According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the U.S. Department of Labor, urban and regional planners working in the United States as of May 2019 earned an annual mean wage of $77,750. Those earning in the bottom 10 percent made $45,850, while those in the 90thpercentile earned $116,280. Salaries for urban planners vary by state and metropolitan areas within each state.
The top five highest-paying states in which urban and regional planners work are: District of Columbia, California, New York, Oregon and Washington. The top five highest-paying metropolitan areas in which planners are employed are Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim, CA; San Francisco/Oakland/Hayward, CA; New York/Newark/Jersey City, NY/NJ/PA; Seattle/Tacoma/Bellevue, WA; and Washington/Arlington/Alexandria, DC/VA/MD/WV.
Urban Planner Salary Info By State
Alabama
Per the BLS, urban and regional planners in Alabama earned an annual median wage of $55,540 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $26.70. The Birmingham/Hoover metropolitan area paid its planners higher than average salaries of $68,390 annually.
Alaska
As reported by the BLS, urban planners in Alaska brought home an annual median wage of $78,950 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $37.96. Anchorage’s planners earned significantly higher annual salaries of $86,790 per year.
Arizona
Statistics from the BLS note that urban and regional planners in Arizona received an annual median wage of $66,470 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $31.96. Phoenix/Mesa/Scottsdale area planners earned higher than average salaries of $71,500.
Arkansas
As stated by the BLS, urban planners in Arkansas collected an annual median wage of $54,720 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $26.31. Those working in the Little Rock/North Little Rock/Conway area earned higher than average salaries of $61,060.
California
Per the BLS, urban and regional planners in California earned an annual median wage of $91,380 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $43.93. Metropolitan areas that paid their planners higher than average wages include Bakersfield, at $100,450; Napa, at $101,780; Oxnard/Thousand Oaks/Ventura, at $96,600; San Francisco/Oakland/Hayward, at $106,460; San Jose/Sunnyvale/Santa Clara, at $111,160; Santa Maria/Santa Barbara, at $101, 340; Santa Rosa, at $100,850; and Vallejo/Fairfield, at $102,320.
Colorado
In line with the BLS, urban and regional planners in Colorado brought home an annual median wage of $74,830 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $35.97. Denver/Aurora/Lakewood’s planners earned higher salaries of $79,450.
Connecticut
Per the BLS, urban and regional planners in Connecticut made an annual median wage of $78,110 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $37.55. Those working in the Bridgeport/Stamford/Norwalk metropolitan area earned higher salaries of $83,110. Hartford/West Hartford/East Hartford planners earned higher than average wages of $81,110. Norwich/New London/Westerly area planners earned $81,550 annually.
Delaware
As stated by the BLS, urban planners in Delaware earned an annual median wage of $62,080 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $29.85. Dover area planners (the only metro area in Delaware with BLS statistics) earned lower salaries of $60,030.
District of Columbia
According to the BLS, urban and regional planners in District of Columbia earned the highest annual median wage of $109,100 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $52.45.
Florida
The BLS reports that urban and regional planners in Florida accrued an annual median wage of $70,880 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $34.08. Planners working in the Crestview/Fort Walton Beach/Destin area earned higher salaries of $75,660. Those employed in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale/West Palm Beach area earned $74,820. Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater area planners earned $74,700.
Georgia
BLS statistics note that urban and regional planners in Georgia made an annual median wage of $58,160 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $27.96. Planners employed in the Atlanta/Sandy Springs/Roswell metropolitan area earned higher salaries, at $64,620.
Hawaii
Per the BLS, urban and regional planners in Hawaii earned an annual median wage of $74,180 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $35.67. Those working in the Urban Honolulu area made slightly less, at $73,800; while those working in the Hawaii/Kauai nonmetropolitan area earned slightly higher salaries, at $75,580.
Idaho
According to the BLS, urban and regional planners in Idaho brought home an annual median wage of $59,290 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $28.51. Boise’s planners earned slightly more, at $63,350.
Illinois
As reported by the BLS, urban planners in Illinois procured an annual median wage of $73,000 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $35.10. Those working in the Chicago/Naperville/Elgin IL-IN area earned higher salaries of $77,160.
Indiana
BLS statistics note that urban and regional planners in Indiana made an annual median wage of $57,390 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $27.59. Fort Wayne planners earned slightly more, at $62,050.
