Urban and Regional Planner Salary in the United States
Based on 44K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$83,815
$40.30/hr
▲ 6.1% vs 2024Salary Range
$58K – $121K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
44K
workers nationwide
The median Urban and Regional Planner salary in the United States is $83,815 per year, which translates to about $40 per hour. This role is crucial for shaping the future of our communities, ensuring sustainable development and efficient land use. With a total of 44,240 individuals employed in this field, understanding compensation is key.
Several factors influence an Urban and Regional Planner salary. Experience level, educational attainment, the specific employer (public sector versus private consulting), and geographical location all play significant roles. For instance, the District of Columbia offers a considerably higher earning potential, reaching up to $137,000 annually.
Salary Distribution — Urban and Regional Planner
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $58,230 |
| 25th percentile | $68,313 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $83,815 |
| 75th percentile | $101,930 |
| 90th percentile | $121,032 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Urban and Regional Planner
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $137,000 | +63.5% | 120 |
| 2 | California | $109,610 | +30.8% | 7K |
| 3 | Oregon | $103,070 | +23.0% | 1K |
| 4 | Arizona | $102,400 | +22.2% | 1K |
| 5 | Colorado | $101,340 | +20.9% | 1K |
| 6 | Washington | $100,990 | +20.5% | 3K |
| 7 | Nevada | $100,040 | +19.4% | 270 |
| 8 | Connecticut | $99,880 | +19.2% | 350 |
| 9 | Massachusetts | $99,780 | +19.0% | 2K |
| 10 | Minnesota | $97,060 | +15.8% | 860 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary by Industry
How much Urban and Regional Planners earn across industries nationwide — Utilities pays the most ($128,370 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utilities | $128,370 | +53.2% | 190 |
| 2 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $100,950 | +20.4% | 5K |
| 3 | Construction | $97,570 | +16.4% | 90 |
| 4 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $87,980 | +5.0% | 38K |
| 5 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $85,230 | +1.7% | 70 |
| 6 | Educational Services | $85,010 | +1.4% | 170 |
| 7 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $82,170 | -2.0% | 140 |
| 8 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $70,680 | -15.7% | — |
| 9 | Administrative and Support Services | $67,360 | -19.6% | — |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Urban and Regional Planner
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Urban and Regional Planner roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aecom Technical Services | $83,427 | 3 |
| 2 | Wsp | $103,007 | 3 |
Historical Salary Trend — Urban and Regional Planner
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $72,313 |
| 2023 | $75,773 |
| 2024 | $78,997 |
| 2025 | $83,815 |
| 2026 (projected) | $88,844 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Urban and Regional Planner Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $68,313 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $83,815 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $101,930 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $121,032 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for an Urban and Regional Planner in the US?
- The salary for an Urban and Regional Planner typically falls between $58,230 and $121,032 per year. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the profession.
How much do experienced Urban and Regional Planners earn?
- While the median salary is $83,815 annually, experienced planners at the higher end of the scale can earn upwards of $121,032 per year. This reflects a greater depth of expertise and a proven track record.
Which states pay the most for Urban and Regional Planners?
- The District of Columbia stands out as the highest-paying location, with an average salary of $137,000 per year for Urban and Regional Planners. Other metropolitan areas with high demand may also offer competitive compensation.
Is the hourly wage for an Urban and Regional Planner significantly different from the annual median?
- The median annual salary of $83,815 per year equates to approximately $40 per hour. This provides a consistent benchmark for understanding compensation on both short-term and long-term bases.