Construction & Real Estate California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Urban Planner Salary in California

The median urban planner salary in California is $109,765 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $79,540.

Median Salary
$109,765
vs National
+$30,225
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Urban Planner Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level urban planner earns around $71,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,840 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,760
+$19,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$111,780
+$30,780 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,840
+$44,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $69,000
25th Percentile $86,940
Median (50th) $109,765
75th Percentile $138,000
90th Percentile $168,360

Urban Planner Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for urban planners in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$116,128
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$144,763
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$112,947
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$133,627
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$93,857
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Urban Planner in California

Education

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

Key Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning LawCommunity EngagementData AnalysisAutoCAD

Job Outlook in California

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

Find Urban Planner Jobs in California

Browse open urban planner positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in California

How much does a Urban Planner make in California? ▼
The median urban planner salary in California is $109,765 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $69,000 (10th percentile) to $168,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $109,765, a urban planner in California earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for urban planners? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for urban planner pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level urban planners earn $71,760, while senior professionals earn $162,840.
How does California compare to other states for urban planner salary? ▼
The highest paying state for urban planners is Hawaii at $135,218. California's median of $109,765 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($135,218) and Massachusetts ($107,379).
What is the entry-level urban planner salary in California? ▼
An entry-level urban planner in California earns approximately $71,760 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $111,780. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $162,840.
What city in California pays urban planners the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for urban planners, with a median salary of $144,763. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.