment for Bonus Depreciation on Prior Year Property
- Exemption for Student Loan Interest
- Vermont Medical Deduction
- Interest Income from U.S. Obligations
Places in Vermont That Pay You To Move
Vermont has some of the most beautiful sceneries in the United States. Even though it’s a small and quiet city, it has a unique vibe that makes it an ideal place for many people who’re seeking a new home.
But don’t just take our word for it; the last update about Vermont’s Relocation Incentive Program states that they have received applications for more than the available funds, which is around $3.09 million.
But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you can’t apply. Applications are still open, but it’s worth noting that funding isn’t guaranteed.
Now let’s move on to see the best places that pay you to move to Vermont:
1. Montpelier
Montpelier is the capital of Vermont and the smallest state capital in the country. Now you might think of Montpelier as a busy city with a lot of bright life.
But it’s a very small city (New York is around 30 times larger) with a population of around 8,023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Montpelier is the perfect city for those who want a quiet, peaceful place with many entertainment options. The city is full of cultural scenes and historic architecture, as well as stores, coffee shops, and museums.
If you enjoy country life, you’ll be astonished by the scenery across the Winooski River that runs through the city.
- How much you can make: The average annual salary in Montpelier, Vermont is around $80,874, according to ZipRecruiter.
- What makes this option great: Montpelier is a beautiful blend of historical and modern culture and offers access to excellent schools and recreational outdoor activities.
2. Burlington
Burlington is the largest city in Vermont and has a population of around 198,557, the highest in the state. The city offers a diverse and dynamic community perfect for anyone willing to move to Vermont, especially families.
No matter which type of person you’re, you’ll find something in Burlington for you and your family. Whether you enjoy festive vibes and parties or cozy picnics in green areas, you’ll have it all in Burlington.
- How much you can make: ZipRecruiter shows that the average salary in Burlington is $78,012 per year. You can earn as low as $42,411 or as high as $114,163 per year, depending on your job, experience, and education.
- What makes this option great: Burlington offers a bustling downtown, plenty of quiet green spaces, and a ton of natural surroundings. There’s a renowned school system, too, making it an ideal place to raise a family.
3. South Burlington
Located a few miles south of Burlington, South Burlington offers a quiet suburban life to newcomers. If you enjoy parking your car near home and walking to your destinations, you’ll love living in South Burlington.
Even though it’s a small city, it’s still packed with plenty of coffee shops, bars, parks, restaurants, and green spaces. The schools in South Burlington are also high-rated, making it a viable option for families.
- How much you can make: According to ZipRecruiter, you can make an average annual salary of $46,918 in South Burlington. Depending on your job and level of experience, you can earn as low as $25,789 and as high as $85,663 per year.
- What makes this option great: South Burlington has some of Vermont’s highest quality schools, restaurants, and recreational outdoor activities.
Jobs That Pay You to Relocate to Vermont
Getting paid to relocate to Vermont isn’t the easiest task, and of course, there’s fierce competition between applicants as the open spots are limited.
There are two main ways to qualify for a Worker Relocation Incentive Program: being a remote worker or taking a Vermont job.
1. Remote Worker
With the rise of digital nomads and remote work opportunities, many people have shifted to work from home for foreign companies.
Meanwhile, Vermont is one of those states looking to attract younger workers to combat its slow-growing and aging population.
To get paid to move to Vermont as a remote worker, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Work remotely as a full-time employer for an out-of-state organization.
- Your wage should equal or exceed the Vermont livable wage rate, which is $15.33 per hour.
- Can move to Vermont and become a full-time resident
- Can afford qualified relocation expenses
According to Forbes, remote work has been thriving in recent years, with around %12.7 of full-time workers working completely from home and 28.2% working hybrid.
The numbers are only expected to get higher; by 2025, it’s expected that 32.6 million Americans will be working remotely.
Vermont is an excellent destination for remote workers. Mainly because remote workers have the flexibility to choose the time and place to work, and Vermont offers an outstanding environment to live and work.
For example, Burlington is a small city that has an increase in migration of remote workers by 103% in 2020.
Additionally, more than 298 remote workers have moved to Vermont with their families and have a remote worker license.
- How much can you make: As a remote worker in Vermont, you can expect to make at least $33,660 and up to $120,780 per year, with the average annual salary being around $67,878. These numbers can significantly fluctuate depending on your job, experience, and other factors.
- What makes this option great: working a remote job in Vermont is a great way to enjoy living in a safe and peaceful environment with access to a wide range of facilities, houses, schools, outdoor activities, and many other benefits.
2. Relocating Worker
The other way to become eligible for a Worker Relocation Incentive Program in Vermont is to take a Vermont-based job.
Since Green Mountain State is in need of talented workers in many industries, the Vermont Department of Labor and its Workforce Development Division are doing their best to connect job seekers and employers.
