Construction & Real Estate Fort Wayne, IN Pop. 263,886

Urban Planner Salary in Fort Wayne, Indiana

The median urban planner salary in Fort Wayne, IN is $67,609 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 5.6% below the Indiana state average.

City Median
$67,609
vs State Avg
$-3,977
vs National
$-11,931
Cost of Living
85%

Urban Planner Pay in Fort Wayne: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Wayne offers a median urban planner salary of $67,609, which is $3,977 below the Indiana state average of $71,586. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Fort Wayne pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fort Wayne's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $67,609 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Wayne an attractive option for urban planners seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for urban planners in Fort Wayne spans from $42,500 at the 10th percentile to $103,700 at the 90th percentile — a $61,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,200, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,300. With a population of 263,886, Fort Wayne is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Urban Planner Salary in Fort Wayne by Experience

In Fort Wayne, an entry-level urban planner earns around $44,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,850
$-12,150 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$100,300
$-17,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Wayne, IN

Percentile Fort Wayne
10th Percentile $42,500
25th Percentile $53,550
Median (50th) $67,609
75th Percentile $85,000
90th Percentile $103,700

Urban Planner Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$83,517
Pop. 99,757
Indianapolis, IN
$73,972
Pop. 887,642
Evansville, IN
$66,814
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$66,018
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Urban Planner in Fort Wayne

Education

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

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Fort Wayne

Browse open urban planner positions in Fort Wayne, IN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Fort Wayne

How much does a Urban Planner make in Fort Wayne, IN? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Fort Wayne, Indiana is $67,609 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $42,500 (10th percentile) to $103,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Fort Wayne? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,609, a urban planner in Fort Wayne earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Wayne compare to the Indiana state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Fort Wayne's median urban planner salary of $67,609 is 5.6% below the Indiana state average of $71,586. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Wayne, IN? ▼
Fort Wayne has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $67,609 in Fort Wayne has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Fort Wayne? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Fort Wayne 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.