Urban and Regional Planner Salary in the United States
Based on 43K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$78,997
$37.979/hr
▲ 4.3% vs 2023Salary Range
$86K – $172K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
43K
workers nationwide
Urban and Regional Planner salary in the United States averages $78,997 annually, reflecting competitive compensation for professionals who shape community development and land use policy. With approximately 43,020 workers employed in this field nationwide, planners play a crucial role in designing sustainable cities and managing regional growth across diverse markets.
Compensation for urban and regional planners varies significantly based on experience level, educational credentials, and geographic location within the country. Government versus private sector positions, specialized expertise in areas like sustainability or transportation, and the size of the municipality or planning firm all influence earning potential, with salaries ranging from $85,900 to $172,310 depending on these factors.
Salary Distribution — Urban and Regional Planner
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $85,900 |
| 25th percentile | $109,120 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,997 |
| 75th percentile | $153,340 |
| 90th percentile | $172,310 |
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 | $129,750 | +64.2% | 140 |
| 2 | California | $105,230 | +33.2% | 8K |
| 3 | Washington | $98,190 | +24.3% | 3K |
| 4 | Colorado | $96,810 | +22.5% | 1K |
| 5 | Connecticut | $94,960 | +20.2% | 380 |
| 6 | New York | $94,740 | +19.9% | 2K |
| 7 | Oregon | $92,400 | +17.0% | 1K |
| 8 | Minnesota | $91,810 | +16.2% | 830 |
| 9 | Nevada | $88,750 | +12.3% | 240 |
| 10 | Massachusetts | $88,030 | +11.4% | 2K |
Historical Salary Trend — Urban and Regional Planner
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $72,313 |
| 2023 | $75,773 |
| 2024 | $78,997 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do urban and regional planners make per hour in the United States?
- Urban and regional planners earn a median hourly wage of $38/hour in the United States. This translates to an annual median salary of $78,997, though hourly rates can vary depending on experience, location, and employer type.
What city pays urban and regional planners the most?
- The District of Columbia is the top paying city for urban and regional planners, offering a median salary of $129,750 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median of $78,997, reflecting the demand for planning expertise in the nation's capital.
What is the salary range for urban and regional planners?
- Urban and regional planner salaries in the United States range from $85,900 to $172,310 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, geographic location, and the specific sector or employer.
How many urban and regional planners are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 43,020 urban and regional planners employed throughout the United States. This represents the current workforce in this specialized planning profession across all states and municipalities.