Healthcare Recruiting
Healthcare Recruiting in Vermont 2026: Top Employers, Pay, and Demand
Vermont is one of the few states where a single health network — UVM Health — dominates nearly all acute and subspecialty care. That concentration simplifies the employment landscape but also means that candidates largely negotiate with one major employer for most hospital positions. Full practice authority has been in place since 2011, the second US state after Montana to grant it. The Northeast Kingdom and rural southern Vermont have meaningful NHSC-eligible shortage areas, making loan repayment an effective recruitment tool for new graduates considering primary care.
Top Healthcare Employers in Vermont (2026)
| System | HQ | Employees | Hiring Focus 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| UVM Health Network (UVMMC + affiliates) | Burlington | ~8,500 | Academic physicians, CRNAs, subspecialists, NPs |
| Southwestern Vermont Medical Center | Bennington | ~1,100 | Hospitalists, ER, FNPs |
| Northwestern Medical Center | St. Albans | ~950 | Primary care, surgical NP, rural medicine |
| Gifford Medical Center | Randolph | ~650 | Critical access rural medicine, CRNA, FNPs |
| Grace Cottage Hospital | Townshend | ~300 | Rural primary care, NHSC-eligible FNPs |
Vermont Salary Benchmarks (2026)
| Role | Median Base | Typical Sign-On |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitalist MD/DO | $295,000 | $20,000–$35,000 |
| Family Medicine MD/DO | $242,000 | $15,000–$30,000 |
| CRNA | $215,000 | $15,000–$25,000 |
| NP (FNP/AGNP) | $120,000 | $5,000–$12,000 |
| RN (BSN) | $70,000 | $5,000–$10,000 |
Where the Demand Is Highest
Burlington / Chittenden County: UVM Medical Center is the state's flagship academic hospital. Subspecialist and CRNA demand is concentrated here; competition with Dartmouth Hitchcock (Lebanon, NH) affects the entire Upper Valley talent pool.
Rutland: Rutland Regional Medical Center (UVM affiliate) recruits for inpatient and surgical support roles; smaller programs often offer more negotiating room than the main campus.
Northeast Kingdom (St. Johnsbury / Newport): NCHC and North Country Hospital have severe primary care shortages. NHSC Loan Repayment awards up to $50,000 for 2-year service — one of Vermont's best incentives for new graduates.
Licensing Notes
- NLC member: Vermont RN compact license portable across all NLC states
- NP/CRNA practice: Full practice authority since 2011 — no physician agreement required
- APRN fee: ~$90 initial; processing 4–6 weeks
- Interstate commuters: Many candidates also hold NH or NY licenses; multi-state credentialing is common in this region
Contact Ava Health for Vermont openings.
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