Construction & Real Estate Grand Rapids, MI Pop. 198,917

Urban Planner Salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The median urban planner salary in Grand Rapids, MI is $71,586 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Michigan state average.

City Median
$71,586
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-7,954
Cost of Living
90%

Urban Planner Pay in Grand Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Rapids offers a median urban planner salary of $71,586, which is $0 above the Michigan state average of $71,586. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Grand Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Grand Rapids's cost of living is 90% 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 Grand Rapids spans from $45,000 at the 10th percentile to $109,800 at the 90th percentile — a $64,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,800, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,200. With a population of 198,917, Grand Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Urban Planner Salary in Grand Rapids by Experience

In Grand Rapids, an entry-level urban planner earns around $46,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,800
$-5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,900
$-8,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,200
$-11,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Rapids, MI

Percentile Grand Rapids
10th Percentile $45,000
25th Percentile $56,700
Median (50th) $71,586
75th Percentile $90,000
90th Percentile $109,800

Urban Planner Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$83,517
Pop. 123,851
Detroit, MI
$69,995
Pop. 639,111
Warren, MI
$69,995
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$68,404
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Urban Planner in Grand Rapids

Education

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

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Grand Rapids

Browse open urban planner positions in Grand Rapids, MI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Grand Rapids

How much does a Urban Planner make in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan is $71,586 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $45,000 (10th percentile) to $109,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Grand Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,586, a urban planner in Grand Rapids earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Rapids compare to the Michigan state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Grand Rapids's median urban planner salary of $71,586 is 0.0% above the Michigan state average of $71,586. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼
Grand Rapids has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $71,586 in Grand Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Grand Rapids? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Grand Rapids 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.