Urban and Regional Planner Salary in California
Based on 7K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$109,610
$52.70/hr
vs National Average
$83,815
+30.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$77K – $167K
7K employed in California
Urban and Regional Planner salary in California averages $109,610 annually, significantly outpacing national figures. With approximately 7,460 professionals employed in the state, California offers competitive compensation for those guiding community development and infrastructure projects. The median reflects the state's robust demand for planning expertise across diverse urban and regional markets.
Compensation varies considerably based on experience, employer type, and geographic location within California. Entry-level positions start around $77,430, while experienced planners in high-demand areas earn upward of $166,950. Government agencies, private consulting firms, and regional authorities offer different salary structures, and proximity to major metropolitan areas typically influences earning potential significantly.
Salary Distribution — Urban and Regional Planner in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,430 |
| 25th percentile | $90,330 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $109,610 |
| 75th percentile | $136,070 |
| 90th percentile | $166,950 |
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 California 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 California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,310 |
| 2023 | $104,910 |
| 2024 | $105,230 |
| 2025 | $109,610 |
| 2026 (projected) | $114,172 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,310 | $72,313 |
| 2023 | $104,910 | $75,773 |
| 2024 | $105,230 | $78,997 |
| 2025 | $109,610 | $83,815 |
| 2026 (projected) | $114,172 | $87,304 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $90,330 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $109,610 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $136,070 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $166,950 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Other States
Related Urban and Regional Planner Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Urban and Regional Planner ($109,610 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Urban and Regional Planner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in CA | $207,490 | +89.3% | $99.75/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in CA | $139,580 | +27.3% | $67.11/hr |
| Medical Scientist in CA | $136,990 | +25.0% | $65.86/hr |
| Psychologist in CA | $116,000 | +5.8% | $55.77/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in CA | $106,510 | -2.8% | $51.21/hr |
| Geoscientist in CA | $106,500 | -2.8% | $51.20/hr |
| Chemist in CA | $97,860 | -10.7% | $47.05/hr |
| Financial Analyst in CA | $109,110 | -0.5% | $52.46/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in CA | $108,890 | -0.7% | $52.35/hr |
| Marine Engineer in CA | $110,700 | +1.0% | $53.22/hr |
| Network Administrator in CA | $106,440 | -2.9% | $51.17/hr |
| Financial Examiner in CA | $106,000 | -3.3% | $50.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do urban planners make in California?
- Urban and regional planners in California earn a median salary of $109,610 per year, or approximately $53 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 30.8% premium for working in California.
What is the salary range for urban planners in California?
- Urban planner salaries in California range from $77,430 at the lower end to $166,950 at the upper end, reflecting the variation based on experience, specialization, and employer type.
Is being an urban planner in California better paid than the national average?
- Yes, urban planners in California earn 30.8% more than the national average, with a median salary of $109,610 compared to significantly lower earnings in most other states.
How many urban planners are employed in California?
- There are currently 7,460 urban and regional planners employed in California, making it a meaningful employment market for professionals in this field.