SalaryNode

Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Urban and Regional Planners in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area command an impressive average annual salary of $129,740. This figure substantially outpaces the national average of $96,050, reflecting the region's dynamic economic landscape and high demand for skilled professionals. The concentration of major development projects and a complex regulatory environment in this metropolitan area necessitates specialized planning expertise, driving higher compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $129,740 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $170,980.
  • Outlook: The job market for Urban and Regional Planners in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont appears robust, supported by a local workforce of 1,290 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.92, this region demonstrates a concentration of these roles nearly double the national average, indicating a strong and sustained demand for planning expertise that significantly exceeds broader national trends.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$129,740

The average Urban and Regional Planners in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+35.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$62.4

Weekly

$2,495

Monthly

$10,812

Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Career progression for Urban and Regional Planners typically correlates with experience, with entry-level positions offering a foundational salary and senior roles commanding significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution within the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area would signify substantial earning potential for experienced professionals, reflecting increased responsibility, specialized knowledge, and leadership capabilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$89,090$42.8
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$97,305$46.8
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$129,400$62.2
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$162,175$78
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$170,980$82.2

Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$129,740

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$129,740

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary of $129,740 in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is exceptionally high in absolute terms, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national average, given the local expenses. Therefore, the high salary is necessary to maintain a standard of living equivalent to the national average.

Job Market Context

1,290

Total Jobs

0.537

Per 1K Jobs

1.92

Location Quotient

Major Hub

San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has 1.9x 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.

A Location Quotient of 1.92 signifies that Urban and Regional Planners are significantly more concentrated in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area than in the nation as a whole. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive job market where employers actively seek out talent with specific regional knowledge and experience, making it a prime location for those in this profession.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Urban and Regional Planners

CitySalaryDist.
Vallejo, CA Urban and Regional Planners Salary$113,710↓ 12%27 mi
Napa, CA Urban and Regional Planners Salary$122,580↓ 6%38 mi
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Urban and Regional Planners Salary$136,980↑ 6%42 mi
Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA Urban and Regional Planners Salary$123,430↓ 5%50 mi
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Urban and Regional Planners Salary$114,510↓ 12%58 mi

Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?

The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $129,740. This typically ranges from $89,090 for entry-level positions to $170,980 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 35.1% higher than the national median of $96,050.

Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Plannerss?

Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Urban and Regional Planners.The average salary of $129,740 is substantially higher than the national average, and the strong Location Quotient indicates high demand for these professionals in the region.

Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?

The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Vallejo, CA ($113,710) and Napa, CA.

How does the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont salary compare to the national average?

Urban and Regional Planners in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont earn an average of $129,740, which is approximately 35% higher than the national average of $96,050.

What does the Location Quotient of 1.92 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 1.92 indicates that the concentration of Urban and Regional Planner jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont is nearly double the national average, suggesting a more abundant job market and higher demand compared to other regions.

Does the high salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont translate to higher purchasing power?

While the nominal salary is high, the Cost of Living Index is at the national average (100). This means the $129,740 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, as the higher cost of living offsets the higher nominal wage.

What is the total number of Urban and Regional Planners in this area?

There are approximately 1,290 Urban and Regional Planners employed in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont 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 1,290 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 0.537 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Semantic Salary Analysis for Urban and Regional Planners • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA