Construction & Real Estate Mississippi (MS) Rank #50 of 50

Urban Planner Salary in Mississippi

The median urban planner salary in Mississippi is $66,018 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $79,540.

Median Salary
$66,018
vs National
$-13,522
State Rank
#50 of 50
Cost of Living
83%

Urban Planner Salary Overview in Mississippi (2026)

Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for urban planner compensation. Urban Planner salaries in Mississippi are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $66,018 per year, urban planners in Mississippi earn $13,522 less than the national median of $79,540.

A key advantage of working in Mississippi is its below-average cost of living (83% of the national index). This means the $66,018 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $79,540 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Mississippi is significant: urban planners at the 10th percentile earn $41,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $101,260 — a $59,760 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Mississippi for this role is Jackson, where the median reaches $67,609.

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 Mississippi by Experience

In Mississippi, an entry-level urban planner earns around $43,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,940 per year. The cost of living index in Mississippi is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,160
$-8,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,230
$-13,770 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$97,940
$-20,060 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Mississippi

Percentile MS Salary
10th Percentile $41,500
25th Percentile $52,290
Median (50th) $66,018
75th Percentile $83,000
90th Percentile $101,260

Urban Planner Salary by City in Mississippi

The largest employment areas for urban planners in Mississippi include Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Urban Planner in Mississippi

Education

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

Key Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning LawCommunity EngagementData AnalysisAutoCAD

Job Outlook in Mississippi

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Mississippi

How much does a Urban Planner make in Mississippi? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Mississippi is $66,018 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $41,500 (10th percentile) to $101,260 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Mississippi? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,018, a urban planner in Mississippi earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Mississippi a good state for urban planners? ▼
Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for urban planner pay. The cost of living index is 83% of the national average. Entry-level urban planners earn $43,160, while senior professionals earn $97,940.
How does Mississippi compare to other states for urban planner salary? ▼
The highest paying state for urban planners is Hawaii at $135,218. Mississippi's median of $66,018 ranks #50 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arkansas ($66,814) and West Virginia ($66,814).
What is the entry-level urban planner salary in Mississippi? ▼
An entry-level urban planner in Mississippi earns approximately $43,160 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $67,230. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $97,940.
What city in Mississippi pays urban planners the most? ▼
Jackson is the highest paying city in Mississippi for urban planners, with a median salary of $67,609. Other cities include Gulfport and Southaven.