Through this website, you can browse endless job opportunities in Vermont and apply for them. Depending on your education, experience, skills, and profile, you can land a job in tech, medicine, finance, marketing, tourism, and many other industries.
- How much can you make: As an employee in Vermont, you can earn around $39,678 per year for entry-level jobs. The average salary in Vermont is around $74,403 per year, but you can earn significantly more if you’re in a high-paying industry such as tech or medicine.
- What makes this option great: Vermont is among the top 20 highest-paid states in the U.S. So who wouldn’t enjoy working a decent-paying job in a safe and beautiful state like Vermont?
Why You Should Consider Moving to Vermont
Getting paid to relocate to the stunning Green Mountain state sounds too good to be true right? Well, you’re not only moving out to a beautiful state but to a safe and healthy community as well.
Whether you’re after a safe place to raise your family or a quiet environment to retire, Vermont has a lot to offer for everyone. So why should you consider relocating to Vermont?
1. Low Crime Rates
According to USnews.com, Vermont has the fourth lowest crime rate in the United States, with around 173 crimes per 100,000 residents.
While some might argue that this low rate results from the state being low-populated, it’s still one of the safest places in the country, so who would want a better place to raise a family?
2. High Quality of Life
Even though your quality of life depends on various personal preferences, living in Vermont will most likely satisfy all your needs.
According to USnews.com, Vermont ranks 9th among the best overall states in the U.S. With its extremely low crime rates and high-quality schools, Vermont offers a high standard of safe living for families and individuals alike.
3. Beautiful Scenery
Did you know that Vermont is the greenest state in the country? The city boasts vast green landscapes as well as lakes, mountains, and many other natural attractions. Do you know what’s better? You can enjoy these landscapes every season.
In the fall, the orange and red leaves are breathtaking, and even people from outside the state come to enjoy fall foliage in Vermont. Meanwhile, the snow covers mountains, hills, lakes, and rivers in winter, making the city look like a magical winter wonderland.
4. Less Traffic
We’ve all been there when you’re stuck in a traffic jam for so long that you miss a business meeting or a family dinner.
This is not the case in rural areas like Vermont; even in Burlington, the largest city in the state, it’s extremely rare to get stuck in traffic.
5. Outdoor Activities
You can’t be living in Vermont and not experience the vast outdoor activities it has to offer. From endless hiking routes to biking, climbing, and snow sports, Vermont is heaven for those who enjoy outdoor recreational activities. So be prepared for some adventure!
Is It Cheap to Live in Vermont?
Now you might wonder if it’s cheap to live in Vermont. The short answer is no.
Comparing Vermont to other states and its New England neighbors, it’s one of the most expensive states.
The living costs in Vermont are slightly higher than the national average; according to the BEA, the average annual cost of living in Vermont is $50,761.
Housing costs highly contribute to Vermont’s high cost of living, but it isn’t the only crucial factor. Comparing Vermont to other states, Vermont residents usually pay more for groceries, health, utilities, and transportation.
What is a Livable Salary in Vermont?
According to the Vermont Legislative Joint Fiscal Office, the minimum livable salary in Vermont is $15.33 per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New Remote Worker Grant Program in Vermont?
The New Remote Worker Grant Program in Vermont is a state-funded program that aims to attract remote workers to move to Vermont and continue working for an out-of-state company.
New residents can be granted up to $7,500 in reimbursements for expenses related to their move to Vermont.
What is the minimum wage in Vermont?
According to Vermont’s government, starting from January 2023, employers in Vermont must pay a minimum wage of $13.18 per hour. In 2022, the minimum wage in Vermont was $12.55 per hour.
Similar Locations to Consider
With all the pros of living in Vermont, the state still has its fair share of downsides. That includes extreme weather conditions, considerably high taxes, and high living costs.
So, why not consider relocating and getting incentives from other states?
- Get Paid to Move to Maine: Maine offers enticing deals to graduates to move and work there. Check out our guide on how to get paid to move to Maine.
- Get Paid to Move to Montana: Many companies in Montana are offering incentives and relocation packages to attract workers to relocate.
- Get Paid to Move to West Virginia: West Virginia’s Ascend WV program offers people up to $12,000 to move there.
Wrapping Up
Ever wondered if it’s even real that a beautiful state like Vermont can actually pay you to move there?
Well, it’s real!
Relying on remote worker grants and relocation incentive programs, Vermont is offering various ways to attract talented workers to move there.
Want to escape the daily grind of city life and move into a cozy environment surrounded by mountains and nature? Moving to Vermont might be your ideal decision.
We hope it’s clear now how to get paid to move to Vermont. If you have any more questions, drop them in the comments section below. Don’t forget to share the post with your friends if you enjoyed it!
