Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Michigan
Based on 1K+ workers in Michigan
Median Annual Salary (MI)
$78,510
$37.75/hr
vs National Average
$83,815
-6.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$52K – $110K
1K employed in Michigan
Urban and Regional Planner salary in Michigan averages $78,510 annually, according to current employment data. This represents approximately 1,380 workers in the state. While this figure provides a solid middle-class income, it falls about 6% below the national average for the profession, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations across the country.
Compensation for planners in Michigan varies considerably, ranging from $52,060 to $109,930 depending on several factors. Experience level, educational credentials, and employer type significantly influence earning potential, with government agencies, consulting firms, and private developers offering different pay scales. Geographic location within Michigan, project complexity, and professional certifications also play important roles in determining where individual planners fall within this salary range.
Salary Distribution — Urban and Regional Planner in Michigan
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,060 |
| 25th percentile | $64,280 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,510 |
| 75th percentile | $92,520 |
| 90th percentile | $109,930 |
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 Michigan 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 Michigan vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Michigan) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $69,310 |
| 2023 | $65,770 |
| 2024 | $76,380 |
| 2025 | $78,510 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,699 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Michigan Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $69,310 | $72,313 |
| 2023 | $65,770 | $75,773 |
| 2024 | $76,380 | $78,997 |
| 2025 | $78,510 | $83,815 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,699 | $86,152 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary by Experience Level in Michigan
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,280 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $78,510 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $92,520 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $109,930 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Other States
Related Urban and Regional Planner Salaries in Michigan
How other high-demand occupations in Michigan compare to Urban and Regional Planner ($78,510 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Urban and Regional Planner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in MI | $109,340 | +39.3% | $52.57/hr |
| Chemist in MI | $97,440 | +24.1% | $46.85/hr |
| Physicist in MI | $94,520 | +20.4% | $45.44/hr |
| Psychologist in MI | $84,730 | +7.9% | $40.74/hr |
| Medical Scientist in MI | $84,310 | +7.4% | $40.53/hr |
| Geoscientist in MI | $80,990 | +3.2% | $38.94/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in MI | $76,080 | -3.1% | $36.58/hr |
| Accountant in MI | $78,820 | +0.4% | $37.89/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in MI | $78,180 | -0.4% | $37.59/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in MI | $77,930 | -0.7% | $37.47/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in MI | $79,290 | +1.0% | $38.12/hr |
| Compliance Officer in MI | $77,390 | -1.4% | $37.21/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do urban and regional planners make in Michigan?
- Urban and regional planners in Michigan earn a median salary of $78,510 per year, or $38 per hour. This is 6.3% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for urban planners in Michigan?
- Urban and regional planners in Michigan earn between $52,060 and $109,930 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. The median of $78,510 falls in the middle of this range.
How many urban and regional planners work in Michigan?
- There are approximately 1,380 urban and regional planners currently employed in Michigan, making it a specialized field with moderate job availability in the state.
Is the Michigan urban planner salary higher or lower than the national average?
- Michigan's urban and regional planner salary is 6.3% lower than the national average, with the state median at $78,510 compared to higher national figures.