Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Urban and Regional Planners in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, earn an average annual salary of $92,620. This figure is slightly below the national average of $96,050, but local economic factors and the specific demand within the region contribute to this competitive compensation. The unique planning needs and development projects in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater area shape the salary landscape for these professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $92,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $107,660.
- Outlook: The job market for Urban and Regional Planners in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, appears robust, indicated by a substantial local workforce of 640 professionals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 17.89 signifies a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a well-established professional community.
Salary Overview
The average Urban and Regional Planners in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA earns-3.6%below the national average.
$44.5
$1,781
$7,718
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 Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing urbanization, evolving planning regulations, and a growing emphasis on sustainable development likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation in this field.
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Experience plays a crucial role in the earning potential of Urban and Regional Planners. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive project management and policy development expertise can command salaries significantly above the average. The discernible gaps between salary percentiles highlight clear career progression pathways and the value placed on accumulated knowledge and skills.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $76,180 | $36.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $69,465 | $33.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $92,860 | $44.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $115,775 | $55.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $107,660 | $51.8 |
Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$92,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$92,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $92,620 in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, is perfectly aligned with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which matches the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Urban and Regional Planner's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial outlook without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
640
Total Jobs
4.994
Per 1K Jobs
17.89
Location Quotient
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA has 17.9x 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 17.89, Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, exhibits an extremely high concentration of Urban and Regional Planners relative to the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive job market where demand for these skills is significantly amplified, suggesting that professionals in this field are highly sought after within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Urban and Regional Planners
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $97,150↑ 5% | 36 mi |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $104,770↑ 13% | 47 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $77,250↓ 17% | 70 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $82,050↓ 11% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is $92,620. This typically ranges from $76,180 for entry-level positions to $107,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 3.6% lower than the national median of $96,050.
Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Yes, it is a highly concentrated market for Urban and Regional Planners.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the exceptionally high Location Quotient of 17.89 indicates a very strong local demand and concentration of these roles, suggesting ample opportunities.
Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?
The Cost of Living Index in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($97,150) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Urban and Regional Planners in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, is $92,620, which is slightly lower than the national average of $96,050.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
An LQ of 17.89 signifies that Urban and Regional Planners are nearly 18 times more concentrated in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, than the national average, indicating a very strong local presence and demand for this profession.
Does the cost of living affect the salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
No, the cost of living in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the nominal salary of $92,620 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many Urban and Regional Planners work in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
There are approximately 640 Urban and Regional Planners employed within the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, 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 640 employees in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area with a job density of 4.994 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 Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA