Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Urban and Regional Planners in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an average annual salary of $81,890. This figure is notably below the national average of $96,050, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially the specific demand within this region influence compensation. Factors such as the concentration of planning-related industries and the overall economic landscape of the Research Triangle area likely play a role in this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $81,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,700.
- Outlook: The job market for Urban and Regional Planners in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, while not exceptionally large with a total local workforce of 290, shows a significant concentration. A Location Quotient of 3 indicates that this profession is three times more prevalent here than in the average U.S. location, suggesting a robust demand relative to the national landscape for this specialized role.
Salary Overview
The average Urban and Regional Planners in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-14.7%below the national average.
$39.4
$1,575
$6,824
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this localized segment is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Urban and Regional Planners in Durham-Chapel Hill have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development, population shifts, and increased focus on sustainable urban development initiatives likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation within this field.
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Career progression for Urban and Regional Planners in Durham-Chapel Hill, as elsewhere, is typically marked by increasing salary potential. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth opportunities and the value placed on expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $63,180 | $30.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $61,418 | $29.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $87,990 | $42.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $102,363 | $49.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $97,700 | $47 |
Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$81,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$81,890
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $81,890 for Urban and Regional Planners in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the nominal salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where earnings are commensurate with the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
0.836
Per 1K Jobs
3
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 3.0x the national concentration of Urban and Regional Planners jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 3, the Durham-Chapel Hill area demonstrates a strong concentration of Urban and Regional Planners relative to the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may actively seek specialized talent, and professionals benefit from a higher density of relevant job opportunities compared to less concentrated regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Urban and Regional Planners
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $84,230↑ 3% | 18 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $77,330↓ 6% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $78,890↓ 4% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $66,800↓ 18% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $81,890. This typically ranges from $63,180 for entry-level positions to $97,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 14.7% lower than the national median of $96,050.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Plannerss?
No, not when compared to the national average salary.While the average salary of $81,890 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $96,050. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, and the job market shows a strong concentration of these professionals.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($84,230) and Greensboro-High Point, NC.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Urban and Regional Planners in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $81,890, which is lower than the national average of $96,050.
What is the job market like for Urban and Regional Planners in Durham-Chapel Hill?
The job market shows a strong concentration of Urban and Regional Planners, with a Location Quotient of 3, indicating higher prevalence than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Durham-Chapel Hill?
The cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill is at the national average (100), meaning the $81,890 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the Location Quotient of 3 signify?
A Location Quotient of 3 means that Urban and Regional Planners are three times more concentrated in the Durham-Chapel Hill area than they are across the United States, suggesting a robust local demand for this profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 0.836 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC