Construction & Real Estate Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

Urban Planner Salary in Alaska

The median urban planner salary in Alaska is $98,630 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $79,540.

Median Salary
$98,630
vs National
+$19,090
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

Urban Planner Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for urban planner compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for urban planners seeking high pay. At $98,630 per year, urban planners in Alaska earn $19,090 more than the national median of $79,540.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $98,630 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $79,540.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: urban planners at the 10th percentile earn $62,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $151,280 — a $89,280 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $107,379.

Nationally, urban planner employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for urban planners across the country.

Urban Planner Salary in Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level urban planner earns around $64,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $146,320 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$64,480
+$12,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$100,440
+$19,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$146,320
+$28,320 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $62,000
25th Percentile $78,120
Median (50th) $98,630
75th Percentile $124,000
90th Percentile $151,280

Urban Planner Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for urban planners in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Urban Planner in Alaska

Education

Most urban planner positions require a master's degree. Alaska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning LawCommunity EngagementData AnalysisAutoCAD

Job Outlook in Alaska

Nationally, urban planner employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Alaska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Alaska

How much does a Urban Planner make in Alaska? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Alaska is $98,630 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $62,000 (10th percentile) to $151,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $98,630, a urban planner in Alaska earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for urban planners? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for urban planner pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level urban planners earn $64,480, while senior professionals earn $146,320.
How does Alaska compare to other states for urban planner salary? ▼
The highest paying state for urban planners is Hawaii at $135,218. Alaska's median of $98,630 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($109,765) and Massachusetts ($107,379).
What is the entry-level urban planner salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level urban planner in Alaska earns approximately $64,480 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $100,440. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $146,320.
What city in Alaska pays urban planners the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for urban planners, with a median salary of $107,379. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.