Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Arizona
Based on 1K+ workers in Arizona
Median Annual Salary (AZ)
$102,400
$49.23/hr
vs National Average
$83,815
+22.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$63K – $128K
1K employed in Arizona
Urban and Regional Planner salary in Arizona averages $102,400 annually, positioning the state well above national benchmarks. With approximately 1,330 professionals employed in this field across Arizona, the median compensation reflects strong demand for planning expertise in the state's growing urban centers and expanding metropolitan areas.
Several factors influence Urban and Regional Planner salary in Arizona, including experience level, educational credentials, and specific employer type. Government agencies, private consulting firms, and municipal development departments offer varying compensation packages. Geographic location within Arizona, particularly proximity to major cities like Phoenix and Tucson, also impacts earning potential. Specialized skills in sustainable development, transportation planning, and GIS technology can command premium wages in this competitive market.
Salary Distribution — Urban and Regional Planner in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,670 |
| 25th percentile | $75,510 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $102,400 |
| 75th percentile | $127,660 |
| 90th percentile | $127,660 |
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 Arizona 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 Arizona vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arizona) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $71,430 |
| 2023 | $77,670 |
| 2024 | $78,200 |
| 2025 | $102,400 |
| 2026 (projected) | $108,544 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arizona Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $71,430 | $72,313 |
| 2023 | $77,670 | $75,773 |
| 2024 | $78,200 | $78,997 |
| 2025 | $102,400 | $83,815 |
| 2026 (projected) | $108,544 | $88,844 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $75,510 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $102,400 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $127,660 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $127,660 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Other States
Related Urban and Regional Planner Salaries in Arizona
How other high-demand occupations in Arizona compare to Urban and Regional Planner ($102,400 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Urban and Regional Planner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in AZ | $130,500 | +27.4% | $62.74/hr |
| Psychologist in AZ | $119,010 | +16.2% | $57.22/hr |
| Medical Scientist in AZ | $116,820 | +14.1% | $56.16/hr |
| Geoscientist in AZ | $85,190 | -16.8% | $40.96/hr |
| Chemist in AZ | $81,730 | -20.2% | $39.29/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in AZ | $80,600 | -21.3% | $38.75/hr |
| Physical Therapist in AZ | $103,220 | +0.8% | $49.63/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in AZ | $103,530 | +1.1% | $49.77/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in AZ | $101,160 | -1.2% | $48.63/hr |
| Occupational Therapist in AZ | $103,660 | +1.2% | $49.84/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in AZ | $101,010 | -1.4% | $48.56/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in AZ | $100,550 | -1.8% | $48.34/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do urban planners make in Arizona?
- Urban and regional planners in Arizona earn a median salary of $102,400 per year, or $49 per hour. This is significantly higher than many other professions, reflecting the specialized expertise required for this role.
What is the salary range for urban planners in Arizona?
- Urban planner salaries in Arizona range from $62,670 at the lower end to $127,660 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, employer type, and specific job responsibilities.
Is the urban planner salary in Arizona higher than the national average?
- Yes, Arizona's median urban planner salary of $102,400 is 22.2% higher than the national average. This makes Arizona an attractive state for professionals in this field compared to the rest of the country.
How many urban planners are employed in Arizona?
- There are approximately 1,330 urban and regional planners currently employed in Arizona. This represents a stable job market for planning professionals in the state.