SalaryNode

Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in Richmond, VA

Urban and Regional Planners in Richmond, VA, earn an average annual salary of $78,810. This figure is notably below the national average of $96,050, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand or cost structures influence compensation in this Virginia capital. While the nominal salary may seem lower, understanding the local economic landscape is crucial for a complete picture.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $78,810 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $101,390.
  • Outlook: Richmond's market for Urban and Regional Planners shows a moderate level of concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.47, which is 47% higher than the national average. With a total local workforce of 270 professionals in this field, the demand appears stable, though not explosive. The presence of 0.41 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent, albeit niche, employment landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$78,810

The average Urban and Regional Planners in Richmond, VA earns-17.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$37.9

Weekly

$1,516

Monthly

$6,568

Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in Richmond, VA

Salary progression for Urban and Regional Planners typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career trajectory, with senior planners occupying the higher earning brackets.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$59,580$28.6
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$59,108$28.4
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$74,020$35.6
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$98,513$47.4
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$101,390$48.7

Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$78,810

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$78,810

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $78,810 in Richmond, VA, 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 Richmond is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the nominal salary effectively translates to a comparable standard of living when compared to the rest of the United States.

Job Market Context

270

Total Jobs

0.41

Per 1K Jobs

1.47

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.47, Richmond, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Urban and Regional Planners roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.47 signifies that Urban and Regional Planners are more concentrated in Richmond, VA, than the national average. This suggests a potentially more robust or specialized market for these professionals within the region. While not necessarily indicating hyper-competition, it points to a significant presence and likely a steady demand for their expertise within the local economy.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in Richmond, VA?

The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in Richmond, VA is $78,810. This typically ranges from $59,580 for entry-level positions to $101,390 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Richmond, VA is 17.9% lower than the national median of $96,050.

Is Richmond, VA a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Planners?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the salary of $78,810 is respectable, it falls below the national average of $96,050. However, the Cost of Living Index being at the national average means the salary's purchasing power is equivalent.

Is Richmond, VA a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?

The Cost of Living Index in Richmond, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does Richmond's planner salary compare to the national average?

Urban and Regional Planners in Richmond, VA, earn an average of $78,810 annually, which is lower than the national average of $96,050.

What is the concentration of Urban and Regional Planners in Richmond?

Richmond has a higher concentration of Urban and Regional Planners than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.47, indicating a significant presence in the local job market.

Does the Cost of Living in Richmond affect the planner salary?

The Cost of Living Index in Richmond is 100, which is the national average. This means the $78,810 salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

How many Urban and Regional Planners work in Richmond?

There are approximately 270 Urban and Regional Planners employed in Richmond, VA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Richmond, VA area with a job density of 0.41 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Urban and Regional Planners • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Richmond, VA