Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Colorado
Based on 1K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$101,340
$48.72/hr
vs National Average
$83,815
+20.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$70K – $141K
1K employed in Colorado
Urban and Regional Planner salary in Colorado averages $101,340 annually, positioning the state well above the national benchmark. Colorado currently employs approximately 1,300 urban and regional planners. Salaries in this field range from $69,670 to $140,750 depending on experience and specific role requirements. The state's robust demand for planning professionals reflects growing cities and regional development initiatives.
Several factors influence urban and regional planner compensation in Colorado, including years of experience, educational credentials, and employer type. Government agencies, private consulting firms, and municipal planning departments offer varying pay scales. Geographic location within the state, project complexity, and professional certifications also impact earning potential. Additionally, the competitive job market and cost of living in urban areas like Denver contribute to the salary premium compared to national averages.
Salary Distribution — Urban and Regional Planner in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $69,670 |
| 25th percentile | $81,870 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $101,340 |
| 75th percentile | $125,230 |
| 90th percentile | $140,750 |
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 Colorado 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 Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $81,030 |
| 2023 | $85,810 |
| 2024 | $96,810 |
| 2025 | $101,340 |
| 2026 (projected) | $106,082 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $81,030 | $72,313 |
| 2023 | $85,810 | $75,773 |
| 2024 | $96,810 | $78,997 |
| 2025 | $101,340 | $83,815 |
| 2026 (projected) | $106,082 | $87,737 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,870 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $101,340 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $125,230 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $140,750 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Other States
Related Urban and Regional Planner Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Urban and Regional Planner ($101,340 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Urban and Regional Planner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geoscientist in CO | $114,410 | +12.9% | $55.00/hr |
| Psychologist in CO | $113,290 | +11.8% | $54.47/hr |
| Physicist in CO | $104,580 | +3.2% | $50.28/hr |
| Chemist in CO | $101,980 | +0.6% | $49.03/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in CO | $85,990 | -15.1% | $41.34/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CO | $101,420 | +0.1% | $48.76/hr |
| Physical Therapist in CO | $102,030 | +0.7% | $49.05/hr |
| Registered Nurse in CO | $100,260 | -1.1% | $48.20/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in CO | $100,080 | -1.2% | $48.12/hr |
| Art Director in CO | $99,990 | -1.3% | $48.07/hr |
| Financial Examiner in CO | $99,610 | -1.7% | $47.89/hr |
| Network Administrator in CO | $103,370 | +2.0% | $49.70/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do urban and regional planners make in Colorado?
- Urban and regional planners in Colorado earn a median salary of $101,340 per year, or $49 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, with Colorado salaries running 20.9% above the national median for this profession.
What is the salary range for urban planners in Colorado?
- The salary range for urban and regional planners in Colorado spans from $69,670 at the lower end to $140,750 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education, and specific job responsibilities within the field.
Is urban planning a well-paying job in Colorado compared to the nation?
- Yes, Colorado offers competitive compensation for urban and regional planners. The state's median salary of $101,340 exceeds the national average by 20.9%, making it an above-average market for this profession.
How many urban and regional planners work in Colorado?
- There are approximately 1,300 urban and regional planners currently employed in Colorado. This represents a substantial workforce in the field within the state.