Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in Washington
Urban and Regional Planners in Washington state earn an impressive average annual salary of $97,160, surpassing the national average of $96,050. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the state's robust economic activity and the specialized demand for planning professionals in its growing metropolitan areas and environmentally conscious regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $97,160 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $123,320.
- Outlook: The job market for Urban and Regional Planners in Washington appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 2,840 professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.87 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a higher concentration of these roles within the state, suggesting strong and sustained demand for their expertise.
Salary Overview
The average Urban and Regional Planners in Washington earns+1.2%above the national average.
$46.7
$1,868
$8,097
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 Washington have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing demand for skilled planners and the rising cost of living in desirable urban centers.
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in Washington
Career progression for Urban and Regional Planners in Washington typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior planners with extensive project management and policy development experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear path for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $74,090 | $35.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $72,870 | $35 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $98,190 | $47.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $121,450 | $58.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $123,320 | $59.3 |
Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$97,160
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$84,414
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
While the average salary of $97,160 is attractive, the Cost of Living Index in Washington at 115.1 means that expenses are approximately 15.1% higher than the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living, requiring careful budgeting for those relocating.
Job Market Context
2,840
Total Jobs
0.802
Per 1K Jobs
2.87
Location Quotient
Washington has 2.9x 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.
Washington's Location Quotient of 2.87 signifies a market where Urban and Regional Planners are significantly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a highly developed and specialized job market, potentially offering more opportunities but also indicating a competitive environment due to the abundance of professionals in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Urban and Regional Planners
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $104,770↑ 8% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $90,770↓ 7% | 54 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $97,150↓ 0% | 58 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $92,620↓ 5% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $87,320↓ 10% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in Washington is $97,160. This typically ranges from $74,090 for entry-level positions to $123,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 1.2% higher than the national median of $96,050.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Yes, Washington offers a lucrative environment for Urban and Regional Planners.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of planners indicates strong demand and competitive compensation.
Is Washington a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($104,770) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 0.802 jobs per 1,000 workers, Washington has a higher density of Urban and Regional Planner roles compared to the national average, indicating a more active job market for this profession within the state.
What is the typical salary range for Urban and Regional Planners in Washington?
While the average is $97,160, salaries can vary significantly based on experience, employer, and specific responsibilities. Entry-level planners will earn less, while senior roles with extensive experience and leadership duties can command substantially higher salaries, potentially reaching six figures.
Are there many Urban and Regional Planner jobs in Washington?
Yes, with a total local workforce of 2,840 and a Location Quotient of 2.87, Washington demonstrates a strong presence and demand for Urban and Regional Planners, suggesting a healthy number of available positions.
How does the cost of living affect the $97,160 salary in Washington?
The cost of living in Washington is 15.1% higher than the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is high, the actual purchasing power is reduced compared to living in a more affordable state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,840 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.802 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 Washington
- All Occupations Salary in Washington
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Washington
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Washington
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Washington
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Washington
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Washington
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Washington
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Washington
- Management Occupations Salary in Washington
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Washington
- Browse All Jobs in Washington →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Urban and Regional Planners • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington