Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Urban and Regional Planners in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $104,770. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $96,050, indicating a strong demand and higher compensation for planning professionals in this dynamic region. Factors such as the robust economic landscape and the specific needs of a growing urban center likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $104,770 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $129,740.
- Outlook: The job market for Urban and Regional Planners in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue appears robust, with a local workforce of 1,390 professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.4 suggests that this region employs planners at more than double the national average rate, signaling a concentrated and potentially high demand for their specialized skills within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Urban and Regional Planners in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+9.1%above the national average.
$50.4
$2,015
$8,731
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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is likely driven by ongoing urban development, infrastructure projects, and increasing awareness of the importance of sustainable and effective urban planning.
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Career progression for Urban and Regional Planners in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior planners with extensive experience and specialized knowledge can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distributions clearly signify these opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $80,720 | $38.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $78,578 | $37.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $103,410 | $49.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $130,963 | $63 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $129,740 | $62.4 |
Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$104,770
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$104,770
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $104,770 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, Urban and Regional Planners in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue find their nominal earnings translate directly to purchasing power. This means that the higher salary effectively matches the local cost of goods and services, offering a stable financial standing without the immediate pressure of a significantly higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,390
Total Jobs
0.669
Per 1K Jobs
2.4
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 2.4x 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.
The Location Quotient of 2.4 for Urban and Regional Planners in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue indicates a highly concentrated job market, with employment in this field being more than twice as prevalent as the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant landscape where demand for skilled planners is notably high, offering ample opportunities for those with the right qualifications.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Urban and Regional Planners
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $97,150↓ 7% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $77,250↓ 26% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $82,050↓ 22% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $92,620↓ 12% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $90,900↓ 13% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $104,770. This typically ranges from $80,720 for entry-level positions to $129,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 9.1% higher than the national median of $96,050.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative location for Urban and Regional Planners.The average salary of $104,770 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high Location Quotient of 2.4 points to strong local demand for these professionals.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($97,150) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Urban and Regional Planners in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is $104,770, which is notably higher than the national average of $96,050.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.4 mean for planners?
A Location Quotient of 2.4 signifies that Urban and Regional Planners are employed in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area at more than double the rate of the national average, indicating a strong concentration and demand for this profession.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $104,770 salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning the higher salary is not offset by increased living expenses.
What is the total number of Urban and Regional Planners in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area?
There are approximately 1,390 Urban and Regional Planners employed within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue 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 1,390 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 0.669 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- All Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Management Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Browse All Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Urban and Regional Planners • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA