Urban Designer Salary in 2026
Urban designers shape the physical environment of cities, planning public spaces, streetscapes, and neighborhoods. They create designs that promote livability, sustainability, and community identity.
Median Salary
$78,000
$6,500/mo
Entry Level
$48,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$97,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Urban Designer Overview
Urban designers shape the physical environment of cities, planning public spaces, streetscapes, and neighborhoods. They create designs that promote livability, sustainability, and community identity.
Education
Master's Degree
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Creative
Total Jobs (US)
15K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Creative
Hourly Rate
$37.50/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,500
Urban Designer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Urban Designer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Urban Designer Salary
$80,000
$6,667/month · $3,077/biweekly · $38.46/hr
Urban Designer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Urban Designer field.
Entry-level Urban Designers earn around $48,000, while the top 10% earn $112,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Urban Designers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $92,000 | +$14,000 |
| New York | $90,000 | +$12,000 |
| Massachusetts | $87,000 | +$9,000 |
| Washington | $87,000 | +$9,000 |
| Illinois | $81,000 | +$3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Urban Designers
| 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 |
| Chicago | $82,000 | +$4,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Urban Designer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Urban Designer from entry level to expert.
$48,000
0-2 years
$73,000
3-7 years
$97,000
8-14 years
$128,000
15+ years
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Urban Designer Salary FAQ
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