Construction & Real Estate Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Urban Planner Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median urban planner salary in Cambridge, MA is $127,264 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$127,264
vs State Avg
+$19,885
vs National
+$47,724
Cost of Living
160%

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

Cambridge offers a median urban planner salary of $127,264, which is $19,885 above the Massachusetts state average of $107,379. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $127,264 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $79,540. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for urban planners in Cambridge spans from $80,000 at the 10th percentile to $195,200 at the 90th percentile — a $115,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $83,200, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $188,800. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Urban Planner Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level urban planner earns around $83,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $188,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$83,200
+$31,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$129,600
+$48,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$188,800
+$70,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $80,000
25th Percentile $100,800
Median (50th) $127,264
75th Percentile $160,000
90th Percentile $195,200

Urban Planner Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$120,901
Pop. 675,647
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 Cambridge

Education

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

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open urban planner positions in Cambridge, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Urban Planner make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $127,264 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $80,000 (10th percentile) to $195,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,264, a urban planner in Cambridge earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Cambridge's median urban planner salary of $127,264 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $107,379. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $127,264 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Cambridge? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Cambridge 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.