Position
Salary

How much does a Urban Planner make?

The average salary for a Urban Planner is $84,341 per year in the US.

Urban planners work to create and improve the cities where people live and work. These professionals think about how to make spaces safe, beautiful, and useful. They look at traffic, housing, parks, and other city needs. For those starting in this field, the average yearly salary is $84,341. As urban planners gain experience, they can see their pay rise. A planner with less than one year of experience might earn around $38,000 a year. With more than 20 years of experience, planners can make over $144,000 annually.

Urban planners often work for local governments, private firms, or non-profits. Their job roles can vary, from focusing on housing to dealing with transportation. The pay can differ based on the job and location. Urban planners in big cities like New York or San Francisco often earn more than those in smaller towns. Job seekers should look into the average pay in their desired location.

View Urban Planner jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Urban Planner?

Urban planners who seek top-tier salaries can find excellent opportunities in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Both cities offer strong wages for urban planning careers, with Los Angeles leading at an average salary of $119,903. Other high-paying cities include Baltimore, Denver, and Chicago, where planners earn above-average salaries. Exploring these cities could significantly enhance career earnings and job satisfaction.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Urban Planner jobs, highlighting Los Angeles, CA with the highest at $119,903 and Omaha, NE with the lowest at $54,730.
  1. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $119,903
    In Los Angeles, professionals shape urban landscapes. They work with companies like AECOM and WSP. The focus is on transit-oriented development.
    Find Urban Planner jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $107,058
    San Francisco offers a dynamic environment for urban design. Planners here collaborate with firms like Gensler and Jacobs. They aim to balance growth with sustainability.
    Find Urban Planner jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $100,094
    Baltimore provides a unique setting for urban planning. Planners work with local government and companies like HNTB. They focus on revitalization projects.
    Find Urban Planner jobs in Baltimore, MD


  4. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $89,128
    In Denver, urban planners create innovative solutions. They work with organizations like HDR and AECOM. Their projects often involve transportation and housing.
    Find Urban Planner jobs in Denver, CO


  5. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $85,963
    Chicago is a hub for urban development. Planners often work with firms like Perkins+Will and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. They emphasize community engagement.
    Find Urban Planner jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $66,916
    Atlanta offers diverse opportunities for urban planners. They collaborate with companies like AECOM and Clark Nexsen. Focus areas include public transit and urban growth.
    Find Urban Planner jobs in Atlanta, GA


  7. Omaha, NE
    Average Salary: $54,730
    Omaha provides a growing market for urban planners. They work with local government and firms like HDR. They focus on riverfront development and urban revitalization.
    Find Urban Planner jobs in Omaha, NE

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

CSG Consultants, Inc. offers one of the highest salaries for Urban Planners, with an average of $94,119. Their reputation for paying well makes them an attractive option. Baxter & Woodman also provides a competitive salary of $91,548 for Urban Planners, making it another great choice. Both companies value experienced professionals and offer opportunities to grow in this rewarding field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Urban Planner jobs, highlighting CSG Consultants, Inc. with the highest at $94,119 and Baxter & Woodman with the lowest at $91,548.
  1. CSG Consultants, Inc.
    Average Salary: $94,119
    CSG Consultants, Inc. offers rewarding opportunities for Urban Planners. This company operates in various locations across the United States, with a strong presence in cities like San Francisco and Seattle. CSG Consultants, Inc. emphasizes sustainable development and innovative design. They provide a dynamic work environment where Urban Planners can make a significant impact.


  2. Baxter & Woodman
    Average Salary: $91,548
    Baxter & Woodman is another top employer for Urban Planners. This firm operates in diverse urban areas such as New York City and Boston. They focus on creating inclusive and resilient communities. Baxter & Woodman offers an engaging work culture that values creativity and collaboration. Urban Planners here enjoy competitive salaries and opportunities for professional growth.

How to earn more as a Urban Planner?

Urban Planners can increase their earnings by focusing on several key factors. By advancing their education, planners can secure roles that offer higher salaries. A master’s degree in Urban Planning or a related field often leads to better-paying positions. Additionally, gaining specific certifications can enhance a planner’s expertise and value.

Experience matters greatly in this field. Urban Planners who work on larger and more complex projects can earn more. Networking and building professional relationships can lead to higher-paying job opportunities. Volunteering for projects that showcase their skills can also increase their visibility and chances of earning more. Finally, choosing to work in areas with a higher cost of living may result in a higher salary. Urban Planners in big cities or areas with a strong demand for their skills can often earn more.

Consider these strategies to increase earnings:

  • Advance education with a master’s degree.
  • Earn certifications in specialized areas.
  • Gain experience on larger projects.
  • Network and build professional relationships.
  • Consider working in areas with a high demand for planners.

Currently 35 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.
Position
Overview
Urban Planner
35 Job Openings