How much does a city planner make?
a year · about $43 an hour
A typical city planner in the United States makes $89,320 a year, about $43 an hour, about 1.8× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
A planner might study census and site data, layer population patterns onto a digital map, and review a developer’s proposal. They may visit the site and meet residents or officials, sometimes at evening meetings.
Did you know? City planners can use GIS to layer census data—such as how many people live in an area—onto digital maps.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $60,010 and $134,490How do you become one?
U.S. planners usually earn a bachelor’s, then a planning master’s; internships help, and many start after college in their mid-20s. Most states require no license (New Jersey does); optional AICP certification needs experience and an exam.
School needed: Graduate degree or long training
Good for people who like figuring things out and leading and selling
Why does pay differ?
U.S. planners may earn more with experience, in-demand skills, or AICP certification. Pay also varies by location, employer (such as a consulting firm or local government), and how complex or responsible the work is.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($109,610), lowest in Alabama ($70,710).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60,010 | $89,320 | $134,490 | about 44,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $109,610 | about 7,000 |
| Oregon | $103,070 | about 1,000 |
| Arizona | $102,400 | about 1,000 |
| Colorado | $101,340 | about 1,000 |
| Washington | $100,990 | about 3,000 |
Official definition: Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/print/urban-and-regional-planne
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-3051.00
- www.planning.org/aicp/
- www.planning.org/certification/eligible
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- capla.arizona.edu/academics/master-science-urban-planning
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY