Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
Urban and Regional Planners in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $82,590. This figure is notably below the national average of $96,050, suggesting that localized market dynamics and potentially a slightly lower demand compared to other regions influence compensation. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, this salary differential warrants a closer look at the specific economic landscape of this Georgia hub.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $82,590 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $122,850.
- Outlook: The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area supports a local workforce of 700 Urban and Regional Planners. With a Location Quotient of 0.87, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, indicating a market that is neither oversaturated nor experiencing exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The rate of 0.243 jobs per 1,000 workers further contextualizes the presence of these roles within the broader employment ecosystem.
Salary Overview
The average Urban and Regional Planners in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA earns-14.0%below the national average.
$39.7
$1,588
$6,883
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Atlanta is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Urban and Regional Planners have seen a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring general economic growth and increasing demand for strategic urban development. This growth is likely driven by evolving urban landscapes, infrastructure projects, and a greater emphasis on sustainable planning practices across the nation.
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
Career progression for Urban and Regional Planners typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior planners with extensive project management and strategic oversight experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $53,430 | $25.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $61,943 | $29.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $77,350 | $37.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $103,238 | $49.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $122,850 | $59.1 |
Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$82,590
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$82,590
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $82,590 in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA, when considered against a Cost of Living Index of 100 (which is the national average), indicates that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national standard. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average for the profession, the cost of essential goods and services in the area does not necessitate a higher nominal income to maintain a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
700
Total Jobs
0.243
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA has 0.87x the national average concentration of Urban and Regional Planners jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.87 for Urban and Regional Planners in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell suggests that this occupation is slightly less concentrated in this metropolitan area compared to the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly high, offering a stable environment for professionals without the intense competition found in more concentrated regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Urban and Regional Planners
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Georgia nonmetropolitan area Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $68,140↓ 17% | 65 mi |
| North Georgia nonmetropolitan area Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $57,470↓ 30% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?
The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is $82,590. This typically ranges from $53,430 for entry-level positions to $122,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 14.0% lower than the national median of $96,050.
Is Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Plannerss?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Urban and Regional Planners is below the national benchmark. This suggests that the market is not currently offering premium compensation for this role compared to other areas.
Is Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?
The Cost of Living Index in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Georgia nonmetropolitan area ($68,140) and North Georgia nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for an Urban and Regional Planner in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?
The average annual salary for an Urban and Regional Planner in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metropolitan area is $82,590.
How does the Atlanta salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $82,590 in Atlanta is lower than the national average of $96,050 for Urban and Regional Planners.
What is the Cost of Living in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?
The Cost of Living Index for Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the job market for Urban and Regional Planners in this area?
The job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.87, indicating a moderate level of competition and demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 700 employees in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA area with a job density of 0.243 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 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA