Construction & Real Estate Charlotte, NC Pop. 874,579

Urban Planner Salary in Charlotte, North Carolina

The median urban planner salary in Charlotte, NC is $77,949 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$77,949
vs State Avg
+$4,772
vs National
$-1,591
Cost of Living
98%

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

Charlotte offers a median urban planner salary of $77,949, which is $4,772 above the North Carolina state average of $73,177. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Charlotte pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Charlotte's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for urban planners in Charlotte spans from $49,000 at the 10th percentile to $119,560 at the 90th percentile — a $70,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,960, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,640. As a major metro area with a population of 874,579, Charlotte typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Urban Planner Salary in Charlotte by Experience

In Charlotte, an entry-level urban planner earns around $50,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,960
$-1,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,380
$-1,620 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,640
$-2,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charlotte, NC

Percentile Charlotte
10th Percentile $49,000
25th Percentile $61,740
Median (50th) $77,949
75th Percentile $98,000
90th Percentile $119,560

Urban Planner Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Raleigh, NC
$77,949
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$75,563
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$69,995
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$68,404
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Urban Planner in Charlotte

Education

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

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Charlotte

Browse open urban planner positions in Charlotte, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Charlotte

How much does a Urban Planner make in Charlotte, NC? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Charlotte, North Carolina is $77,949 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $49,000 (10th percentile) to $119,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Charlotte? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,949, a urban planner in Charlotte earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charlotte compare to the North Carolina state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Charlotte's median urban planner salary of $77,949 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $73,177. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charlotte, NC? ▼
Charlotte has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $77,949 in Charlotte has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Charlotte? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Charlotte 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.