Iowa
By way of the BLS, urban and regional planners in Iowa earned an annual median wage of $66,340 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $31.89. Workers in the Davenport/Moline/Rock Island IA-IL metro area earned slightly higher salaries of $70,510. Likewise, those in the Des Moines/West Des Moines area earned higher than average salaries of $76,880.
Kansas
Data provided by the BLS states that urban and regional planners in Kansas attained an annual median wage of $64,000 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $30.77. Wichita area planners earned more, at $68,340.
Kentucky
Per the BLS, urban and regional planners in Kentucky earned an annual median wage of $52,450 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $25.21. The only metro area in which BLS has statistics for Kentucky is Louisville/Jefferson County, where planners made lower than average wages of $51,850.
Louisiana
According to the BLS, urban and regional planners in Louisiana brought in an annual median wage of $70,560 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $33.93. New Orleans/Metairie area planners earned slightly higher salaries of $73,350.
Maine
As reported by the BLS, urban planners in Maine made an annual median wage of $68,560 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $32.96. Portland/South Portland area planners earned higher than average salaries of $75,160.
Maryland
Per the BLS, urban and regional planners in Maryland earned an annual median wage of $78,260 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $37.63. Both metro areas in Maryland for which the BLS reports had lower than average salaries for urban planners, at $74,100 for Baltimore/Columbia/Towson area planners; and $58,970 for Salisbury MD-DE area planners.
Massachusetts
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that urban and regional planners in Massachusetts were paid an annual median wage of $80,010 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $38.47. The Boston/Cambridge/Nashua MA-NH area paid its planners slightly more, at $81,050.
Michigan
The BLS notes that urban planners working in Michigan earned an annual median wage of $67,910 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $32.65. Those working in Ann Arbor earned slightly higher yearly wages of $72,250. Lansing/East Lansing’s planners also earned higher than average salaries of $70,110.
Minnesota
The U.S. Department of Labor notes that urban and regional planners in Minnesota made an annual median wage of $80,680 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $38.79. Minneapolis-St. Paul/Bloomington area planners earned even more, at $84,660.
Mississippi
As stated by the BLS, urban and regional planners in Mississippi earned an annual median wage of $56,760 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $27.29. The Northeast MS nonmetropolitan area, the only area for which the BLS has statistics in the state, paid its planners slightly more, at $60,360.
Missouri
According to the BLS, urban and regional planners in Missouri brought home an annual median wage of $71,860 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $34.55. Kansas City MO-KS’s planners earned higher salaries of $77,150.
Montana
The BLS reports that urban and regional planners in Montana earned an annual median wage of $60,530 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $29.10. Missoula area planners earned slightly higher salaries of $63,340.
Nebraska
The BLS states that urban and regional planners in Nebraska made an annual median wage of $63,650 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $30.60. Omaha/Council Bluffs NE-IA area planners earned higher salaries of $69,470.
Nevada
Per the BLS, urban and regional planners in Nevada earned an annual median wage of $83,870 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $40.32. Planners working in the Las Vegas/Henderson/Paradise area earned higher than average salaries of $87,820.
New Hampshire
As reported by the BLS, urban and regional planners in New Hampshire collected an annual median wage of $65,990 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $31.73. The only two areas the BLS collects data on in NH are Central NH nonmetropolitan area, which paid its planners $63,990; and West Central-Southwest NH nonmetropolitan area, which paid its planners $55,970.
New Jersey
The BLS reports that urban and regional planners in New Jersey earned an annual median wage of $72,730 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $34.97. Trenton area planners earned slightly higher salaries of $74,620.
New Mexico
BLS statistics note that urban and regional planners in New Mexico acquired an annual median wage of $54,820 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $26.36. Albuquerque’s planners earned slightly more than average, at $57,570 per year.
New York
According to the BLS, urban and regional planners in New York in May 2019 earned an annual median wage of $76,830. This translates to an hourly wage of $36.94. Those working in the New York City/Newark/Jersey City NY-NJ area earned higher average salaries of $79,550.
