Construction & Real Estate Jersey City, NJ Pop. 292,449

Urban Planner Salary in Jersey City, New Jersey

The median urban planner salary in Jersey City, NJ is $101,811 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 11.3% above the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$101,811
vs State Avg
+$10,340
vs National
+$22,271
Cost of Living
128%

Urban Planner Pay in Jersey City: What to Expect (2026)

Jersey City offers a median urban planner salary of $101,811, which is $10,340 above the New Jersey state average of $91,471. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Jersey City pays above average for this role.

However, Jersey City's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $101,811 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $79,540. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Jersey City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for urban planners in Jersey City spans from $64,000 at the 10th percentile to $156,160 at the 90th percentile — a $92,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,560, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $151,040. With a population of 292,449, Jersey City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Urban Planner Salary in Jersey City by Experience

In Jersey City, an entry-level urban planner earns around $66,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $151,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,560
+$14,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$103,680
+$22,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$151,040
+$33,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jersey City, NJ

Percentile Jersey City
10th Percentile $64,000
25th Percentile $80,640
Median (50th) $101,811
75th Percentile $128,000
90th Percentile $156,160

Urban Planner Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

How to Become a Urban Planner in Jersey City

Education

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

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Jersey City

Browse open urban planner positions in Jersey City, NJ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Jersey City

How much does a Urban Planner make in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Jersey City, New Jersey is $101,811 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $64,000 (10th percentile) to $156,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Jersey City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $101,811, a urban planner in Jersey City earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jersey City compare to the New Jersey state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Jersey City's median urban planner salary of $101,811 is 11.3% above the New Jersey state average of $91,471. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
Jersey City has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $101,811 in Jersey City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Jersey City? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Jersey City 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.