Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Virginia
Based on 2K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$86,030
$41.36/hr
vs National Average
$83,815
+2.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $134K
2K employed in Virginia
The Urban and Regional Planner salary in Virginia shows a median of $86,030 annually, placing it 3% above the national average. This compensation reflects the work of approximately 1,740 professionals dedicated to shaping the development and land use of communities across the Commonwealth, with the typical range falling between $61,790 and $133,520.
Several factors influence an Urban and Regional Planner salary in Virginia. Experience levels, the specific type of employer such as government or private consulting, and the geographic concentration of planning roles within high-demand metropolitan areas all contribute to salary variations. Advanced degrees and specialized skills in areas like environmental planning or transportation can also command higher earnings.
Salary Distribution — Urban and Regional Planner in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $61,790 |
| 25th percentile | $70,530 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $86,030 |
| 75th percentile | $107,110 |
| 90th percentile | $133,520 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,750 |
| 2023 | $79,090 |
| 2024 | $81,750 |
| 2025 | $86,030 |
| 2026 (projected) | $90,534 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,750 | $72,313 |
| 2023 | $79,090 | $75,773 |
| 2024 | $81,750 | $78,997 |
| 2025 | $86,030 | $83,815 |
| 2026 (projected) | $90,534 | $88,203 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $70,530 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $86,030 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $107,110 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $133,520 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Other States
Related Urban and Regional Planner Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Urban and Regional Planner ($86,030 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Urban and Regional Planner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in VA | $145,040 | +68.6% | $69.73/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in VA | $105,780 | +23.0% | $50.86/hr |
| Chemist in VA | $96,650 | +12.3% | $46.47/hr |
| Medical Scientist in VA | $93,620 | +8.8% | $45.01/hr |
| Geoscientist in VA | $88,390 | +2.7% | $42.50/hr |
| Psychologist in VA | $86,520 | +0.6% | $41.60/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in VA | $82,230 | -4.4% | $39.53/hr |
| Writer and Author in VA | $85,000 | -1.2% | $40.87/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in VA | $83,230 | -3.3% | $40.01/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in VA | $82,910 | -3.6% | $39.86/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in VA | $89,210 | +3.7% | $42.89/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in VA | $82,230 | -4.4% | $39.53/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Urban and Regional Planner make in Virginia?
- The median salary for an Urban and Regional Planner in Virginia is $86,030 per year, which is equivalent to $41 per hour. The salary range in Virginia typically falls between $61,790 and $133,520 annually.
What is the average salary for an Urban and Regional Planner compared to the national average?
- Urban and Regional Planners in Virginia earn 2.6% more than the national average. This means that while the national median salary might differ, Virginia offers a slightly higher compensation for this role.
What is the typical salary range for an Urban and Regional Planner in Virginia?
- In Virginia, Urban and Regional Planners can expect to earn within a broad salary range, with most salaries falling between $61,790 and $133,520 per year. The median salary sits comfortably in the middle at $86,030 annually.
How many Urban and Regional Planners are employed in Virginia?
- There are approximately 1,740 Urban and Regional Planners currently employed in Virginia. This indicates a stable job market for professionals in this field within the state.