Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Washington
Based on 3K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$100,990
$48.55/hr
vs National Average
$83,815
+20.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$77K – $126K
3K employed in Washington
The Urban and Regional Planner salary in Washington offers a competitive median of $100,990 annually, significantly outpacing the national average by 20%. This figure, derived from a current workforce of 3,180 professionals in the state, highlights the strong demand and value placed on these roles. The salary range for this profession in Washington typically falls between $77,190 and $126,340 per year.
Several factors influence the Urban and Regional Planner salary in Washington. Experience level is a primary driver, with senior planners commanding higher earnings. Additionally, the specific employer, whether it's a government agency or a private firm, and the geographic location within Washington, such as major metropolitan areas versus smaller towns, can also impact compensation. Specialized skills and educational attainment further contribute to earning potential within this field.
Salary Distribution — Urban and Regional Planner in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,190 |
| 25th percentile | $87,990 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $100,990 |
| 75th percentile | $112,650 |
| 90th percentile | $126,340 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $93,120 |
| 2023 | $94,510 |
| 2024 | $98,190 |
| 2025 | $100,990 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,870 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $93,120 | $72,313 |
| 2023 | $94,510 | $75,773 |
| 2024 | $98,190 | $78,997 |
| 2025 | $100,990 | $83,815 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,870 | $86,205 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $87,990 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $100,990 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $112,650 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $126,340 |
Urban and Regional Planner Salary in Other States
Related Urban and Regional Planner Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Urban and Regional Planner ($100,990 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Urban and Regional Planner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in WA | $134,790 | +33.5% | $64.80/hr |
| Psychologist in WA | $115,240 | +14.1% | $55.40/hr |
| Medical Scientist in WA | $105,680 | +4.6% | $50.81/hr |
| Geoscientist in WA | $105,020 | +4.0% | $50.49/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in WA | $98,840 | -2.1% | $47.52/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in WA | $98,300 | -2.7% | $47.26/hr |
| Chemist in WA | $97,420 | -3.5% | $46.84/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in WA | $101,130 | +0.1% | $48.62/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in WA | $101,750 | +0.8% | $48.92/hr |
| Librarian in WA | $100,030 | -1.0% | $48.09/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in WA | $99,960 | -1.0% | $48.06/hr |
| Police Officer in WA | $102,080 | +1.1% | $49.08/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an Urban and Regional Planner in Washington?
- The median salary for an Urban and Regional Planner in Washington is $100,990 per year, which is equivalent to $49 per hour. This figure is 20.5% higher than the national average.
What is the salary range for Urban and Regional Planners in Washington?
- Urban and Regional Planners in Washington can expect to earn within a salary range of $77,190 to $126,340 annually. The median salary falls in the middle of this range at $100,990 per year.
How does the salary for Urban and Regional Planners in Washington compare to the national average?
- Urban and Regional Planners in Washington earn significantly more than the national average. Their median salary of $100,990 per year is approximately 20.5% higher than the national median.
How many Urban and Regional Planners are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 3,180 Urban and Regional Planners employed in Washington state. The median annual salary for these professionals is $100,990.