Urban and Regional Planners Salary Guide 2025: $89,320 Median, Top States, and Career Outlook
Urban and Regional Planners earn a median annual salary of $89,320, with the top 10% making over $134,490. The field employs about 44,230 professionals across the U.S., with opportunities concentrated in high-growth metros and state capitals. If you're weighing a career in planning, here's what you need to know about pay, the path in, and where the jobs are.
How much Urban and Regional Planners earn
The median annual wage for Urban and Regional Planners is $89,320, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2024 data. That works out to roughly $43 per hour. However, pay varies widely by experience and location: the bottom 10% earn $60,010 or less, while the top 10% bring in $134,490 or more.
The mean annual wage across all planners is $94,750. Most planners work full-time in local government, architectural and engineering firms, or management consulting. Those in the private sector often earn above the median, while entry-level government roles may start closer to the 10th percentile.
Pay by state
Where you practice planning has a huge impact on your paycheck. The highest-paying state is the District of Columbia, where planners earn a mean annual wage of $137,000. California follows at $109,610, then Oregon at $103,070, Arizona at $102,400, and Colorado at $101,340.
At the lower end, planners in Arkansas earn a mean of $63,530, West Virginia $61,390, and Mississippi $60,300. These differences largely reflect cost of living and local demand for planning services—especially in fast-growing Sun Belt states.
How to become an Urban and Regional Planner
The typical path starts with a master's degree in urban and regional planning from a program accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board. While some entry-level positions accept a bachelor's in planning or a related field like geography, public policy, or environmental science, a master's is the standard for most professional roles.
After earning a degree, many planners gain experience through internships or assistant planner roles. Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is voluntary but can boost career prospects. Licensing requirements vary by state; some require registration for planners working on public projects.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, economics, or a related field.
- Complete a master's in urban and regional planning (accredited by PAB).
- Gain 1–2 years of experience through internships or entry-level positions.
- Consider earning AICP certification (exam + work experience).
- Check your state's licensing requirements for public-sector planners.
Job outlook
Employment of Urban and Regional Planners is projected to grow 3.4% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to about 3,400 openings per year over the decade, many due to retirements and turnover.
Growth will be driven by population shifts and the need to address infrastructure, housing, and environmental sustainability. Planners with expertise in GIS, data analysis, and community engagement will have the best prospects.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for an Urban and Regional Planner?
Entry-level planners (10th percentile) earn about $60,010 per year. With a master's degree and a few years of experience, salaries quickly rise toward the median of $89,320.
How long does it take to become an Urban and Regional Planner?
Typically 6–7 years: a 4-year bachelor's degree plus a 2-year master's in planning. Some land jobs with a bachelor's alone, but a master's is usually required for career advancement.
What skills are most important for Urban and Regional Planners?
Critical thinking, data analysis (including GIS), written and verbal communication, and knowledge of zoning laws and environmental regulations are core. Increasingly, public engagement and visualization tools matter.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Urban and Regional Planners data.