Position
Salary

How much does a Planning Director make?

The average salary for a Planning Director is $167,602 per year in the US.

Planning Directors play a crucial role in shaping the future of their organizations. This job comes with a rewarding salary to match its importance. The average yearly salary for a Planning Director stands at $167,602. This figure represents a blend of various incomes within the field.

Here are some key salary points to consider:

  • The lowest 10% earn around $71,118 annually.
  • The next 20% see salaries ranging from $93,153 to $137,222.
  • The middle 30% earn between $137,222 and $181,292.
  • The top 20% can make over $181,292, with the highest earners reaching $313,500.
These numbers show a clear path of growth and potential within the role.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Planning Director?

Cities with some of the highest salaries for Planning Directors include San Francisco, Denver, and San Diego. A Planning Director in San Francisco can earn up to $208,740 a year. Denver and San Diego offer close to $200,000 and $194,000 annually, respectively. Another top city is Seattle, where Planning Directors receive up to $188,596 per year. Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., Dallas, Los Angeles, Boston, and San Antonio also offer competitive salaries. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those in the planning field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Planning Director jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $208,740 and San Antonio, TX with the lowest at $175,946.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $208,740
    Working in urban planning in San Francisco offers exciting challenges. Key companies like Salesforce and Uber shape the city's future. Planners collaborate on sustainable projects and smart city initiatives.
    Find Planning Director jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $200,061
    In Denver, planning directors focus on the city's growth and development. Companies like Denver International Airport are key players. They manage projects to ensure urban development aligns with community needs.
    Find Planning Director jobs in Denver, CO


  3. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $194,099
    San Diego provides a dynamic environment for planning directors. With companies like Qualcomm and biotech firms, planners work on innovative projects. They aim to enhance the quality of life and foster sustainable growth.
    Find Planning Director jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $188,596
    Seattle's planning directors navigate a tech-driven urban landscape. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft drive development. Planners focus on balancing growth with environmental sustainability.
    Find Planning Director jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $183,151
    Minneapolis offers a balanced approach to urban planning. Planners work with major companies like Target and UnitedHealth Group. They focus on community engagement and sustainable urban development.
    Find Planning Director jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  6. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $179,525
    In Washington, DC, planning directors collaborate with federal agencies. They shape the nation's capital's growth and infrastructure. Planners work on projects that impact millions of residents and visitors.
    Find Planning Director jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $179,347
    Dallas provides a vibrant setting for planning directors. With companies like AT&T and American Airlines, planners focus on urban expansion. They aim to create a thriving, sustainable city for all residents.
    Find Planning Director jobs in Dallas, TX


  8. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $178,387
    Los Angeles offers a diverse planning environment. Planners work on projects for entertainment giants like Disney and Warner Bros. They focus on managing urban growth and enhancing the quality of life.
    Find Planning Director jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  9. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $176,834
    Boston's planning directors work in a historic urban setting. They collaborate with educational institutions and healthcare companies. Planners focus on preserving the city's heritage while promoting growth.
    Find Planning Director jobs in Boston, MA


  10. San Antonio, TX
    Average Salary: $175,946
    In San Antonio, planning directors manage a rapidly growing city. They work with companies like AT&T and Valero Energy. Planners focus on sustainable development and community engagement.
    Find Planning Director jobs in San Antonio, TX

What are the best companies a Planning Director can work for?

PwC offers a high salary for Planning Directors at $313,500 annually. Thrivent also provides a competitive salary of $107,167 per year for this role. These companies stand out as top choices for those seeking rewarding positions in planning.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Planning Director jobs, highlighting PwC with the highest at $313,500 and Thrivent with the lowest at $107,167.
  1. PwC
    Average Salary: $313,500
    PwC offers competitive salaries for Planning Directors. They have offices around the world, including in the USA, UK, and India. At PwC, Planning Directors focus on strategic planning and managing financial resources.


  2. Thrivent
    Average Salary: $107,167
    Thrivent provides a solid salary for Planning Directors. Located primarily in the USA, Thrivent focuses on financial services. Directors here manage planning tasks and help grow the company’s financial strategies.

How to earn more as a Planning Director?

A Planning Director can boost their earnings by focusing on key areas that drive results and efficiency. Attention to these factors can open up new salary opportunities and job prospects. By prioritizing these elements, a Planning Director can enhance their value in the workplace and increase their potential compensation.

First, gaining specialized certifications can lead to higher salaries. These certifications showcase expertise in areas like urban planning, environmental management, or strategic development. Companies value these skills and are willing to pay a premium for them. Second, taking on leadership roles in major projects can also increase earnings. Successful project management and clear strategic vision can impress employers and lead to salary increases. Third, networking with industry leaders can provide insights into higher-paying opportunities. Building a strong professional network can open doors to new job offers with better pay. Fourth, developing strong communication skills is vital. Effective communication can lead to better project outcomes and higher job satisfaction. This skill can help in negotiating better salaries. Lastly, staying updated with industry trends keeps a Planning Director competitive. Understanding new technologies and methods can make a Planning Director more valuable and open up higher-paying roles.

Consider these strategies to enhance earning potential as a Planning Director:

  • Obtain specialized certifications.
  • Lead major projects successfully.
  • Build a strong professional network.
  • Develop strong communication skills.
  • Stay updated with industry trends.

Currently 108 Planning Director job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Planning Director in the US?

Learn what a Planning Director does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Planning Director today.
Position
Overview
Planning Director
108 Job Openings