Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Urban and Regional Planners in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area earn an average annual salary of $94,140. This figure is slightly below the national average of $96,050, a common occurrence in metropolitan areas where specific industry concentrations and local economic factors can influence compensation. While the nominal salary is close to the national benchmark, understanding the local market dynamics is key.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $94,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $126,980.
- Outlook: The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metropolitan area supports a local workforce of 730 Urban and Regional Planners. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 0.163, the demand for these professionals is present, though the concentration (Location Quotient) of 0.58 suggests the field is less concentrated here than the national average. This indicates a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, job market for planners.
Salary Overview
The average Urban and Regional Planners in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns-2.0%below the national average.
$45.3
$1,810
$7,845
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Urban and Regional Planners have seen consistent growth over the past four years, driven by increasing urbanization, infrastructure development needs, and a growing awareness of sustainable planning practices. This upward trend is likely reflected in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area, mirroring national patterns of salary appreciation in this vital sector.
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Career progression for Urban and Regional Planners typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive project management experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth opportunities 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) | $61,540 | $29.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $70,605 | $33.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $93,290 | $44.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $117,675 | $56.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $126,980 | $61 |
Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$94,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$94,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $94,140 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a planner's salary in this region is equivalent to that of a planner earning the national average in a location with a national average cost of living. Therefore, the nominal salary effectively translates to a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
730
Total Jobs
0.163
Per 1K Jobs
0.58
Location Quotient
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 0.58x 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 0.58, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metropolitan area has a lower concentration of Urban and Regional Planners compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is active, it may not be saturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers. The market is neither exceptionally abundant nor scarce, indicating a steady demand for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $94,140. This typically ranges from $61,540 for entry-level positions to $126,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 2.0% lower than the national median of $96,050.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Yes, it offers a competitive salary and standard of living.The average salary of $94,140 is very close to the national average, and with a cost of living index of 100, the purchasing power is equivalent to the national average.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?
The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Urban and Regional Planners in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $94,140, which is slightly below the national average of $96,050.
What is the concentration of Urban and Regional Planners in this area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.58, indicating that Urban and Regional Planners are less concentrated in this area compared to the national average.
What does a Cost of Living Index of 100 mean for planners in Chicago?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the cost of living in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is exactly at the national average, making the $94,140 salary's purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Urban and Regional Planners work in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area?
There are approximately 730 Urban and Regional Planners employed within the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 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 730 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 0.163 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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN