Construction & Real Estate Missouri (MO) Rank #42 of 50

Urban Planner Salary in Missouri

The median urban planner salary in Missouri is $69,995 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $79,540.

Median Salary
$69,995
vs National
$-9,545
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Urban Planner Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for urban planner compensation. Urban Planner salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $69,995 per year, urban planners in Missouri earn $9,545 less than the national median of $79,540.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $69,995 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $79,540 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: urban planners at the 10th percentile earn $44,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $107,360 — a $63,360 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $73,177.

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 Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level urban planner earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,840 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,280
$-9,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,840
$-14,160 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

Percentile MO Salary
10th Percentile $44,000
25th Percentile $55,440
Median (50th) $69,995
75th Percentile $88,000
90th Percentile $107,360

Urban Planner Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for urban planners in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Urban Planner in Missouri

Education

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

Key Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning LawCommunity EngagementData AnalysisAutoCAD

Job Outlook in Missouri

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Missouri

How much does a Urban Planner make in Missouri? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Missouri is $69,995 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $44,000 (10th percentile) to $107,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,995, a urban planner in Missouri earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for urban planners? ▼
Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for urban planner pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level urban planners earn $45,760, while senior professionals earn $103,840.
How does Missouri compare to other states for urban planner salary? ▼
The highest paying state for urban planners is Hawaii at $135,218. Missouri's median of $69,995 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($70,791) and Tennessee ($70,791).
What is the entry-level urban planner salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level urban planner in Missouri earns approximately $45,760 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $71,280. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $103,840.
What city in Missouri pays urban planners the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for urban planners, with a median salary of $73,177. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.