Public Service
Urban Planner Salary
Develops land-use plans and policy for the growth of cities and regions.
Low
$56,000
Average
$79,000
High
$106,000
What this role does
- Draft land-use and zoning plans
- Review development proposals
- Engage with community stakeholders
- Prepare reports for planning commissions
Education & path in
Master's in urban planning preferred; bachelor's plus experience for some roles
Experience level: Entry-level through senior
Where it pays best
States that typically pay above the national average for this role: California, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Virginia. Actual pay depends heavily on metro area, employer size, and cost of living.
Job outlook
Faster than average
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Figures are editorial estimates as of Jul 1, 2026, not official government statistics. For official data, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics.