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
$89,320
$7,443/mo
Entry Level
$55,800
starting pay
Senior Level
$112,800
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Urban and Regional Planners (SOC 19-3051) at a national median of $89,320 per year (mean $94,750), or $42.94 per hour, with 44,230 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
44K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Government
Hourly Rate
$42.94/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,443
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
$93,000
$7,750/month · $3,577/biweekly · $44.71/hr
Urban Planner Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Urban Planner field.
Entry-level Urban Planners earn around $55,800, while the top 10% earn $132,300 or more.
Top Paying States for Urban Planners
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $105,000 | +$15,680 |
| New York | $103,000 | +$13,680 |
| Virginia | $95,000 | +$5,680 |
| Texas | $88,000 | $-1,320 |
| Florida | $88,000 | $-1,320 |
Top Paying Cities for Urban Planners
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $112,000 | +$22,680 |
| New York | $105,000 | +$15,680 |
| Austin | $92,000 | +$2,680 |
| Miami | $91,000 | +$1,680 |
| Arlington | $89,000 | $-320 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Urban Planner Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Urban Planner from entry level to expert.
$55,800
0-2 years
$84,000
3-7 years
$112,800
8-14 years
$151,800
15+ years
Related Government Jobs
Urban Planner Salary FAQ
How much does a Urban Planner make in 2026?
The median salary for a Urban Planner in the United States is $89,320 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Urban and Regional Planners (SOC 19-3051); the mean is $94,750. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $55,800, senior professionals around $112,800, and top earners at $151,800 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Urban Planner?
A Urban Planner typically requires a Master's Degree with 2-5 years of experience. Key skills include GIS, Zoning Regulations, Land Use Planning. Relevant certifications such as AICP Certification or LEED can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Urban Planners?
The job market for Urban Planners is projected to grow by 4% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 44K Urban Planner positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 13%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Urban Planners the most?
The highest-paying states for Urban Planners include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $105,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Urban Planner salary?
To increase your Urban Planner salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like GIS and Zoning Regulations. Pursue certifications such as AICP Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like San Francisco. With 2-5 years of experience, you can progress from $55,800 to $112,800 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Urban Planner Salary
How we calculate Urban Planner salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Urban and Regional Planners (SOC 19-3051), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $89,320, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Urban and Regional Planners; BLS mean $94,750; BLS hourly median $42.94.
- Entry-level ($55,800) and senior-level ($112,800) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +4% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 44,230 Urban and Regional Planners jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 13% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Government sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Master's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $89,320; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Urban Planner compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Urban Planner job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Government
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Urban Planner salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (GIS, Zoning Regulations, Land Use Planning), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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