Vermont has several labor laws in place to protect the rights of workers. Some of the most important labor laws in Vermont include:
Minimum Wage: The minimum wage in Vermont is $12.55 per hour as of January 2023. However, certain employees, such as those who receive tips or are under 18 years old, may be paid a lower minimum wage.
Overtime Pay: Employers in Vermont are required to pay overtime to employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek. The overtime rate is 1.5 times the employee's regular hourly rate.
Non-Discrimination: Vermont has laws that prohibit employers from discriminating against employees based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.
Workers' Compensation: Employers in Vermont are required to provide workers' compensation insurance to employees who are injured on the job.
Paid Leave: Vermont has a state law requiring employers to provide paid sick leave to employees. Additionally, some employers may offer paid vacation or other types of leave.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of January 2022, the labor force in Vermont was approximately 329,000 people, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%. The median hourly wage for all occupations in Vermont was $19.53, which is higher than the national median of $19.14.
The largest employment sectors in Vermont are:
Education and Health Services
Government
Trade, Transportation, and Utilities
Professional and Business Services
Leisure and Hospitality
In terms of job growth, some of the fastest-growing occupations in Vermont include:
Healthcare support occupations
Computer and mathematical occupations
Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations
Construction and extraction occupations
Life, physical, and social science occupations
Vermont is a small state with a diverse economy, with opportunities in education, healthcare, government, and other industries. It's important for workers and employers to be aware of the state's labor laws to ensure fair treatment and compliance with regulations.
Some of the top cities in Vermont include: Burlington - The largest city in Vermont, located in the northwest part of the state, with a population of approximately 42,000 people, South Burlington - Located adjacent to Burlington, with a population of approximately 19,000 people, Rutland - Located in the southwest part of the state, with a population of approximately 16,000 people, Colchester - Located just north of Burlington, with a population of approximately 17,000 people, Essex - Located just east of Burlington, with a population of approximately 20,000 people., Brattleboro - Located in the southeast part of the state, with a population of approximately 12,000 people., Bennington - Located in the southwest corner of Vermont, with a population of approximately 9,000 people, Williston - Located just east of Burlington, with a population of approximately 8,000 people, Middlebury - Located in the west central part of Vermont, with a population of approximately 8,000 people, Montpelier - The capital of Vermont, located in the central part of the state, with a population of approximately 7,500 people.