North Carolina
Per the BLS, urban and regional planners in North Carolina earned an annual median wage of $63,980 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $30.76. Those employed in the Charlotte/Concord/Gastonia NC-SC metropolitan area earned higher salaries of $69,690. Durham/Chapel Hill planners also earned more than the state average, at $67,160. Raleigh area planners earned $68,610.
North Dakota
The BLS statistics say that urban and regional planners in North Dakota made an annual median wage of $72,320 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $34.77. The only metropolitan area that the BLS collects data on in ND is the Fargo area, which paid its planners slightly higher salaries of $72,430.
Ohio
The BLS says that, as of May 2019, urban and regional planners in Ohio earned an annual median wage of $70,650. This translates to an hourly wage of $33.97. Those working in Akron earned $76,590 annually. Planners in the Cleveland/Elyria area earned $76,490 per year.
Oklahoma
Per the BLS, urban and regional planners in Oklahoma earned an annual median wage of $59,430 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $28.57. Oklahoma City’s planners earned slightly higher salaries of $61,130. Tulsa area planners were paid $60,660.
Oregon
The BLS reports that urban and regional planners in Oregon made an annual median wage of $82,110 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $39.48. Those working in the Portland/Vancouver/Hillsboro OR-WA area earned higher salaries of $86,580.
Pennsylvania
Statistics provided by the BLS note that urban and regional planners in Pennsylvania earned an annual median wage of $67,330 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $32.37. Those working in the Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton PA-NJ metropolitan area earned higher salaries of $79,860 annually. Philadelphia/Camden/Wilmington PA-NJ-DE-MD area planners also earned more, at $79,760.
Rhode Island
Per the BLS, urban and regional planners in Rhode Island earned an annual median wage of $76,250 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $36.66. Those in the Providence/Warwick area earned slightly higher salaries of $76,390.
South Carolina
The BLS notes that urban and regional planners in South Carolina brought home an annual median wage of $56,160 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $27.00. Hilton Head Island/Bluffton/Beaufort’s planners earned higher than average salaries of $68,190. Myrtle Beach/Conway/North Myrtle Beach area planners also earned higher salaries at $61,280.
South Dakota
According to figures provided by the BLS, urban and regional planners in South Dakota were paid an annual median wage of $58,470 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $28.11. Sioux Falls area planners earned slightly more, at $62,420 annually.
Tennessee
Per figures from the BLS, urban and regional planners in Tennessee attained an annual median wage of $59,080 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $28.40. Nashville/Davidson/Murfreesboro/Franklin area planners earned higher than average salaries of $65,960.
Texas
Per the BLS, urban and regional planners in Texas were allotted an annual median wage of $64,450 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $30.99. Planners employed in the College Station/Bryan area earned considerably higher salaries of $88,670 annually. Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington planners also earned higher than average salaries of $72,390. San Antonio/New Braunfels planners earned more, at $73,410.
Utah
According to data from the BLS, urban and regional planners in Utah were compensated an annual median wage of $64,750 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $31.13. Those working in the Provo/Orem area earned slightly higher than average salaries of $66,660. Salt Lake City area planners also earned more, at $70,280.
Vermont
The BLS reports that urban and regional planners in Vermont were salaried an annual median wage of $57,320 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $27.56. Burlington/South Burlington’s planners earned slightly higher annual wages of $63,210.
Virginia
Per BLS data, urban and regional planners in Virginia made an annual median wage of $73,010 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $35.10. Washington/Arlington/Alexandria area planners earned significantly higher salaries of $88,710.
Washington
As stated by the BLS urban and regional planners in Washington received an annual median wage of $83,230 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $40.01. Those working in the Seattle/Tacoma/Bellevue area earned higher than average salaries of $89,350.
West Virginia
As reported by the BLS, urban and regional planners in West Virginia were paid an annual median wage of $57,530 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $27.66. (No data is available on planners’ salaries within metropolitan areas in West Virginia).
Wisconsin
Per the BLS, urban and regional planners in Wisconsin earned an annual median wage of $62,780 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $30.18. Those working in the Madison area earned slightly higher salaries, at $66,740. Milwaukee/Waukesha/West Allis area planners also earned more, at $77,090.
Wyoming
According to the BLS, urban and regional planners in Wyoming earned an annual median wage of $65,480 in May 2019. This translates to an hourly wage of $31.48. (No data is available on planners’ salaries within metropolitan areas in Wyoming).
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