Construction & Real Estate Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Urban Planner Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median urban planner salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $69,995 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$69,995
vs State Avg
+$795
vs National
$-9,545
Cost of Living
88%

Urban Planner Pay in Tuscaloosa: What to Expect (2026)

Tuscaloosa offers a median urban planner salary of $69,995, which is $795 above the Alabama state average of $69,200. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $69,995 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for urban planners seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for urban planners in Tuscaloosa spans from $44,000 at the 10th percentile to $107,360 at the 90th percentile — a $63,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,840. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Urban Planner Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level urban planner earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,280
$-9,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,840
$-14,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $44,000
25th Percentile $55,440
Median (50th) $69,995
75th Percentile $88,000
90th Percentile $107,360

Urban Planner Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$73,177
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$71,586
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$68,404
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$67,609
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Urban Planner in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most urban planner positions require a master's degree. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning LawCommunity EngagementData AnalysisAutoCAD

Job Outlook

Nationally, urban planner employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open urban planner positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Urban Planner make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $69,995 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $44,000 (10th percentile) to $107,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,995, a urban planner in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median urban planner salary of $69,995 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $69,200. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $69,995 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Tuscaloosa require a master's degree. Key skills include Urban Planning, GIS, Zoning Law, Community Engagement. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.