SalaryNode

Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in District of Columbia

Yes, District of Columbia is a highly lucrative market for Urban and Regional Plannerss. With an average annual salary of $131,490, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $131,490 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $172,310.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Urban and Regional Plannerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 140 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader District of Columbia economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$131,490

The average Urban and Regional Planners in District of Columbia earns+36.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$63.2

Weekly

$2,529

Monthly

$10,958

Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in District of Columbia

The earning potential for Urban and Regional Plannerss in District of Columbia varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $85,900, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $172,310.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$85,900$41.3
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$98,618$47.4
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$129,750$62.4
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$164,363$79
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$172,310$82.8

Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$131,490

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$88,426

Adjusted for COL (148.7)

While the average salary of $131,490 in District of Columbia is 37% higher than the national average, you should be aware of the cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 148.7, your real purchasing power is actually lower, effectively feeling like $88,426.

Job Market Context

140

Total Jobs

0.197

Per 1K Jobs

0.7

Location Quotient

Below Average

District of Columbia has 0.70x 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.

140 people work as Urban and Regional Planners in District of Columbia.

Only 0.197 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Urban and Regional Planners roles — this is a niche profession in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Urban and Regional Planners

Comparing salaries near District of Columbia

Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in District of Columbia?

The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in District of Columbia is $131,490. This typically ranges from $85,900 for entry-level positions to $172,310 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 36.9% higher than the national median of $96,050.

Is District of Columbia a good place for Urban and Regional Plannerss?

Yes, District of Columbia is financially attractive for Urban and Regional Plannerss. The average salary of $131,490 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?

The Cost of Living Index in District of Columbia is 148.7. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near District of Columbia?

Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($74,410) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 140 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 0.197 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.