Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Urban and Regional Planners in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area are earning an impressive average annual salary of $103,480. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $96,050, indicating a strong local demand for these specialized professionals. The robust economic landscape and specific planning needs of the Denver region likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $103,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $140,690.
- Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial area presents a promising job market for Urban and Regional Planners, evidenced by a total local workforce of 630 individuals in this field. The Location Quotient of 1.39 suggests a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling robust demand and a potentially dynamic job environment for skilled planners.
Salary Overview
The average Urban and Regional Planners in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+7.7%above the national average.
$49.8
$1,990
$8,623
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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing urbanization, infrastructure development, and evolving environmental regulations likely contribute to a sustained demand that supports salary appreciation.
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Career progression for Urban and Regional Planners in Denver-Aurora-Centennial typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise, manage complex projects, and take on leadership roles, their earning potential can climb substantially, with senior planners commanding top-tier salaries reflecting their advanced skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $75,050 | $36.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $77,610 | $37.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $99,940 | $48 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $129,350 | $62.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $140,690 | $67.6 |
Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$103,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$103,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
For Urban and Regional Planners considering a move to Denver-Aurora-Centennial, the average salary of $103,480 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the higher nominal salary directly translates to equivalent purchasing power, offering a stable financial foundation without the immediate pressure of a significantly higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
630
Total Jobs
0.387
Per 1K Jobs
1.39
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.39, Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Urban and Regional Planners roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.39 for Urban and Regional Planners in Denver-Aurora-Centennial indicates a market that is more concentrated with these professionals than the national average. This suggests a competitive environment where employers may actively seek out specialized talent, but also a market with a healthy number of opportunities available for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Urban and Regional Planners
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $95,640↓ 8% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $94,920↓ 8% | 45 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $89,160↓ 14% | 54 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $78,800↓ 24% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $103,480. This typically ranges from $75,050 for entry-level positions to $140,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 7.7% higher than the national median of $96,050.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Planners?
Yes, it is a lucrative location for Urban and Regional Planners.The average salary of $103,480 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is at the national benchmark, making it financially advantageous.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($95,640) and Greeley, CO.
How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial salary compare to the national average?
Urban and Regional Planners in Denver-Aurora-Centennial earn an average of $103,480 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $96,050.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.39 signify?
A Location Quotient of 1.39 means that Urban and Regional Planners are 39% more concentrated in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area than the national average, indicating strong local demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area is at the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $103,480 offers strong real purchasing power for planners.
What is the overall job market like for Urban and Regional Planners in this area?
The job market appears robust, with a higher concentration of planners and a solid local workforce, suggesting consistent opportunities for those in the field.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 630 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 0.387 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Urban and Regional Planners Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- All Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Management Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Browse All Jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Urban and Regional Planners • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO