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How much does a Urban Planner make?

The average salary for a Urban Planner is $82,024 per year in the US.

Urban planners work to create and improve cities and towns. They think about where to build roads, parks, and buildings. They also consider how people will move around and what services they need. The average yearly salary for an urban planner is $82,024. This means that most urban planners earn between $40,000 and $147,000 each year.

The salary can change based on experience and location. Urban planners with more experience often earn more. Those who work in big cities may also earn higher salaries. The job can be rewarding, as it helps shape the places where people live and work.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Urban Planner?

Urban planners in San Francisco, CA, enjoy some of the highest salaries in the country. With an average salary of $117,200, this city offers excellent opportunities for those in the field. Los Angeles, CA, follows closely with an average salary of $113,036. Other cities like Baltimore, MD, and Denver, CO, also provide competitive salaries for urban planners. Baltimore offers an average of $96,930, while Denver pays $91,071. These cities present attractive options for those seeking rewarding careers in urban planning.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Urban Planner jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $117,200 and Atlanta, GA with the lowest at $65,191.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $117,200
    In San Francisco, professionals shape the city's future with a focus on sustainability. Companies like Gensler and AECOM offer opportunities to work on innovative projects.
    Find Urban Planner jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $113,036
    Los Angeles provides a dynamic environment for those who want to influence urban growth. Firms such as HNTB and AECOM are at the forefront of city planning here.
    Find Urban Planner jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  3. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $96,930
    Baltimore offers a unique blend of urban and suburban planning. Working with local government and firms like WSP can lead to impactful projects.
    Find Urban Planner jobs in Baltimore, MD


  4. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $91,071
    Denver's planners focus on balancing growth with the preservation of natural landscapes. Companies like HDR and AECOM are key players in the field.
    Find Urban Planner jobs in Denver, CO


  5. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $84,078
    Chicago's planners work on large-scale projects that enhance urban living. With firms like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the opportunities are vast.
    Find Urban Planner jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $74,632
    Philadelphia offers a rich history and a vibrant community for planners. Working with companies like Arcadis and the city's planning department can lead to meaningful work.
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  7. Omaha, NE
    Average Salary: $71,108
    Omaha provides a smaller city feel with big opportunities. Planners here work closely with local government and firms like HDR.
    Find Urban Planner jobs in Omaha, NE


  8. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $65,191
    Atlanta's planners focus on rapid growth and development. Companies like Clark Nexsen and the city's planning department offer exciting career paths.
    Find Urban Planner jobs in Atlanta, GA

What are the best companies a Urban Planner can work for?

AECOM offers one of the best salaries for Urban Planners, with an average of $95,768. This company provides a competitive pay package and valuable career growth opportunities. Baxter & Woodman also pays well, with an average salary of $94,000 for their Urban Planners. Both companies value skilled professionals and offer rewarding positions.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Urban Planner jobs, highlighting AECOM with the highest at $95,768 and Baxter & Woodman with the lowest at $94,000.
  1. AECOM
    Average Salary: $95,768
    AECOM is a leading global consulting firm for infrastructure and environment. They offer Urban Planner jobs in various locations, including major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. AECOM focuses on sustainable development and smart urban planning. They provide opportunities for planners to work on large-scale projects that impact communities positively.


  2. Baxter & Woodman
    Average Salary: $94,000
    Baxter & Woodman is a well-known firm specializing in urban planning and landscape architecture. They have offices in Boston, San Francisco, and Seattle. The company values creativity and innovation in urban planning. They offer roles that involve designing and implementing urban spaces that enhance the quality of life for residents. Their projects often focus on creating green spaces and improving urban infrastructure.

How to earn more as a Urban Planner?

Urban planners can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Gaining experience in specialized fields can lead to higher-paying positions. For example, planners who work in transportation or environmental planning often earn more due to the complexity and demand for these skills. Continuing education and obtaining advanced degrees or certifications can also boost earning potential. These qualifications demonstrate a deeper understanding of urban planning principles and practices.

Networking and building professional relationships can open up higher-paying job opportunities. Attending industry conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with colleagues can lead to job offers that pay more. Urban planners who take on leadership roles, such as managing projects or teams, can also see a significant increase in their salary. Additionally, working for government agencies or large corporations often comes with higher pay compared to smaller firms. Finally, relocating to areas with a higher cost of living and greater demand for urban planners can result in higher earnings.

Here are five factors that can help increase earnings as an urban planner:

  1. Specialize in high-demand areas like transportation or environmental planning.
  2. Pursue advanced degrees or certifications to enhance qualifications.
  3. Network and build professional relationships to discover new opportunities.
  4. Take on leadership roles to increase responsibilities and salary.
  5. Consider relocating to areas with higher demand and cost of living.

Currently 39 Urban Planner job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Urban Planner in the US?

Learn what a Urban Planner does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Urban Planner today.
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Urban Planner
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