Construction & Real Estate Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Urban Planner Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median urban planner salary in Boston, MA is $120,901 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$120,901
vs State Avg
+$13,522
vs National
+$41,361
Cost of Living
152%

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

Boston offers a median urban planner salary of $120,901, which is $13,522 above the Massachusetts state average of $107,379. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $120,901 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $79,540. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for urban planners in Boston spans from $76,000 at the 10th percentile to $185,440 at the 90th percentile — a $109,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $79,040, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $179,360. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Urban Planner Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level urban planner earns around $79,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $179,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,040
+$27,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$123,120
+$42,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$179,360
+$61,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $76,000
25th Percentile $95,760
Median (50th) $120,901
75th Percentile $152,000
90th Percentile $185,440

Urban Planner Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$127,264
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$87,494
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$83,517
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$77,949
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Urban Planner in Boston

Education

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

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Boston

Browse open urban planner positions in Boston, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Boston

How much does a Urban Planner make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $120,901 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $76,000 (10th percentile) to $185,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,901, a urban planner in Boston earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Boston's median urban planner salary of $120,901 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $107,379. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $120,901 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Boston? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Boston 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.