Urban Planner Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a Urban Planner make?

The average salary for a Urban Planner is $83,505 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Urban Planner positions, showing an average salary of $83,505 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Urban Planner positions, showing an average salary of $83,505 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Urban Planner positions, showing an average salary of $83,505 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Urban Planner positions, showing an average salary of $83,505 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Urban planners play a key role in designing cities and towns. They make sure places are well-planned and safe. They also work to improve the environment. Urban planners earn a good salary for their important work. The average yearly salary is about $83,500. This means most planners make somewhere between this amount and more.

The salary for urban planners can vary. Some planners make less, around $38,000 a year. Others make more, up to $155,610 a year. Here’s a closer look at their salaries:

10% of planners make less than $48,692.
25% make less than $59,384.
50% make less than $70,075.
75% make less than $91,459.
90% make less than $123,534.

What are the highest paying cities for a Urban Planner?

Urban planners in Los Angeles, California, enjoy some of the highest salaries in the nation, averaging over $119,900 annually. Similarly, those in San Francisco, California, can expect to earn around $111,292 per year. Baltimore, Maryland, offers competitive pay, with urban planners earning close to $100,094 each year. These cities offer not only attractive salaries but also a variety of opportunities to grow in the field. Denver, Colorado, and Chicago, Illinois, also provide solid earning potential for urban planners, with averages of $89,128 and $85,963, respectively. Atlanta, Georgia, and Omaha, Nebraska, round out the list with average salaries of $66,916 and $56,813, respectively.

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 $56,813.

Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $119,903
Working in urban planning in Los Angeles means collaborating with a diverse population. This city offers many opportunities to work on large-scale projects with major companies like AECOM and Gensler.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $111,292
In San Francisco, urban planners can enjoy a vibrant community. The city's focus on sustainability makes it a great place to work with firms like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and TPG Architecture.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $100,094
Baltimore provides a unique blend of urban and suburban settings. Here, planners can work on revitalizing neighborhoods with companies like The Related Companies and GHD.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $89,128
Denver is known for its stunning landscapes and growing urban areas. Urban planners can work on projects that balance development and nature with firms like Stantec and HDR.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $85,963
Chicago offers a dynamic environment for urban planners. The city’s rich history and diverse population create many opportunities to work with companies like Perkins+Will and DLR Group.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $66,916
Atlanta is a fast-growing city with a vibrant culture. Urban planners can engage in projects that focus on transportation and sustainability with firms like Clark Nexsen and TVS Design.
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Omaha, NE
Average Salary: $56,813
Omaha provides a friendly atmosphere for those in urban planning. The city focuses on sustainable growth and community engagement, offering work with companies like HDR and Kiewit.
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What are the best companies a Urban Planner can work for?

Baxter & Woodman offers a great opportunity for urban planners with an average salary of $91,548. This company focuses on creating sustainable and efficient urban spaces. CSG Consultants, Inc. provides a competitive salary of $87,863 for urban planners, helping them develop community plans. Both companies value skilled planners who can design urban environments that meet the needs of growing cities. They offer excellent benefits and chances to work on impactful projects.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Urban Planner jobs, highlighting Baxter & Woodman with the highest at $91,548 and CSG Consultants, Inc. with the lowest at $87,863.

Baxter & Woodman
Average Salary: $91,548
Baxter & Woodman offers competitive salaries to Urban Planners. They work on projects in cities across the United States. They focus on making urban areas better and more efficient.
CSG Consultants, Inc.
Average Salary: $87,863
CSG Consultants, Inc. is another top employer for Urban Planners. They provide good compensation and opportunities for career growth. This company serves cities in the Midwest and the West Coast.

How to earn more as a Urban Planner?

Urban planners design and improve city and town spaces. They work on projects like parks, roads, and buildings. To earn more in this field, certain steps can help. These steps can boost earnings and job satisfaction. Here are five factors that can make a difference.

First, gaining more experience can lead to higher pay. Urban planners with more years in the field often earn more. Experience allows planners to handle complex projects and understand community needs better. Employers value this knowledge and may offer higher salaries.

Education and Certification
Specialization
Networking
Location
Advanced Skills

Second, having a higher degree or a certification can increase earnings. Many urban planners hold a master's degree. Some earn certifications in planning or sustainability. These qualifications show a deeper knowledge and can lead to better job offers.

Specialization in a niche can also boost income. Planners who focus on areas like transportation, housing, or environmental planning often earn more. They become experts in their field and can command higher salaries. Specialization allows planners to take on more challenging and higher-paying projects.

Education and Certification: Gaining advanced degrees or certifications can open up higher-paying job opportunities.
Specialization: Focusing on a specific area of urban planning can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
Networking: Building connections in the industry can lead to job opportunities and salary increases.
Location: Working in areas with higher costs of living can mean higher salaries.
Advanced Skills: Skills like GIS mapping, data analysis, and public speaking can make a planner more valuable.

Networking with other professionals can lead to more job opportunities. Connections with other planners, architects, and city officials can lead to higher-paying roles. Attending conferences and joining professional groups can help build these relationships.

Location matters when it comes to pay. Urban planners in cities with higher costs of living often earn more. These areas include big cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. The demand for planners in these places is higher, and so are the salaries.

Lastly, having advanced skills can increase earnings. Skills like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping, data analysis, and public speaking are valuable. Planners with these skills can handle more complex projects and are often in higher demand.

How much does a Urban Planner make?

What are the highest paying cities for a Urban Planner?

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

How to earn more as a Urban Planner?

Currently 25 Urban Planner job openings, nationwide.

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

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