SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. — For students, seasonal workers, and young professionals looking to gain experience while enjoying Vermont’s quality of life, South Burlington is officially standing out on the national stage.
A new WalletHub study ranking the Best Cities for Summer Jobs placed South Burlington, Vermont, at #1 in the nation, highlighting the city’s strong seasonal hiring market, competitive wages, and worker-friendly benefits.
The study compared more than 180 U.S. cities using 21 key indicators tied to summer employment opportunities, including job availability, affordability, income levels, commute access, and workplace benefits.
For individuals considering relocating to Vermont — particularly younger workers, college students, or remote workers seeking supplemental seasonal income — the ranking reinforces South Burlington’s growing reputation as one of the state’s strongest employment hubs.
Why South Burlington Ranked #1
According to WalletHub, South Burlington posted one of the country’s largest seasonal hiring increases, ranking 16th nationally for its “summer employment bump.” That metric measures how many additional jobs become available during summer months compared to the rest of the year.
The city also ranked highly for several workforce-related advantages:
- 6th-most temporary job openings per capita
- Among the nation’s best for jobs accessible within a 30-minute commute
- Highest percentage of part-time workers receiving health insurance coverage
- 5th-highest median annual income for part-time workers, exceeding $29,000 annually
The report suggests South Burlington’s labor market provides a rare combination of accessibility, compensation, and quality-of-life benefits that many seasonal workers struggle to find elsewhere.
A Growing Workforce Destination in Vermont
South Burlington’s ranking reflects broader economic trends happening across Chittenden County and northwestern Vermont.
The region continues to see strong demand in industries including:
- Hospitality and tourism
- Retail and outdoor recreation
- Healthcare support services
- Food service and local agriculture
- Logistics and warehouse operations
- Summer camps and youth programming
Its proximity to Burlington International Airport, the University of Vermont, downtown Burlington, and major retail corridors also creates a wider concentration of seasonal and flexible employment opportunities than many similarly sized cities nationwide.
For newcomers relocating to Vermont, especially families with college-aged students or professionals seeking part-time flexibility, the city’s strong labor market can provide an additional layer of economic stability.
Vermont’s Seasonal Economy Continues to Expand
Summer tourism remains a major economic driver across Vermont. Seasonal travel, outdoor recreation, lake tourism, festivals, and hospitality operations create thousands of temporary jobs each year statewide.
South Burlington’s national recognition may also signal a larger shift in how Vermont cities are being viewed nationally — not just as lifestyle destinations, but as viable places to work, build careers, and maintain work-life balance.
With part-time workers in South Burlington earning some of the nation’s highest incomes for flexible employment, the city is increasingly attractive to:
- Students
- Retirees seeking supplemental income
- Digital nomads
- Relocating families
- Workers transitioning careers
What This Means for People Moving to Vermont
For many out-of-state movers researching Vermont, employment opportunities remain one of the biggest concerns. Studies like WalletHub’s help counter the perception that smaller New England cities lack economic opportunity.
South Burlington’s top ranking suggests Vermont can offer:
- Competitive wages
- Accessible jobs
- Shorter commutes
- Strong healthcare benefits
- Flexible work arrangements
- High quality of life
As relocation interest in Vermont continues growing, South Burlington is increasingly positioning itself as one of the state’s strongest cities for both lifestyle and employment opportunity.