Construction & Real Estate Silver Spring, MD Pop. 81,015

Urban Planner Salary in Silver Spring, Maryland

The median urban planner salary in Silver Spring, MD is $97,039 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 10.9% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$97,039
vs State Avg
+$9,545
vs National
+$17,499
Cost of Living
122%

Urban Planner Pay in Silver Spring: What to Expect (2026)

Silver Spring offers a median urban planner salary of $97,039, which is $9,545 above the Maryland state average of $87,494. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Silver Spring pays above average for this role.

However, Silver Spring's cost of living index is 122%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $97,039 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $79,540. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Silver Spring should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for urban planners in Silver Spring spans from $61,000 at the 10th percentile to $148,840 at the 90th percentile — a $87,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,440, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $143,960. Silver Spring is a smaller market (pop. 81,015), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Urban Planner Salary in Silver Spring by Experience

In Silver Spring, an entry-level urban planner earns around $63,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $143,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,440
+$11,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,820
+$17,820 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$143,960
+$25,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Silver Spring, MD

Percentile Silver Spring
10th Percentile $61,000
25th Percentile $76,860
Median (50th) $97,039
75th Percentile $122,000
90th Percentile $148,840

Urban Planner Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Columbia, MD
$93,857
Pop. 104,681
Germantown, MD
$91,471
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$85,903
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$83,517
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Urban Planner in Silver Spring

Education

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

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Silver Spring

Browse open urban planner positions in Silver Spring, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Silver Spring

How much does a Urban Planner make in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Silver Spring, Maryland is $97,039 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $61,000 (10th percentile) to $148,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Silver Spring? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,039, a urban planner in Silver Spring earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Silver Spring compare to the Maryland state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Silver Spring's median urban planner salary of $97,039 is 10.9% above the Maryland state average of $87,494. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
Silver Spring has a cost of living index of 122% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $97,039 in Silver Spring has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Silver Spring? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Silver Spring 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.