Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Urban and Regional Planners in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area earn an average annual salary of $86,590. This figure is notably below the national average of $96,050, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, may be influencing compensation levels in this specific metropolitan region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $86,590 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $121,780.
- Outlook: The Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area supports a local workforce of 340 Urban and Regional Planners. With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to the national landscape. The presence of 0.255 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a moderate job market for this specialized field within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Urban and Regional Planners in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD earns-9.8%below the national average.
$41.6
$1,665
$7,216
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Urban and Regional Planners have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and increasing demand for skilled professionals in urban development and planning. This upward trend is likely influenced by evolving urban landscapes, infrastructure projects, and a growing emphasis on sustainable development practices.
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Career progression for Urban and Regional Planners typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized expertise and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial opportunities for career advancement and earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $56,250 | $27 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $64,943 | $31.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $80,500 | $38.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $108,238 | $52 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $121,780 | $58.5 |
Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$86,590
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$86,590
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $86,590 in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by an Urban and Regional Planner in this area offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the salary is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by the local cost of living, providing a stable financial standing relative to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
0.255
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD has 0.91x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metropolitan area exhibits a slightly lower concentration of Urban and Regional Planners compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and active, the job market may not be as saturated as in some other regions. This could translate to a moderately competitive environment for job seekers, with opportunities available but perhaps requiring a proactive approach to secure positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Urban and Regional Planners
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $74,410↓ 14% | 19 mi |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $104,660↑ 21% | 35 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $70,130↓ 19% | 47 mi |
| Lancaster, PA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $79,190↓ 9% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is $86,590. This typically ranges from $56,250 for entry-level positions to $121,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 9.8% lower than the national median of $96,050.
Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Plannerss?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $86,590 is below the national average of $96,050, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?
The Cost of Living Index in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($74,410) and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV.
How does the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD salary compare to the national average?
Urban and Regional Planners in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD earn an average of $86,590 annually, which is approximately $9,460 less than the national average salary of $96,050.
What is the concentration of Urban and Regional Planners in this area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.91, indicating slightly fewer Urban and Regional Planners per worker compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary?
No, the cost of living in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is at the national average (100), meaning the $86,590 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Urban and Regional Planners are employed in this region?
There are approximately 340 Urban and Regional Planners working within the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD 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 340 employees in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area with a job density of 0.255 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 Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD