Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in Virginia
Urban and Regional Planners in Virginia earn an average annual salary of $89,380, which is slightly below the national average of $96,050. This difference can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the specific economic landscape and demand within the state's planning sector. While the nominal salary may appear lower, understanding the local context is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $89,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $126,030.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 1,710 Urban and Regional Planners, Virginia presents a substantial, albeit specialized, job market. The concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.51, suggests a higher-than-average presence of these professionals relative to the national distribution, signaling a robust demand and established career path within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Urban and Regional Planners in Virginia earns-6.9%below the national average.
$43
$1,719
$7,448
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 Virginia have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased urbanization, infrastructure development projects, and a growing emphasis on sustainable planning likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in Virginia
Career progression for Urban and Regional Planners in Virginia typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise, manage complex projects, and take on leadership roles, their earning potential escalates considerably. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries clearly signifies a rewarding career ladder.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $59,230 | $28.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $67,035 | $32.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $81,750 | $39.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $111,725 | $53.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $126,030 | $60.6 |
Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$89,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$88,146
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
The average annual salary of $89,380 in Virginia for Urban and Regional Planners needs to be considered alongside the local Cost of Living Index of 101.4. Since this index is just slightly above the national average (100), the nominal salary offers a purchasing power that is very close to the national average, indicating that the earnings are relatively well-aligned with the cost of living in the state.
Job Market Context
1,710
Total Jobs
0.42
Per 1K Jobs
1.51
Location Quotient
Virginia has 1.5x 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.
Virginia's Location Quotient of 1.51 for Urban and Regional Planners signifies a notable concentration of this profession, exceeding the national average. This suggests that the job market is not only active but potentially more competitive or specialized, with a higher density of opportunities and professionals compared to other regions across the country.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Urban and Regional Planners
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $78,970↓ 12% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $78,810↓ 12% | 41 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $78,310↓ 12% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia
Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in Virginia is $89,380. This typically ranges from $59,230 for entry-level positions to $126,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia is 6.9% lower than the national median of $96,050.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Yes, with caveats.Virginia offers a strong concentration of Urban and Regional Planner jobs with a Location Quotient of 1.51, indicating a robust market. While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also very close to the national average, making the effective earning potential competitive.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($78,970) and Richmond, VA.
How does Virginia's salary for Urban and Regional Planners compare to the national average?
Urban and Regional Planners in Virginia earn an average of $89,380 annually, which is approximately $6,670 less than the national average of $96,050.
What is the job concentration for Urban and Regional Planners in Virginia?
Virginia has a higher concentration of Urban and Regional Planners than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.51.
How does the cost of living in Virginia affect the salary of an Urban and Regional Planner?
With a Cost of Living Index of 101.4, Virginia is only slightly more expensive than the national average. This means the $89,380 salary provides purchasing power very close to what the national average salary would offer.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate for Urban and Regional Planners in Virginia?
The figure of 0.42 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests that for every thousand individuals employed in Virginia, approximately 0.42 are Urban and Regional Planners, reflecting the specific demand for this role within the state's workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,710 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 0.42 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 Virginia