Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Urban and Regional Planners in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area earn an average annual salary of $92,310. This figure is slightly below the national average of $96,050, a difference often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local government and private development sectors. The unique economic landscape and development priorities of the Capital Region play a significant role in shaping compensation for these vital planning professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $92,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $161,130.
- Outlook: The job market for Urban and Regional Planners in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY, while not as large as in major metropolitan hubs, shows signs of stability and specialized demand. With a total local workforce of 210 professionals in this field, the concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.72, suggests a higher presence of these roles relative to the national average. This elevated quotient points to a robust local need for planning expertise, potentially driven by ongoing infrastructure projects and urban development initiatives within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Urban and Regional Planners in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY earns-3.9%below the national average.
$44.4
$1,775
$7,693
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and role isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Urban and Regional Planners in Albany-Schenectady-Troy have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years. This general growth is typically driven by increasing complexity in urban development, evolving regulatory landscapes, and a sustained demand for professionals who can navigate these challenges. Such trends often reflect broader economic conditions and the growing importance of strategic land-use planning.
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Salary progression for Urban and Regional Planners is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive project management and policy development expertise can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on specialized knowledge and proven track records within the planning profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $54,560 | $26.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $69,233 | $33.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $80,940 | $38.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $115,388 | $55.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $161,130 | $77.5 |
Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$92,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$92,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
For professionals considering a move to Albany-Schenectady-Troy, the nominal salary of $92,310 aligns perfectly with the local cost of living, which is at the national average of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Urban and Regional Planner's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living regions.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
0.48
Per 1K Jobs
1.72
Location Quotient
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY has 1.7x the national concentration of Urban and Regional Planners jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.72 for Urban and Regional Planners in Albany-Schenectady-Troy indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market here is more specialized and potentially more competitive for top talent, or conversely, that the region has a strong, established need for these professionals. Employers may find a deeper pool of local expertise, while job seekers may encounter a market with a distinct focus on regional planning needs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Urban and Regional Planners
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsfield, MA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $74,920↓ 19% | 31 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $85,370↓ 8% | 68 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $83,280↓ 10% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is $92,310. This typically ranges from $54,560 for entry-level positions to $161,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 3.9% lower than the national median of $96,050.
Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Planners?
Yes, it offers a stable financial environment for Urban and Regional Planners.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have equivalent purchasing power. The strong Location Quotient also indicates a healthy demand for these professionals in the region.
Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?
The Cost of Living Index in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Pittsfield, MA ($74,920) and Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Albany-Schenectady-Troy salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Urban and Regional Planners in Albany-Schenectady-Troy is $92,310, which is slightly lower than the national average of $96,050.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.72 mean for planners in Albany?
A Location Quotient of 1.72 signifies that Urban and Regional Planners are more concentrated in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area than the national average, suggesting a higher relative demand or presence of these roles.
Is the cost of living high in Albany-Schenectady-Troy?
No, the cost of living index is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that expenses for goods and services are comparable to the rest of the country.
What is the total number of Urban and Regional Planners in the Albany area?
There are approximately 210 Urban and Regional Planners employed within the Albany-Schenectady-Troy metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area with a job density of 0.48 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Urban and Regional Planners • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY