SSalario

Urban Planner Salary in Cary, NC

Urban Planner salary data for Cary, NC — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

Urban Planner Salary in Cary, NC — 2026

The median Urban Planner salary in Cary, NC is $88,000 per year ($7,333/month, $42/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 110, which is 10% above the national average.

Entry Level
$55K
$26/hr
Median
$88K
$42/hr
Senior
$111K
$53/hr
Top Earner
$150K
$72/hr

Urban Planner Take-Home Pay in Cary

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$88,000
Federal Tax-$10,974
State Tax (4.3%)-$3,740
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$6,732
Annual Take-Home$66,554
Monthly Take-Home$5,546

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$1,700/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio23.2%
Median Home Price$450,000
Cost of Living Index110
City Median Salary$90,000
Urban Planner vs City Median$-2,000

Urban Planner Requirements

Education
Master's Degree
Experience
2-5 years
Job Growth
4.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

GISZoning RegulationsLand Use PlanningPublic PolicyCommunity Engagement

Cary Job Market Overview

Cary, North Carolina has a population of 174,721 and an unemployment rate of 2.2%. The top industries are Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Finance. The local job growth rate is 3.2%, and the average commute time is 24 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Urban Planner salary in Cary, NC?
The median Urban Planner salary in Cary, NC is $88,000 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 110. Entry-level Urban Planners earn around $55,000, while senior-level professionals can earn $111,100 or more.
How much does a Urban Planner take home in Cary after taxes?
A Urban Planner earning the median salary of $88,000 in Cary, NC takes home approximately $66,554 per year ($5,546/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 24.4%.
Is Cary a good city for Urban Planners?
Cary, NC has a cost of living index of 110 (above national average). Urban Planners here earn below the city median. The local unemployment rate is 2.2% and top industries include Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Finance.
What skills are needed for a Urban Planner in Cary?
Key skills for Urban Planners include GIS, Zoning Regulations, Land Use Planning, Public Policy, Community Engagement. Typical education requirement is Master's Degree. Valuable certifications include AICP Certification, LEED.
How does Urban Planner salary in Cary compare to the national average?
The national median Urban Planner salary is $80,000. In Cary, the adjusted salary is $88,000, which is 10.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

Calculate Your Exact Take-Home Pay

Use our free paycheck calculator to see your after-tax income based on your specific salary, deductions, and filing status.

Calculate Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Urban Planner salary in Cary, NC?

The median Urban Planner salary in Cary, NC is $88,000 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 110. Entry-level Urban Planners earn around $55,000, while senior-level professionals can earn $111,100 or more.

How much does a Urban Planner take home in Cary after taxes?

A Urban Planner earning the median salary of $88,000 in Cary, NC takes home approximately $66,554 per year ($5,546/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 24.4%.

Is Cary a good city for Urban Planners?

Cary, NC has a cost of living index of 110 (above national average). Urban Planners here earn below the city median. The local unemployment rate is 2.2% and top industries include Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Finance.

What skills are needed for a Urban Planner in Cary?

Key skills for Urban Planners include GIS, Zoning Regulations, Land Use Planning, Public Policy, Community Engagement. Typical education requirement is Master's Degree. Valuable certifications include AICP Certification, LEED.

How does Urban Planner salary in Cary compare to the national average?

The national median Urban Planner salary is $80,000. In Cary, the adjusted salary is $88,000, which is 10.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.