Planning Design Studio Salary

As of April 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Planning Design Studio in the United States is $86,768. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $42. Salaries at Planning Design Studio typically range from $76,259 to $98,161 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Planning Design Studio Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Planning Design Studio. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Principal, with an annual salary of $94,685. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Planning Design Studio

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Planning Design Studio. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is Planning Design Studio’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Planning Design Studio's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Kluger Architects Inc $100,670
+16.0%
Reflects a supply-demand imbalance for the specific talent Kluger Architects Inc targets.
Fitzgerald Law Group PC $92,327
+6.4%
Supported by Fitzgerald Law Group PC's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
Spec Property $86,926
+0.2%
Indicates identical technical requirements and experience levels between the two firms.
HBC CPAs $77,401
-10.8%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where HBC CPAs primarily operates.
Business Services Industry $120,931
+39.4%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Planning Design Studio

Considering a career at Planning Design Studio? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
The interview process was a great reflection of the company culture: respectful, professional, and transparent. Room for improvement in employee engagement and development opportunities. Advancement is possible but generally performance-based. The environment suits professionals who prefer a reliable and steady workplace over one focused on rapid innovation or change. The team culture is welcoming...
Workload varies by client and season, which can be both challenging and motivating. The company supports continuous learning through online platforms and certification programs. Benefits are average, and work-life balance is maintained. Training programs are practical and accessible, helping employees upskill regularly. Projects are well-managed, and collaboration is genuinely encouraged across de...
Managers are approachable but often stretched thin. This initial positive experience set a great tone for my time here. Management is great at acknowledging individual and team contributions.

Planning Design Studio Overview

Website
www.planningdesignstudio.com
Founded In
2006
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Business Services
Headquarter Address
727 N 1st St St. Louis Missouri MO 63102
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 3142413600
Social Media
About Planning Design Studio
Planning Design Studio (PDS) is an employee owned firm based in Saint Louis, Missouri, offering planning, urban design and landscape architectural professional services to public and private clients. The genesis of PDS originated from the Harland Bartholomew firm, a pioneer and nationally recognized leader in the planning, design and construction of community enhancement projects. PDS continues th

What Benefits Does Planning Design Studio Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Planning Design Studio offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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How Much Should You Be Earning?

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What Is the Cost of Living Near Saint Louis?

Understanding the cost of living near Saint Louis is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Planning Design Studio.
Saint Louis' Cost of Living Index is approximately 83.8 (16.2% less expensive than US average; 5.8% less than MO average). Major city, Gateway Arch, affordable housing, MetroLink/Bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from Planning Design Studio, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $900 - $1,400+ A significant portion of Planning Design Studio salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $230 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $78 (Metro monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $380 - $560 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $350 - $680+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $360 - $670+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,208 - $3,548+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Planning Design Studio

1. What is the estimated average total compensation at Planning Design Studio?

Salary.com estimates that the average total compensation package at Planning Design Studio, which can include base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits, is around $86,768 annually . Total compensation provides a more holistic view of an employee's earnings.

2. How much does Planning Design Studio pay compared to Kluger Architects Inc?

The average annual salary at Planning Design Studio is $86,768, or an hourly wage of $42, in comparison to Kluger Architects Inc which pays $100,670 per year or $48 per hour.

3. What's the typical salary progression for an employee moving from an entry-level to a senior role at Planning Design Studio?

Salary progression from an entry-level to a senior role at Planning Design Studio can be significant, often involving several promotions and substantial pay increases. For example, an entry-level Analyst might see their salary potentially double or more as they progress to a Senior Manager or Director position over several years, assuming strong performance and development.

4. How can I determine if a salary offer from Planning Design Studio in Saint Louis is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Planning Design Studio in Saint Louis is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Planning Design Studio and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Saint Louis" to understand its purchasing power.

5. Are promotions at Planning Design Studio usually accompanied by a significant salary increase?

Yes, promotions at Planning Design Studio are generally accompanied by a salary increase. The amount of the increase typically reflects the greater responsibilities, skills, and scope of the new role. The percentage increase can vary widely depending on the level of promotion and the company's compensation structure.