Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Urban and Regional Planners in Raleigh-Cary, NC, earn an average annual salary of $84,230. This figure is notably below the national average of $96,050, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the region. While the nominal pay is lower, understanding the cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $84,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $109,160.
- Outlook: The job market for Urban and Regional Planners in Raleigh-Cary, NC, shows a healthy concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.59, significantly above the national average. With 320 professionals in this field locally, the demand appears robust and suggests a specialized need for these skills within the metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Urban and Regional Planners in Raleigh-Cary, NC earns-12.3%below the national average.
$40.5
$1,620
$7,019
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 Raleigh-Cary, NC, have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing compensation for specialized roles. This growth is likely driven by ongoing development and planning needs within the rapidly expanding Research Triangle region.
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Career progression for Urban and Regional Planners in Raleigh-Cary, NC, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to $60,000, while seasoned professionals with extensive project management and policy expertise can command salaries exceeding $100,000. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify these opportunities for advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $62,440 | $30 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $63,173 | $30.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $80,230 | $38.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $105,288 | $50.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $109,160 | $52.5 |
Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$84,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$84,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $84,230 in Raleigh-Cary, NC, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (100). This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of an Urban and Regional Planner's income in this area is equivalent to that of their counterparts in a typical U.S. city.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
0.444
Per 1K Jobs
1.59
Location Quotient
Raleigh-Cary, NC has 1.6x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.59 signifies that Raleigh-Cary, NC, has a higher concentration of Urban and Regional Planners than the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market where employers actively seek talent in this field, indicating a strong demand relative to the overall workforce composition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Urban and Regional Planners
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $81,890↓ 3% | 18 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $75,860↓ 10% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Raleigh-Cary, NC
Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $84,230. This typically ranges from $62,440 for entry-level positions to $109,160 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 12.3% lower than the national median of $96,050.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is below the national average, the strong concentration of planners and a cost of living on par with the national average indicate a stable and potentially rewarding career environment.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?
The Cost of Living Index in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($81,890) and Fayetteville, NC.
How does the cost of living affect the Raleigh-Cary planner salary?
The cost of living in Raleigh-Cary, NC, is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $84,230 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a fair compensation despite being lower than the national salary average.
Is there high demand for Urban and Regional Planners in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.59 indicates a higher concentration of Urban and Regional Planners than the national average, suggesting strong local demand for these specialized skills.
What is the typical salary range for an Urban and Regional Planner in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
While the average is $84,230, entry-level planners might earn around $60,000, and experienced professionals could earn upwards of $100,000, reflecting significant salary growth with experience.
How does Raleigh-Cary compare to other cities for Urban and Regional Planner jobs?
Raleigh-Cary has a higher concentration of planners (LQ 1.59) but a lower average salary ($84,230 vs. $96,050 national). This suggests a specialized market with potentially good career growth but lower starting pay compared to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area with a job density of 0.444 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 Raleigh-Cary, NC