Urban Planner Salary in 2026
Urban planners develop plans and programs for land use in cities and communities. They work with officials and the public to create livable, sustainable communities.
Median Salary
$80,000
$6,667/mo
Entry Level
$50,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$101,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
Urban Planner Overview
Urban planners develop plans and programs for land use in cities and communities. They work with officials and the public to create livable, sustainable communities.
Education
Master's Degree
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Government
Total Jobs (US)
40K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Government
Hourly Rate
$38.46/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,667
Urban Planner Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Urban Planner salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Urban Planner Salary
$84,000
$7,000/month · $3,231/biweekly · $40.38/hr
Urban Planner Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Urban Planner field.
Entry-level Urban Planners earn around $50,000, while the top 10% earn $118,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Urban Planners
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $94,000 | +$14,000 |
| New York | $92,000 | +$12,000 |
| Virginia | $85,000 | +$5,000 |
| Texas | $78,000 | $-2,000 |
| Florida | $78,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Urban Planners
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $100,000 | +$20,000 |
| New York | $94,000 | +$14,000 |
| Austin | $82,000 | +$2,000 |
| Miami | $82,000 | +$2,000 |
| Arlington | $80,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Urban Planner Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Urban Planner from entry level to expert.
$50,000
0-2 years
$76,000
3-7 years
$101,000
8-14 years
$136,000
15+ years
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Urban Planner Salary FAQ
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