Urban and Regional Planner Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 120+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$137,000
$65.87/hr
vs National Average
$83,815
+63.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$98K – $171K
120 employed in District of Columbia
Urban and Regional Planner salary in District of Columbia averages $137,000 annually, significantly outpacing national compensation levels. With approximately 120 professionals currently employed in this role throughout the District, planners earn roughly 63% above the national average. This robust compensation reflects the region's status as a major policy and planning hub, where demand for skilled professionals remains consistently high.
Several factors influence Urban and Regional Planner salary in District of Columbia, including experience level, educational credentials, and specific employer type. Government agencies, consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations each offer distinct compensation packages. Additionally, the complexity of local development projects, professional certifications, and years spent in similar roles substantially impact earning potential in this competitive metropolitan market.
Salary Distribution — Urban and Regional Planner in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $98,410 |
| 25th percentile | $110,190 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $137,000 |
| 75th percentile | $156,750 |
| 90th percentile | $170,980 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $108,630 |
| 2023 | $123,200 |
| 2024 | $129,750 |
| 2025 | $137,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $144,655 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $108,630 | $72,313 |
| 2023 | $123,200 | $75,773 |
| 2024 | $129,750 | $78,997 |
| 2025 | $137,000 | $83,815 |
| 2026 (projected) | $144,655 | $88,498 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $110,190 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $137,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $156,750 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $170,980 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Other States
Related Urban and Regional Planner Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Urban and Regional Planner ($137,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Urban and Regional Planner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in DC | $157,040 | +14.6% | $75.50/hr |
| Chemist in DC | $149,860 | +9.4% | $72.05/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in DC | $132,620 | -3.2% | $63.76/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in DC | $120,090 | -12.3% | $57.74/hr |
| Psychologist in DC | $107,000 | -21.9% | $51.44/hr |
| Medical Scientist in DC | $101,940 | -25.6% | $49.01/hr |
| Software Developer in DC | $136,880 | -0.1% | $65.81/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in DC | $137,220 | +0.2% | $65.97/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in DC | $137,670 | +0.5% | $66.19/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DC | $135,880 | -0.8% | $65.33/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DC | $135,140 | -1.4% | $64.97/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in DC | $135,090 | -1.4% | $64.95/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do urban planners make in Washington DC?
- Urban and regional planners in the District of Columbia earn a median salary of $137,000 per year, or $66 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 63.5% premium for working in DC.
What is the salary range for urban planners in DC?
- The salary range for urban and regional planners in Washington DC spans from $98,410 at the lower end to $170,980 at the upper end, offering substantial earning potential depending on experience and specialization.
Is being an urban planner in DC worth it financially?
- Yes, urban planners in DC earn significantly more than the national average, with a median of $137,000 compared to the national average that is 63.5% lower. The top earners in DC can reach $170,980 annually, making it a lucrative career choice in this market.
How many urban planners work in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 120 urban and regional planners currently employed in the District of Columbia, indicating a concentrated but stable job market in the region.