Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 2K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$99,780
$47.97/hr
vs National Average
$83,815
+19.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$69K – $134K
2K employed in Massachusetts
Urban and Regional Planner salary in Massachusetts averages $99,780 annually, positioning the state well above the national average at 19% higher. With approximately 1,540 professionals employed in this field across Massachusetts, the median reflects strong demand for planning expertise in the state's diverse urban and regional markets. Salaries in this role range from $69,150 to $134,310 depending on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence Urban and Regional Planner salary in Massachusetts, including experience level, education credentials, and the specific municipality or region served. Planners working in major metropolitan areas like Boston typically earn more than those in smaller communities. Specialization in areas like transportation, environmental planning, or economic development, along with professional certifications and advanced degrees, can significantly impact earning potential in this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Urban and Regional Planner in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $69,150 |
| 25th percentile | $82,020 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $99,780 |
| 75th percentile | $115,800 |
| 90th percentile | $134,310 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,750 |
| 2023 | $85,250 |
| 2024 | $88,030 |
| 2025 | $99,780 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,767 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,750 | $72,313 |
| 2023 | $85,250 | $75,773 |
| 2024 | $88,030 | $78,997 |
| 2025 | $99,780 | $83,815 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,767 | $88,844 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $82,020 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $99,780 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $115,800 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $134,310 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Other States
Related Urban and Regional Planner Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Urban and Regional Planner ($99,780 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Urban and Regional Planner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in MA | $131,600 | +31.9% | $63.27/hr |
| Medical Scientist in MA | $128,210 | +28.5% | $61.64/hr |
| Chemist in MA | $125,000 | +25.3% | $60.10/hr |
| Psychologist in MA | $115,180 | +15.4% | $55.38/hr |
| Geoscientist in MA | $108,210 | +8.4% | $52.02/hr |
| Physicist in MA | $106,410 | +6.6% | $51.16/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in MA | $100,640 | +0.9% | $48.38/hr |
| Tax Examiner in MA | $99,970 | +0.2% | $48.06/hr |
| Accountant in MA | $99,460 | -0.3% | $47.82/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in MA | $100,310 | +0.5% | $48.23/hr |
| Logistician in MA | $100,360 | +0.6% | $48.25/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in MA | $100,640 | +0.9% | $48.38/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do urban planners make in Massachusetts?
- Urban and regional planners in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $99,780 per year, or $48 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 19.0% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for urban planners in Massachusetts?
- The salary range for urban and regional planners in Massachusetts spans from $69,150 at the lower end to $134,310 at the upper end, depending on experience, employer, and specific role responsibilities.
Is urban planning a well-paying job in Massachusetts compared to the US?
- Yes, Massachusetts offers above-average compensation for urban planners, with salaries running 19.0% higher than the national average. The median salary of $99,780 makes it an attractive location for professionals in this field.
How many urban planners are employed in Massachusetts?
- There are currently 1,540 urban and regional planners employed in Massachusetts, indicating a stable job market for professionals in this discipline.