Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in North Carolina
Urban and Regional Planners in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $79,280. This figure is notably below the national average of $96,050, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. Understanding these regional pay variations is crucial for career planning.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $79,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $103,890.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,640 Urban and Regional Planners, North Carolina demonstrates a significant presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 1.2 indicates a concentration of these professionals slightly above the national average, suggesting a healthy, albeit not overwhelmingly dominant, demand for their specialized skills within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Urban and Regional Planners in North Carolina earns-17.5%below the national average.
$38.1
$1,525
$6,607
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Urban and Regional Planners in North Carolina have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth driven by inflation and increasing demand for skilled professionals in urban development and sustainability.
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in North Carolina
Salary progression for Urban and Regional Planners in North Carolina typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive project management and policy expertise can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their increased value and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $55,410 | $26.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $59,460 | $28.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $78,320 | $37.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $99,100 | $47.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $103,890 | $49.9 |
Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$79,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$83,541
Adjusted for COL (94.9)
The average salary of $79,280 in North Carolina presents a favorable financial situation when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 94.9. This index, being below the national average of 100, means that the purchasing power of an Urban and Regional Planner's salary in North Carolina is likely higher than the nominal figure suggests, offering a good standard of living.
Job Market Context
1,640
Total Jobs
0.335
Per 1K Jobs
1.2
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.20, North Carolina has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Urban and Regional Planners roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.2 signifies that Urban and Regional Planners are more concentrated in North Carolina than the national average. This suggests a robust and active job market for these professionals within the state, indicating a higher likelihood of finding relevant employment opportunities compared to areas with a lower concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Urban and Regional Planners
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $77,330↓ 2% | 32 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $72,780↓ 8% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $81,890↑ 3% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Carolina
Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in North Carolina is $79,280. This typically ranges from $55,410 for entry-level positions to $103,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 17.5% lower than the national median of $96,050.
Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is below the national average, the cost of living is also lower, making the effective purchasing power strong. The strong location quotient indicates good market demand.
Is North Carolina a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($77,330) and Winston-Salem, NC.
How does North Carolina's planner salary compare to the national average?
Urban and Regional Planners in North Carolina earn an average of $79,280 annually, which is less than the national average of $96,050.
What is the concentration of Urban and Regional Planners in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a concentration of Urban and Regional Planners with a Location Quotient of 1.2, indicating a slightly higher presence than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the planner salary in North Carolina?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9, North Carolina is more affordable than the national average, meaning the $79,280 salary offers good purchasing power.
What is the total number of Urban and Regional Planners in North Carolina?
There are approximately 1,640 Urban and Regional Planners employed within North Carolina.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,640 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 0.335 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 North Carolina