Construction & Real Estate New Orleans, LA Pop. 383,997

Urban Planner Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

The median urban planner salary in New Orleans, LA is $77,949 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.7% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$77,949
vs State Avg
+$5,568
vs National
$-1,591
Cost of Living
98%

Urban Planner Pay in New Orleans: What to Expect (2026)

New Orleans offers a median urban planner salary of $77,949, which is $5,568 above the Louisiana state average of $72,381. Compared to the national median of $79,540, New Orleans pays below the national benchmark for this role.

New Orleans's cost of living is 98% 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 New Orleans spans from $49,000 at the 10th percentile to $119,560 at the 90th percentile — a $70,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,960, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,640. With a population of 383,997, New Orleans is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Urban Planner Salary in New Orleans by Experience

In New Orleans, an entry-level urban planner earns around $50,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,960
$-1,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,380
$-1,620 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,640
$-2,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA

Percentile New Orleans
10th Percentile $49,000
25th Percentile $61,740
Median (50th) $77,949
75th Percentile $98,000
90th Percentile $119,560

Urban Planner Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

Baton Rouge, LA
$73,177
Pop. 227,470
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 New Orleans

Education

Most urban planner positions require a master's degree. New Orleans 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 New Orleans may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Urban Planner Jobs in New Orleans

Browse open urban planner positions in New Orleans, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in New Orleans

How much does a Urban Planner make in New Orleans, LA? ▼
The median urban planner salary in New Orleans, Louisiana is $77,949 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $49,000 (10th percentile) to $119,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in New Orleans? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,949, a urban planner in New Orleans earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average for urban planner pay? ▼
New Orleans's median urban planner salary of $77,949 is 7.7% above the Louisiana state average of $72,381. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA? ▼
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $77,949 in New Orleans has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in New Orleans? ▼
Most urban planner positions in New Orleans 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.