Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Urban and Regional Planners in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area earn an impressive average annual salary of $97,420. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $96,050, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher compensation expectations within this dynamic metropolitan region. Factors such as the concentration of development projects, regulatory complexity, and the presence of major urban planning institutions likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $97,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $128,770.
- Outlook: The job market for Urban and Regional Planners in Boston-Cambridge-Newton appears robust, evidenced by a local workforce of 1,090 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.45 suggests a concentration of these roles that is 45% higher than the national average, signaling strong local demand and a specialized job market that favors skilled planners.
Salary Overview
The average Urban and Regional Planners in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH earns+1.4%above the national average.
$46.8
$1,873
$8,118
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Urban and Regional Planners in a major metropolitan area like Boston-Cambridge-Newton have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by increasing urbanization, evolving planning regulations, and a consistent need for expert guidance in shaping sustainable and functional urban environments.
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
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 senior planners with extensive project management and policy expertise can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the substantial career advancement and earning potential available within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $68,340 | $32.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $73,065 | $35.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $93,720 | $45.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $121,775 | $58.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $128,770 | $61.9 |
Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$97,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$97,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area is at the national average. Therefore, the nominal average salary of $97,420 for Urban and Regional Planners holds its purchasing power effectively against the national benchmark, suggesting that the compensation is well-aligned with the local economic conditions.
Job Market Context
1,090
Total Jobs
0.404
Per 1K Jobs
1.45
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.45, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Urban and Regional Planners roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.45 for Urban and Regional Planners in Boston-Cambridge-Newton indicates a market where these professionals are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet potentially abundant job market, with numerous opportunities available for skilled individuals, and a higher likelihood of finding specialized roles within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Urban and Regional Planners
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $79,630↓ 18% | 24 mi |
| Worcester, MA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $83,200↓ 15% | 37 mi |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $85,440↓ 12% | 38 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $77,710↓ 20% | 50 mi |
| Barnstable Town, MA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $96,830↓ 1% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $97,420. This typically ranges from $68,340 for entry-level positions to $128,770 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 1.4% higher than the national median of $96,050.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Yes, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is a lucrative location for Urban and Regional Planners.The average salary of $97,420 is slightly above the national average, and the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, indicating strong earning potential relative to expenses.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?
The Cost of Living Index in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($79,630) and Worcester, MA.
How does the Boston-Cambridge-Newton salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Urban and Regional Planners in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $97,420, which is slightly higher than the national average of $96,050.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.45 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.45 means that Urban and Regional Planners are 45% more concentrated in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and specialized job market.
Is the cost of living a factor for planners in Boston-Cambridge-Newton?
The Cost of Living Index for Boston-Cambridge-Newton is 100, which is the national average. This means the $97,420 salary offers purchasing power consistent with the national median.
How many Urban and Regional Planners are in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area?
There are approximately 1,090 Urban and Regional Planners employed within the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH 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 1,090 employees in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area with a job density of 0.404 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 Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH