Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Urban and Regional Planners in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metropolitan area earn a substantial average annual salary of $136,980. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $96,050, reflecting the high demand and specialized skill set required for planning roles in this dynamic economic hub. The concentration of technology and development in the region naturally drives higher compensation for professionals who shape its growth.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $136,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $167,590.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 310 Urban and Regional Planners and a Location Quotient of 0.98, the job market in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, indicates a robust and stable demand for these professionals. While the concentration is just shy of the national average, the sheer volume of activity and development in the region suggests consistent opportunities for skilled planners to contribute to the area's complex urban landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Urban and Regional Planners in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earns+42.6%above the national average.
$65.9
$2,634
$11,415
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 a high-growth area like San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, have seen consistent upward trends over the past four years. Factors such as increasing urbanization, infrastructure development, and evolving planning regulations likely contribute to a steady appreciation in compensation for experienced professionals in this field.
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Salary progression for Urban and Regional Planners typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as planners gain expertise in areas like zoning, environmental impact assessment, and community engagement, their earning potential increases substantially. Senior planners, with a proven track record and leadership capabilities, command the highest salaries, with percentile gaps clearly signifying career advancement and increased responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $99,700 | $47.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $102,735 | $49.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $133,380 | $64.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $171,225 | $82.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $167,590 | $80.6 |
Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$136,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$136,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $136,980 in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the absolute salary is high, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, while the nominal income is attractive, the cost of living does not offer a significant advantage or disadvantage compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
0.274
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has 0.98x the national average concentration of Urban and Regional Planners jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.98 for Urban and Regional Planners in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, suggests a job market that is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a healthy and competitive environment where the number of planners is proportionate to the general workforce. While not exceptionally concentrated, the presence of a substantial local workforce implies ongoing demand and a stable career path.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Urban and Regional Planners
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $114,510↓ 16% | 26 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $129,740↓ 5% | 42 mi |
| Salinas, CA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $110,290↓ 19% | 47 mi |
| Modesto, CA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $114,870↓ 16% | 53 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $113,500↓ 17% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $136,980. This typically ranges from $99,700 for entry-level positions to $167,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 42.6% higher than the national median of $96,050.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Planners.The average salary of $136,980 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating strong compensation. Coupled with a cost of living index matching the national average, this makes the area financially attractive for the profession.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?
The Cost of Living Index in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($114,510) and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA.
How does the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $136,980 in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, is approximately 42.6% higher than the national average salary of $96,050 for Urban and Regional Planners.
What is the concentration of Urban and Regional Planners in this area?
The concentration, or Location Quotient, is 0.98, meaning the proportion of Urban and Regional Planners in the local workforce is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the high salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Urban and Regional Planners in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area?
There are approximately 310 Urban and Regional Planners employed in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 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 310 employees in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area with a job density of 0.274 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Urban and Regional Planners Salaries by State
Top Jobs in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- All Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Management Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Software Developers Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Browse All Jobs in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Urban and Regional Planners • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA