Construction & Real Estate Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Urban Planner Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median urban planner salary in Chicago, IL is $85,108 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$85,108
vs State Avg
+$9,545
vs National
+$5,568
Cost of Living
107%

Urban Planner Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level urban planner earns around $55,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $126,260 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,640
+$3,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,670
+$5,670 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$126,260
+$8,260 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $53,500
25th Percentile $67,410
Median (50th) $85,108
75th Percentile $107,000
90th Percentile $130,540

Urban Planner Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$85,903
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$75,563
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$67,609
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$65,223
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Urban Planner in Chicago

Education

Most urban planner positions require a master's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois 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 Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.