Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Kentucky
Based on 180+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$65,000
$31.25/hr
vs National Average
$83,815
-22.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $106K
180 employed in Kentucky
Urban and Regional Planner salary in Kentucky averages $65,000 annually, with approximately 180 professionals currently employed in the state. This median reflects the compensation for those designing and developing communities, managing land use, and shaping infrastructure projects across Kentucky's urban and rural areas.
The Urban and Regional Planner salary in Kentucky varies based on experience level, educational credentials, and employer type, with salaries ranging from $49,690 to $106,330. Planners working for state or federal agencies typically earn more than those in smaller municipalities, while advanced degrees and specialized certifications can influence earning potential upward.
Salary Distribution — Urban and Regional Planner in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,690 |
| 25th percentile | $55,360 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $65,000 |
| 75th percentile | $81,260 |
| 90th percentile | $106,330 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $51,650 |
| 2023 | $55,390 |
| 2024 | $72,550 |
| 2025 | $65,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,000 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $51,650 | $72,313 |
| 2023 | $55,390 | $75,773 |
| 2024 | $72,550 | $78,997 |
| 2025 | $65,000 | $83,815 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,000 | $83,815 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $55,360 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $65,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $81,260 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $106,330 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Other States
Related Urban and Regional Planner Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Urban and Regional Planner ($65,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Urban and Regional Planner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in KY | $180,910 | +178.3% | $86.98/hr |
| Psychologist in KY | $99,140 | +52.5% | $47.66/hr |
| Chemist in KY | $84,090 | +29.4% | $40.43/hr |
| Medical Scientist in KY | $77,580 | +19.4% | $37.30/hr |
| Geoscientist in KY | $77,510 | +19.2% | $37.26/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in KY | $74,710 | +14.9% | $35.92/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in KY | $71,040 | +9.3% | $34.15/hr |
| Librarian in KY | $65,200 | +0.3% | $31.35/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in KY | $65,240 | +0.4% | $31.37/hr |
| School Counselor in KY | $64,350 | -1.0% | $30.94/hr |
| Tax Examiner in KY | $65,690 | +1.1% | $31.58/hr |
| Plumber in KY | $64,160 | -1.3% | $30.85/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do urban and regional planners make in Kentucky?
- Urban and regional planners in Kentucky earn a median salary of $65,000 per year, or approximately $31 per hour. This is 22.4% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for urban planners in Kentucky?
- The salary range for urban and regional planners in Kentucky spans from $49,690 to $106,330 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education, and employer type.
Is urban planning a well-paid job in Kentucky?
- While urban planning offers a solid middle-class income in Kentucky at $65,000 median annually, it pays about 22.4% less than the national average. However, experienced planners can earn up to $106,330 in the state.
How many urban planners work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 180 urban and regional planners currently employed in Kentucky according to available employment data.