Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in Massachusetts
Urban and Regional Planners in Massachusetts earn an average annual salary of $93,240, which is slightly below the national average of $96,050. This minor discrepancy can often be attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including the state's robust regulatory environment and the specialized demand for planning expertise within its densely populated and historically significant urban centers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $93,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $126,780.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,570 professionals, Massachusetts demonstrates a significant concentration of Urban and Regional Planners, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.54. This suggests a demand for these roles that is 54% higher than the national average, pointing towards a robust job market with ample opportunities for skilled planners within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Urban and Regional Planners in Massachusetts earns-2.9%below the national average.
$44.8
$1,793
$7,770
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 Massachusetts have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increasing urbanization, evolving infrastructure needs, and a growing emphasis on sustainable development practices across the state.
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in Massachusetts
Career progression for Urban and Regional Planners in Massachusetts typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized expertise and a proven track record can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting the value of their strategic insights and project management capabilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $61,960 | $29.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $69,930 | $33.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $88,030 | $42.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $116,550 | $56 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $126,780 | $61 |
Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$93,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,830
Adjusted for COL (148.4)
While the nominal salary of $93,240 appears substantial, it must be considered within the context of Massachusetts's high Cost of Living Index of 148.4. This means that the purchasing power of an Urban and Regional Planner's salary in Massachusetts is considerably less than in a region with a national average cost of living, requiring careful financial planning for residents.
Job Market Context
1,570
Total Jobs
0.43
Per 1K Jobs
1.54
Location Quotient
Massachusetts has 1.5x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.54 for Urban and Regional Planners in Massachusetts signifies a notably higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This indicates a competitive yet potentially rewarding market, where employers may actively seek out specialized talent, and professionals benefit from a concentrated network of peers and opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Urban and Regional Planners
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Worcester, MA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $83,200↓ 11% | 14 mi |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $97,420↑ 4% | 24 mi |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $85,440↓ 8% | 29 mi |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $86,890↓ 7% | 52 mi |
| Springfield, MA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $81,060↓ 13% | 52 mi |
Comparing salaries near Massachusetts
Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in Massachusetts is $93,240. This typically ranges from $61,960 for entry-level positions to $126,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Massachusetts is 2.9% lower than the national median of $96,050.
Is Massachusetts a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Yes, with caveats regarding the cost of living.Massachusetts offers a strong concentration of planning jobs and a salary slightly below the national average. However, the high cost of living significantly impacts the real value of this compensation.
Is Massachusetts a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?
The Cost of Living Index in Massachusetts is 148.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Massachusetts?
Some top paying nearby cities include Worcester, MA ($83,200) and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH.
What is the average salary for an entry-level Urban and Regional Planner in Massachusetts?
While exact entry-level figures vary, planners at the lower end of the experience spectrum typically earn salaries below the state average of $93,240, often in the $60,000-$75,000 range, depending on specific responsibilities and employer.
How does the cost of living in Massachusetts affect the salary of an Urban and Regional Planner?
The high cost of living in Massachusetts, indicated by an index of 148.4, means that the $93,240 average salary has less purchasing power compared to areas with a lower cost of living. This necessitates a higher nominal income to maintain a comparable standard of living.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.54 mean for Urban and Regional Planners in Massachusetts?
A Location Quotient of 1.54 signifies that Urban and Regional Planners are 54% more concentrated in Massachusetts than the national average. This suggests a higher demand and a more robust job market for this profession within the state.
Are there more Urban and Regional Planner jobs in Massachusetts than the national average?
Yes, the data suggests a higher density of jobs per capita. With 0.43 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 1.54, Massachusetts offers a proportionally larger job market for Urban and Regional Planners compared to the nation as a whole.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,570 employees in the Massachusetts area with a job density of 0.43 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 Massachusetts