Urban and Regional Planner Salary in North Carolina
Based on 2K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$81,230
$39.05/hr
vs National Average
$83,815
-3.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$59K – $112K
2K employed in North Carolina
The average Urban and Regional Planner salary in North Carolina sits at $81,230 annually, placing it slightly below the national average by 3%. This median figure reflects a market where 1,630 professionals are currently employed in this vital field across the state, with salaries typically ranging from $58,830 to $112,110.
Several factors can influence the Urban and Regional Planner salary in North Carolina. Experience level is a significant driver, as are the specific responsibilities of the role and the size and economic health of the municipality or organization employing the planner. Geographic location within North Carolina can also play a part, with higher cost-of-living areas potentially offering higher compensation.
Salary Distribution — Urban and Regional Planner in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $58,830 |
| 25th percentile | $66,740 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $81,230 |
| 75th percentile | $97,120 |
| 90th percentile | $112,110 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $66,210 |
| 2023 | $72,990 |
| 2024 | $78,320 |
| 2025 | $81,230 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,248 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $66,210 | $72,313 |
| 2023 | $72,990 | $75,773 |
| 2024 | $78,320 | $78,997 |
| 2025 | $81,230 | $83,815 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,248 | $86,929 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $66,740 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $81,230 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $97,120 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $112,110 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Other States
Related Urban and Regional Planner Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Urban and Regional Planner ($81,230 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Urban and Regional Planner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in NC | $174,180 | +114.4% | $83.74/hr |
| Medical Scientist in NC | $102,980 | +26.8% | $49.51/hr |
| Geoscientist in NC | $95,260 | +17.3% | $45.80/hr |
| Psychologist in NC | $92,130 | +13.4% | $44.29/hr |
| Chemist in NC | $82,620 | +1.7% | $39.72/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in NC | $82,220 | +1.2% | $39.53/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in NC | $74,130 | -8.7% | $35.64/hr |
| Computer Programmer in NC | $81,070 | -0.2% | $38.98/hr |
| Tax Examiner in NC | $80,900 | -0.4% | $38.89/hr |
| Logistician in NC | $80,780 | -0.6% | $38.84/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in NC | $80,620 | -0.8% | $38.76/hr |
| Accountant in NC | $82,050 | +1.0% | $39.45/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Urban and Regional Planners make in North Carolina?
- The median salary for an Urban and Regional Planner in North Carolina is $81,230 per year, which translates to approximately $39 per hour. This means half of all planners in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the typical salary range for an Urban and Regional Planner in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, Urban and Regional Planners can expect to earn between $58,830 and $112,110 annually. The lower end represents entry-level or less experienced positions, while the higher end is for those with more advanced skills and responsibilities.
How does the salary for Urban and Regional Planners in North Carolina compare to the national average?
- Urban and Regional Planners in North Carolina earn 3.1% less than the national average. While the median salary is $81,230 per year, the national median is higher.
What is the job outlook for Urban and Regional Planners in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 1,630 Urban and Regional Planners employed in North Carolina. While specific growth projections are not detailed here, understanding the current employment numbers can provide context for the job market.