Construction & Real Estate Independence, MO Pop. 123,011

Urban Planner Salary in Independence, Missouri

The median urban planner salary in Independence, MO is $67,609 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 3.4% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$67,609
vs State Avg
$-2,386
vs National
$-11,931
Cost of Living
85%

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

Independence offers a median urban planner salary of $67,609, which is $2,386 below the Missouri state average of $69,995. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $67,609 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Independence an attractive option for urban planners seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for urban planners in Independence spans from $42,500 at the 10th percentile to $103,700 at the 90th percentile — a $61,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,200, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,300. With a population of 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Urban Planner Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level urban planner earns around $44,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,850
$-12,150 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$100,300
$-17,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Independence, MO

Percentile Independence
10th Percentile $42,500
25th Percentile $53,550
Median (50th) $67,609
75th Percentile $85,000
90th Percentile $103,700

Urban Planner Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$73,177
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$71,586
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$69,995
Pop. 126,254
Springfield, MO
$65,223
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Urban Planner in Independence

Education

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

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Independence

Browse open urban planner positions in Independence, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Independence

How much does a Urban Planner make in Independence, MO? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Independence, Missouri is $67,609 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $42,500 (10th percentile) to $103,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Independence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,609, a urban planner in Independence earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Independence's median urban planner salary of $67,609 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $69,995. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼
Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $67,609 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Independence? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Independence 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.