Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Iowa
Based on 300+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$79,100
$38.03/hr
vs National Average
$83,815
-5.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$56K – $107K
300 employed in Iowa
Urban and Regional Planner salary in Iowa averages $79,100 annually, with approximately 300 professionals working in the state. This figure falls about 6% below the national average, reflecting Iowa's generally lower cost of living compared to many regions. Salaries for planners in Iowa range from $55,550 to $107,370 depending on experience and position level.
Several factors influence compensation for urban and regional planners in Iowa, including years of professional experience, educational credentials, and the size of the municipality or organization. Planners in larger metropolitan areas typically earn more than those in smaller communities. Additional variables such as specialized expertise in areas like sustainability or economic development, professional certifications, and the specific employer's budget and resources also play significant roles in determining salary outcomes.
Salary Distribution — Urban and Regional Planner in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $55,550 |
| 25th percentile | $65,490 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $79,100 |
| 75th percentile | $92,150 |
| 90th percentile | $107,370 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $68,540 |
| 2023 | $67,330 |
| 2024 | $75,810 |
| 2025 | $79,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,533 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $68,540 | $72,313 |
| 2023 | $67,330 | $75,773 |
| 2024 | $75,810 | $78,997 |
| 2025 | $79,100 | $83,815 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,533 | $87,452 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,490 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $79,100 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $92,150 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $107,370 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Other States
Related Urban and Regional Planner Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Urban and Regional Planner ($79,100 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Urban and Regional Planner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in IA | $178,110 | +125.2% | $85.63/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in IA | $101,090 | +27.8% | $48.60/hr |
| Psychologist in IA | $91,690 | +15.9% | $44.08/hr |
| Chemist in IA | $86,100 | +8.8% | $41.39/hr |
| Medical Scientist in IA | $83,850 | +6.0% | $40.31/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in IA | $78,780 | -0.4% | $37.88/hr |
| Geoscientist in IA | $74,460 | -5.9% | $35.80/hr |
| Computer Programmer in IA | $79,180 | +0.1% | $38.07/hr |
| Tax Examiner in IA | $79,390 | +0.4% | $38.17/hr |
| Logistician in IA | $78,740 | -0.5% | $37.86/hr |
| Registered Nurse in IA | $78,630 | -0.6% | $37.80/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in IA | $78,510 | -0.7% | $37.75/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do urban and regional planners make in Iowa?
- Urban and regional planners in Iowa earn a median salary of $79,100 per year, or $38 per hour. This is approximately 5.6% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for urban planners in Iowa?
- The salary range for urban and regional planners in Iowa spans from $55,550 to $107,370 annually. This range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and employer type.
Is the urban planner salary in Iowa competitive compared to the national average?
- No, Iowa's urban and regional planner median salary of $79,100 is 5.6% lower than the national average. However, the cost of living in Iowa is typically lower than many other states, which can offset the salary difference.
How many urban and regional planners work in Iowa?
- There are approximately 300 urban and regional planners currently employed in Iowa, representing the total employment for this occupation in the state.