As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Planning Director in Illinois is $161,461 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $78.
However, a Planning Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Planning Director Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $175,193 | $14,599 | $3,369 | $84 |
| Average | $161,461 | $13,455 | $3,105 | $78 |
| 25th Percentile | $145,904 | $12,159 | $2,806 | $70 |
University of Illinois Foundation - The Loop, IL
University of Illinois Foundation - The Loop, IL
Mount Sinai Health System - Manhattan, IL
University of Illinois Foundation - Chicago, IL
A Planning Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Planning Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Planning Director | $151,941 |
| Intermediate Level Planning Director | $153,334 |
| Senior Level Planning Director | $155,192 |
| Specialist Level Planning Director | $157,514 |
| Expert Level Planning Director | $159,836 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Planning Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Planning Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $180,593. While startup companies pay approximate $152,728.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $152,728 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $161,533 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $174,397 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $180,593 |
For Planning Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Planning Director positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Planning Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $193,753 | $93.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $193,753 | $93.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $193,753 | $93.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $193,753 | $93.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $193,753 | $93.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Planning Director's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $175,193 | $14,599 | $3,369 | $84 |
| Average | $161,461 | $13,455 | $3,105 | $78 |
| 25th Percentile | $145,904 | $12,159 | $2,806 | $70 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Planning Director, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Business Operations Strategy Director | $221,026 | 37% |
| Digital Transformation Director | $202,907 | 26% |
| Strategic Planning Director | $222,944 | 38% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Planning Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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