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 Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median urban planner salary of $85,108, which is $9,545 above the Illinois state average of $75,563. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for urban planners in Chicago spans from $53,500 at the 10th percentile to $130,540 at the 90th percentile — a $77,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,640, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $126,260. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

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.

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Chicago

Browse open urban planner positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Chicago

How much does a Urban Planner make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Chicago, Illinois is $85,108 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $53,500 (10th percentile) to $130,540 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,108, a urban planner in Chicago earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Chicago's median urban planner salary of $85,108 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $75,563. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $85,108 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Chicago? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Chicago 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.