Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Illinois
Based on 1K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$91,360
$43.92/hr
vs National Average
$83,815
+9.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$56K – $146K
1K employed in Illinois
Urban and Regional Planner salary in Illinois averages $91,360 annually, placing the state 9% above the national average. With approximately 1,140 professionals currently employed in this field across Illinois, the position offers competitive compensation in the planning sector. Salaries for these professionals range from $56,190 to $145,660, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence Urban and Regional Planner salary in Illinois, including experience level, educational credentials, and employer type. Government agencies, consulting firms, and private development companies often offer different compensation packages. Geographic location within the state, project complexity, and professional certifications also play important roles in determining earnings potential for those working in urban and regional planning.
Salary Distribution — Urban and Regional Planner in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $56,190 |
| 25th percentile | $74,230 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $91,360 |
| 75th percentile | $113,530 |
| 90th percentile | $145,660 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $83,210 |
| 2023 | $86,850 |
| 2024 | $80,140 |
| 2025 | $91,360 |
| 2026 (projected) | $96,842 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $83,210 | $72,313 |
| 2023 | $86,850 | $75,773 |
| 2024 | $80,140 | $78,997 |
| 2025 | $91,360 | $83,815 |
| 2026 (projected) | $96,842 | $88,844 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $74,230 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $91,360 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $113,530 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $145,660 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Other States
Related Urban and Regional Planner Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Urban and Regional Planner ($91,360 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Urban and Regional Planner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in IL | $137,140 | +50.1% | $65.93/hr |
| Geoscientist in IL | $96,950 | +6.1% | $46.61/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in IL | $87,010 | -4.8% | $41.83/hr |
| Chemist in IL | $85,230 | -6.7% | $40.98/hr |
| Psychologist in IL | $83,750 | -8.3% | $40.26/hr |
| Medical Scientist in IL | $82,330 | -9.9% | $39.58/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in IL | $81,590 | -10.7% | $39.23/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in IL | $89,800 | -1.7% | $43.17/hr |
| Financial Examiner in IL | $93,150 | +2.0% | $44.78/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in IL | $89,520 | -2.0% | $43.04/hr |
| Budget Analyst in IL | $94,880 | +3.9% | $45.62/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in IL | $95,080 | +4.1% | $45.71/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do urban and regional planners make in Illinois?
- The median salary for urban and regional planners in Illinois is $91,360 per year, or $44 per hour. This is 9.0% higher than the national average, making Illinois a competitive state for this profession.
What is the salary range for urban planners in Illinois?
- Urban and regional planners in Illinois earn between $56,190 and $145,660 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. The wide range reflects different career levels and specializations within the field.
How many urban planners are employed in Illinois?
- There are approximately 1,140 urban and regional planners employed in Illinois, representing a established job market for this profession in the state.
Is the Illinois urban planner salary above the national average?
- Yes, Illinois urban planners earn 9.0% more than the national average, with a median salary of $91,360 compared to lower national figures. This makes Illinois one of the better-paying states for this career.