Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Alabama
Based on 520+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$70,710
$34.00/hr
vs National Average
$83,815
-15.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $124K
520 employed in Alabama
Urban and Regional Planner salary in Alabama averages $64,880 per year, according to current employment data. This represents the typical earnings for the state's 560 employed planners. However, Alabama's median falls approximately 18% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and varying demand for planning services across the state.
Several factors influence Urban and Regional Planner salary in Alabama, including experience level, employer type, and specific location within the state. Planners working for larger municipalities or state agencies typically earn more than those in smaller communities. Educational credentials, professional certifications, and specialized expertise in areas like transportation or sustainable development also significantly impact earning potential in this field.
Salary Distribution — Urban and Regional Planner in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,650 |
| 25th percentile | $58,100 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $70,710 |
| 75th percentile | $98,960 |
| 90th percentile | $124,040 |
Top-Paying Industries for Urban and Regional Planner (U.S.)
Which industries pay Urban and Regional Planners the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Urban and Regional Planners in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $128,370 | 190 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $100,950 | 5K |
| Construction | $97,570 | 90 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $87,980 | 38K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $85,230 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Urban and Regional Planner in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,770 |
| 2023 | $63,160 |
| 2024 | $64,880 |
| 2025 | $70,710 |
| 2026 (projected) | $74,953 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,770 | $72,313 |
| 2023 | $63,160 | $75,773 |
| 2024 | $64,880 | $78,997 |
| 2025 | $70,710 | $83,815 |
| 2026 (projected) | $74,953 | $88,844 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $58,100 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $70,710 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $98,960 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $124,040 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Other States
Related Urban and Regional Planner Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Urban and Regional Planner ($70,710 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Urban and Regional Planner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in AL | $139,330 | +97.0% | $66.99/hr |
| Chemist in AL | $97,830 | +38.4% | $47.03/hr |
| Psychologist in AL | $90,800 | +28.4% | $43.65/hr |
| Geoscientist in AL | $88,610 | +25.3% | $42.60/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in AL | $72,490 | +2.5% | $34.85/hr |
| Medical Scientist in AL | $68,490 | -3.1% | $32.93/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in AL | $48,510 | -31.4% | $23.32/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in AL | $69,000 | -2.4% | $33.17/hr |
| Compliance Officer in AL | $72,990 | +3.2% | $35.09/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in AL | $73,660 | +4.2% | $35.41/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in AL | $74,030 | +4.7% | $35.59/hr |
| Writer and Author in AL | $66,950 | -5.3% | $32.19/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do urban and regional planners make in Alabama?
- The median salary for urban and regional planners in Alabama is $64,880 per year, or $31 per hour. This is approximately 17.9% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for urban and regional planners in Alabama?
- Urban and regional planners in Alabama earn between $40,350 and $115,110 annually, depending on experience, education, and employer. This represents a significant range of earning potential within the state.
How many urban and regional planners are employed in Alabama?
- There are approximately 560 urban and regional planners currently employed in Alabama, representing the total workforce in this field across the state.
Is the urban planner salary in Alabama lower than the national average?
- Yes, Alabama's median salary of $64,880 for urban and regional planners is 17.9% below the national average. However, the top earners in the field can reach up to $115,110 annually.