Construction & Real Estate Baton Rouge, LA Pop. 227,470

Urban Planner Salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The median urban planner salary in Baton Rouge, LA is $73,177 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$73,177
vs State Avg
+$796
vs National
$-6,363
Cost of Living
92%

Urban Planner Pay in Baton Rouge: What to Expect (2026)

Baton Rouge offers a median urban planner salary of $73,177, which is $796 above the Louisiana state average of $72,381. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Baton Rouge pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Baton Rouge's cost of living is 92% 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 Baton Rouge spans from $46,000 at the 10th percentile to $112,240 at the 90th percentile — a $66,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,840, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,560. With a population of 227,470, Baton Rouge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Urban Planner Salary in Baton Rouge by Experience

In Baton Rouge, an entry-level urban planner earns around $47,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,840
$-4,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,520
$-6,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,560
$-9,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Baton Rouge, LA

Percentile Baton Rouge
10th Percentile $46,000
25th Percentile $57,960
Median (50th) $73,177
75th Percentile $92,000
90th Percentile $112,240

Urban Planner Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$77,949
Pop. 383,997
Lafayette, LA
$69,995
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$68,404
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$67,609
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Urban Planner in Baton Rouge

Education

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

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Baton Rouge

Browse open urban planner positions in Baton Rouge, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Baton Rouge

How much does a Urban Planner make in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is $73,177 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $46,000 (10th percentile) to $112,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Baton Rouge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,177, a urban planner in Baton Rouge earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Baton Rouge compare to the Louisiana state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Baton Rouge's median urban planner salary of $73,177 is 1.1% above the Louisiana state average of $72,381. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
Baton Rouge has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $73,177 in Baton Rouge has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Baton Rouge? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Baton Rouge 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.