Average Urban and Regional Planners Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Urban and Regional Planners in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $104,660. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $96,050, indicating a strong demand and higher compensation for these vital roles within this specific region. The concentration of government agencies, development projects, and policy-making bodies likely drives this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $104,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $137,610.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,240 Urban and Regional Planners, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area demonstrates a substantial presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 1.43 suggests that this region employs a higher proportion of these professionals than the national average, signaling robust demand and a potentially competitive job market for skilled planners.
Salary Overview
The average Urban and Regional Planners in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+9.0%above the national average.
$50.3
$2,013
$8,722
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 dynamic metropolitan area like Washington-Arlington-Alexandria have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. Factors such as increasing urbanization, evolving infrastructure needs, and a heightened focus on sustainable development likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation.
Urban and Regional Planners Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Career progression for Urban and Regional Planners is typically marked by increasing salary potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries reflects the accumulation of expertise, responsibility, and proven impact in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $73,920 | $35.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $78,495 | $37.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $99,270 | $47.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $130,825 | $62.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $137,610 | $66.2 |
Detailed Urban and Regional Planners Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$104,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$104,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $104,660 in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This suggests that the higher earnings in this region are effectively balanced by the cost of living, meaning the purchasing power of an Urban and Regional Planner's salary here is comparable to the national average.
Job Market Context
1,240
Total Jobs
0.399
Per 1K Jobs
1.43
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.43, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Urban and Regional Planners roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.43 for Urban and Regional Planners in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria indicates a significant concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a robust job market with a higher demand for talent, potentially offering more opportunities and career advancement prospects for those in the field within this region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Urban and Regional Planners
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $74,410↓ 29% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $86,590↓ 17% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Urban and Regional Planners Salary | $90,390↓ 14% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Urban and Regional Planners make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Urban and Regional Planners in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $104,660. This typically ranges from $73,920 for entry-level positions to $137,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 9.0% higher than the national median of $96,050.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Plannerss?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Urban and Regional Planners.Urban and Regional Planners earn an average of $104,660 annually, which is higher than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the region financially attractive for these professionals.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Urban and Regional Planners?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($74,410) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
Urban and Regional Planners in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria earn an average of $104,660, which is $8,610 more than the national average of $96,050.
What is the concentration of Urban and Regional Planners in this area?
The Location Quotient of 1.43 indicates that Urban and Regional Planners are 43% more concentrated in this region than the national average, suggesting higher demand.
Does the cost of living affect the salary's value?
No, the local Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $104,660 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Urban and Regional Planners work in this metropolitan area?
There are approximately 1,240 Urban and Regional Planners employed within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 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 1,240 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.399 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV