Construction & Real Estate Minnesota (MN) Rank #20 of 50

Urban Planner Salary in Minnesota

The median urban planner salary in Minnesota is $77,154 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $79,540.

Median Salary
$77,154
vs National
$-2,386
State Rank
#20 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Urban Planner Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for urban planner compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for urban planner pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $77,154 per year, urban planners in Minnesota earn $2,386 less than the national median of $79,540.

Minnesota's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning urban planner salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: urban planners at the 10th percentile earn $48,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $118,340 — a $69,840 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Minnesota for this role is Minneapolis, where the median reaches $83,517.

Nationally, urban planner employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for urban planners across the country.

Urban Planner Salary in Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level urban planner earns around $50,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,460 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,440
$-1,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,570
$-2,430 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,460
$-3,540 vs national

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $77,154 income, financial advisors recommend investing 15–20% annually. Start building a diversified portfolio with as little as $10.

See Investment Options →

Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $48,500
25th Percentile $61,110
Median (50th) $77,154
75th Percentile $97,000
90th Percentile $118,340

Urban Planner Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for urban planners in Minnesota include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Urban Planner in Minnesota

Education

Most urban planner positions require a master's degree. Minnesota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning LawCommunity EngagementData AnalysisAutoCAD

Job Outlook in Minnesota

Nationally, urban planner employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Minnesota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Urban Planners who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $37,306 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Urban Planner Roles in Minnesota?

Get matched with recruiters hiring urban planners in Minnesota at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Minnesota

How much does a Urban Planner make in Minnesota? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Minnesota is $77,154 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $48,500 (10th percentile) to $118,340 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,154, a urban planner in Minnesota earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for urban planners? ▼
Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for urban planner pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level urban planners earn $50,440, while senior professionals earn $114,460.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for urban planner salary? ▼
The highest paying state for urban planners is Hawaii at $135,218. Minnesota's median of $77,154 ranks #20 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($77,949) and Arizona ($77,154).
What is the entry-level urban planner salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level urban planner in Minnesota earns approximately $50,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $78,570. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $114,460.
What city in Minnesota pays urban planners the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for urban planners, with a median salary of $83,517. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.