Urban Planner Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a Urban Planner make?

The average salary for a Urban Planner is $81,278 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Urban Planner positions, showing an average salary of $81,278 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Urban Planner positions, showing an average salary of $81,278 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Urban Planner positions, showing an average salary of $81,278 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Urban Planner positions, showing an average salary of $81,278 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Urban planners help design and improve cities. They consider many factors to make areas livable and beautiful. Urban planners work with the government, businesses, and communities.

On average, urban planners earn about $81,278 each year. This figure includes salaries at all experience levels. The entry-level planners earn closer to $37,000. Experienced planners can make over $141,000. Most urban planners fall somewhere in between. Here is a look at the average pay at different experience levels:

10th percentile: $37,000
25th percentile: $46,455
50th percentile: $65,364
75th percentile: $103,182
90th percentile: $122,091

What are the highest paying cities for a Urban Planner?

Urban Planners in Los Angeles, CA, enjoy one of the highest average salaries at $116,601. This city's strong demand for planners offers excellent opportunities for career growth. Similarly, San Francisco, CA, with an average salary of $114,916, stands out for its dynamic urban planning sector. Baltimore, MD, offers a competitive average salary of $96,676 for Urban Planners. Cities like Denver, CO, Chicago, IL, and Atlanta, GA, also provide lucrative positions for those in the field. Urban Planners can expect attractive salaries in these top-tier locations, making them attractive for career advancement.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Urban Planner jobs, highlighting Los Angeles, CA with the highest at $116,601 and Omaha, NE with the lowest at $64,556.

Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $116,601
In Los Angeles, city planners collaborate with the city government to create sustainable urban spaces. This vibrant city has prominent firms like AECOM and Gensler, offering exciting career opportunities.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $114,916
San Francisco offers a unique blend of tech and tradition for those in urban planning. Companies such as Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and the City of San Francisco provide numerous projects to enhance city life.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $96,676
Baltimore stands out for its rich history and diverse neighborhoods. Urban planners here work closely with organizations like the Baltimore City Planning Department to revitalize urban areas.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $88,568
Denver’s planners focus on balancing growth with natural landscapes. They often work with firms like HDR and the Denver Department of Public Works, making impactful contributions to city development.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $84,155
Chicago provides ample opportunities to work with architectural firms and the city's planning department. Planners here play a key role in shaping the city's skyline and community spaces.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $64,714
Atlanta’s planners engage in developing smart and innovative solutions for urban challenges. Companies like Cox Enterprises and the city’s planning department offer numerous pathways for growth.
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Omaha, NE
Average Salary: $64,556
Omaha values its urban planners who work towards enhancing the quality of life in the community. Local firms and the city planning department offer rewarding experiences for those in the field.
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What are the best companies a Urban Planner can work for?

Baxter & Woodman stands out as a top employer for urban planners, offering an average salary of $91,750. This company focuses on delivering quality services and supporting professional growth. CSG Consultants, Inc. also pays well, with an average salary of $85,132, and prides itself on innovative projects and teamwork. Both companies provide excellent benefits and career advancement opportunities. Working at either one can lead to a fulfilling and lucrative career in urban planning.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Urban Planner jobs, highlighting Baxter & Woodman with the highest at $91,750 and CSG Consultants, Inc. with the lowest at $85,132.

Baxter & Woodman
Average Salary: $91,750
Baxter & Woodman is known for its work in sustainable urban planning. They offer exciting opportunities for Urban Planners in cities such as Portland, Seattle, and San Francisco. Their projects focus on creating green spaces and improving urban environments.
CSG Consultants, Inc.
Average Salary: $85,132
CSG Consultants, Inc. provides planning and consulting services across the United States. Urban Planners at CSG work on a variety of projects, including transportation and land use planning. They have offices in Austin, Denver, and Chicago, offering diverse opportunities in urban development.

How to earn more as a Urban Planner?

Urban planners can boost their earnings by focusing on several key areas. First, gaining experience in specific subfields can make a planner more valuable. Specialization in areas like transportation, housing, or environmental planning often leads to higher-paying positions. Second, obtaining advanced degrees or certifications can open doors to higher salary brackets. Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in urban planning or related fields.

Third, networking within the industry can lead to better job opportunities. Attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with colleagues can help planners learn about high-paying roles. Fourth, taking on leadership roles can also increase earnings. Planners who become project managers or directors often see significant salary increases. Finally, continuous learning and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in urban planning can make a planner more competitive in the job market. Employers value staff who can bring fresh ideas and skills to the table.

Here are five factors that can help urban planners earn more:

Specialization in specific subfields
Obtaining advanced degrees or certifications
Networking within the industry
Taking on leadership roles
Continuous learning and staying updated

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 22 Urban Planner job openings, nationwide.

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

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