As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a City Planner in the United States is $71,783 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a City Planner's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A City Planner'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a City Planner'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 |
|---|---|
| Facilitie... Level City Planner | $58,089 |
| City Plan... Level City Planner | $71,396 |
| Facilitie... Level City Planner | $87,162 |
| Facilitie... Level City Planner | $102,080 |
| Facilitie... Level City Planner | $135,397 |
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 City Planners. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 14.11% |
| Space Planning | 2.32% |
| Investment Management | 1.68% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Financial Budgeting
|
$83,268 |
16%
|
|
Strategic Planning
|
$81,832 |
14%
|
|
Program Management
|
$79,679 |
11%
|
|
Budgeting
|
$78,961 |
10%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$78,243 |
9%
|
|
Investment Management
|
$78,243 |
9%
|
For City Planner roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, City Planner positions in Biotechnology or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view City Planner as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $100,496 | $48.0 | 40% |
| Business Services | $96,907 | $47.0 | 35% |
| Construction | $93,317 | $45.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $89,728 | $43.0 | 25% |
| Healthcare | $86,139 | $41.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many City Planners enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a City Planner with a No Diploma is between $75,612 and $81,647).
City Planner Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.4% |
| High School | 20.4% |
| Associates | 12.9% |
| Bachelors | 55.1% |
| Masters | 9.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.7% |
Understanding how a City Planner'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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a City Planner can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,696 in 2023 to around $62,388 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of City Planner salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $64,696 |
| 2024 | $63,290 |
| 2025 | $62,388 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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