Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
Urban and Regional Planners in Kansas City, MO-KS earn an average annual salary of $84,140. This figure is notably below the national average of $96,050, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different demand-supply balance influence compensation in this metropolitan area. Factors such as the specific needs of local government and private development projects contribute to this localized pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $84,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $127,950.
- Outlook: The Kansas City, MO-KS area supports a local workforce of 250 Urban and Regional Planners. With a Location Quotient of 0.82, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand. The presence of 0.229 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent, albeit moderate, job market for this specialized field within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Urban and Regional Planners in Kansas City, MO-KS earns-12.4%below the national average.
$40.5
$1,618
$7,012
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 Kansas City have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development, infrastructure projects, and evolving urban planning needs likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation, albeit potentially at a different pace than in higher-cost or higher-demand national hubs.
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in Kansas City, MO-KS
Salary progression for Urban and Regional Planners typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior planners with extensive project management experience and specialized expertise can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding accumulated knowledge and leadership capabilities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $52,380 | $25.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $63,105 | $30.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $80,380 | $38.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $105,175 | $50.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $127,950 | $61.5 |
Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$84,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$84,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
An average annual salary of $84,140 in Kansas City, MO-KS aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Urban and Regional Planner's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living parity suggests that the take-home pay offers comparable economic stability.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
0.229
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Kansas City, MO-KS has 0.82x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.82 for Urban and Regional Planners in Kansas City, MO-KS indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce. While there is a solid base of 250 planners, the slightly below-average concentration implies a balanced environment where skilled professionals can find opportunities without facing extreme competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Urban and Regional Planners
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Topeka, KS Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $69,000↓ 18% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kansas City, MO-KS
Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in Kansas City, MO-KS is $84,140. This typically ranges from $52,380 for entry-level positions to $127,950 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kansas City, MO-KS is 12.4% lower than the national median of $96,050.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Plannerss?
No, but it offers good value.While the average salary of $84,140 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have equivalent purchasing power. The market is stable with moderate demand.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?
The Cost of Living Index in Kansas City, MO-KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas City, MO-KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Topeka, KS ($69,000) and others.
How does the Kansas City salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Urban and Regional Planners in Kansas City, MO-KS is $84,140, which is less than the national average of $96,050.
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, MO-KS for planners?
The cost of living in Kansas City, MO-KS is exactly at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100.
How concentrated is the job market for Urban and Regional Planners in Kansas City?
The job market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.82, which is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly dense market.
What is the total number of Urban and Regional Planners in Kansas City?
There are approximately 250 Urban and Regional Planners working in the Kansas City, MO-KS 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 250 employees in the Kansas City, MO-KS area with a job density of 0.229 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 Kansas City, MO-KS