Urban Planner Salary in Topeka, KS: $66,018 (2026)

Urban Planner Pay in Topeka: What to Expect (2026)

Topeka offers a median urban planner salary of $66,018, which is $3,182 below the Kansas state average of $69,200. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Topeka pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Topeka's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $66,018 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Topeka an attractive option for urban planners seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for urban planners in Topeka spans from $41,500 at the 10th percentile to $101,260 at the 90th percentile — a $59,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,160, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $97,940. With a population of 127,473, Topeka is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Urban Planner Salary in Topeka by Experience

In Topeka, an entry-level urban planner earns around $43,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,940 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$43,160

$-8,840 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$67,230

$-13,770 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$97,940

$-20,060 vs national

Percentile	Topeka	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$41,500	$43,500	$50,000
25th Percentile	$52,290	$54,810	$63,000
Median (50th)	$66,018	$69,200	$79,540
75th Percentile	$83,000	$87,000	$100,000
90th Percentile	$101,260	$106,140	$122,000

Percentile

Topeka

10th Percentile

$41,500

25th Percentile

$52,290

Median (50th)

$66,018

75th Percentile

$83,000

90th Percentile

$101,260

How to Become a Urban Planner in Topeka

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Topeka

How much does a Urban Planner make in Topeka, KS? ▼

The median urban planner salary in Topeka, Kansas is $66,018 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $41,500 (10th percentile) to $101,260 (90th percentile).

How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Topeka? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $66,018, a urban planner in Topeka earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Topeka compare to the Kansas state average for urban planner pay? ▼

Topeka's median urban planner salary of $66,018 is 4.6% below the Kansas state average of $69,200. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Topeka, KS? ▼

Topeka has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $66,018 in Topeka has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Topeka? ▼

Most urban planner positions in Topeka 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.

Urban Planner Salary in Topeka, Kansas