Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Yes, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is a highly lucrative market for Urban and Regional Plannerss. With an average annual salary of $110,880, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm. Notably, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 2.5x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $110,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $130,930.
- Outlook: The current demand for Urban and Regional Plannerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 140 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Urban and Regional Planners in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earns+15.4%above the national average.
$53.3
$2,132
$9,240
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Urban and Regional Planners salaries in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA have remained stable with a modest increase of 1.9%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The earning potential for Urban and Regional Plannerss in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $82,640, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $130,930.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $82,640 | $39.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $83,160 | $40 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $102,300 | $49.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $138,600 | $66.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $130,930 | $62.9 |
Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$110,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$110,880
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $110,880 to $110,880.
Job Market Context
140
Total Jobs
0.698
Per 1K Jobs
2.5
Location Quotient
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA has 2.5x 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.
140 people work as Urban and Regional Planners in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA.
Only 0.698 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Urban and Regional Planners roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Urban and Regional Planners
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $105,280↓ 5% | 26 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $85,030↓ 23% | 85 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $109,130↓ 2% | 88 mi |
| North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $91,170↓ 18% | 92 mi |
| North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $83,680↓ 25% | 92 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $110,880. This typically ranges from $82,640 for entry-level positions to $130,930 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 15.4% higher than the national median of $96,050.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place for Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Yes, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is an excellent location for Urban and Regional Plannerss. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($110,880) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA ($105,280) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 140 employees in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area with a job density of 0.698 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 Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA