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Urban Planner Salary in Chicago, IL

Urban Planner salary data for Chicago, IL — 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 Chicago, IL — 2026

The median Urban Planner salary in Chicago, IL is $85,600 per year ($7,133/month, $41/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 107, which is 7% above the national average.

Entry Level
$54K
$26/hr
Median
$86K
$41/hr
Senior
$108K
$52/hr
Top Earner
$146K
$70/hr

Urban Planner Take-Home Pay in Chicago

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$85,600
Federal Tax-$10,446
State Tax (5.0%)-$4,237
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$6,548
Annual Take-Home$64,368
Monthly Take-Home$5,364

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$1,750/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio24.5%
Median Home Price$320,000
Cost of Living Index107
City Median Salary$72,500
Urban Planner vs City Median+$13,100

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

Chicago Job Market Overview

Chicago, Illinois has a population of 2,696,555 and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. The top industries are Finance, Technology, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 1.5%, and the average commute time is 35 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Urban Planner salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Urban Planner salary in Chicago, IL is $85,600 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 107. Entry-level Urban Planners earn around $53,500, while senior-level professionals can earn $108,070 or more.
How much does a Urban Planner take home in Chicago after taxes?
A Urban Planner earning the median salary of $85,600 in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $64,368 per year ($5,364/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 24.8%.
Is Chicago a good city for Urban Planners?
Chicago, IL has a cost of living index of 107 (above national average). Urban Planners here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.2% and top industries include Finance, Technology, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Urban Planner in Chicago?
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 Chicago compare to the national average?
The national median Urban Planner salary is $80,000. In Chicago, the adjusted salary is $85,600, which is 7.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Urban Planner salary in Chicago, IL?

The median Urban Planner salary in Chicago, IL is $85,600 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 107. Entry-level Urban Planners earn around $53,500, while senior-level professionals can earn $108,070 or more.

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

A Urban Planner earning the median salary of $85,600 in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $64,368 per year ($5,364/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 24.8%.

Is Chicago a good city for Urban Planners?

Chicago, IL has a cost of living index of 107 (above national average). Urban Planners here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.2% and top industries include Finance, Technology, Healthcare.

What skills are needed for a Urban Planner in Chicago?

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 Chicago compare to the national average?

The national median Urban Planner salary is $80,000. In Chicago, the adjusted salary is $85,600, which is 7.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.