City Planner Salary in 2026
Develop land use plans and programs to manage growth in communities.
Median Salary
$78,000
$6,500/mo
Entry Level
$55,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$105,000
experienced
Job Growth
+7%
10-yr outlook
City Planner Overview
Develop land use plans and programs to manage growth in communities.
Education
Master's Degree
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Government
Total Jobs (US)
40K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Government
Hourly Rate
$37.50/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,500
City Planner Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated City Planner salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated City Planner Salary
$88,000
$7,333/month · $3,385/biweekly · $42.31/hr
City Planner Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the City Planner field.
Entry-level City Planners earn around $55,000, while the top 10% earn $116,500 or more.
Top Paying States for City Planners
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $92,000 | +$14,000 |
| New York | $90,000 | +$12,000 |
| Washington | $87,000 | +$9,000 |
| Massachusetts | $87,000 | +$9,000 |
| Oregon | $80,000 | +$2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for City Planners
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $98,000 | +$20,000 |
| New York | $92,000 | +$14,000 |
| Seattle | $89,000 | +$11,000 |
| Boston | $87,000 | +$9,000 |
| Portland | $83,000 | +$5,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
City Planner Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a City Planner from entry level to expert.
$55,000
0-2 years
$80,000
3-7 years
$105,000
8-14 years
$128,000
15+ years
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City Planner Salary FAQ
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