Urban Planner Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $68,404 (2026)

Urban Planner Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median urban planner salary of $68,404, which is $4,773 below the North Carolina state average of $73,177. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $68,404 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for urban planners seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for urban planners in Winston-Salem spans from $43,000 at the 10th percentile to $104,920 at the 90th percentile — a $61,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,720, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,480. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Urban Planner Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level urban planner earns around $44,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$44,720

$-7,280 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$69,660

$-11,340 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$101,480

$-16,520 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$43,000	$46,000	$50,000
25th Percentile	$54,180	$57,960	$63,000
Median (50th)	$68,404	$73,177	$79,540
75th Percentile	$86,000	$92,000	$100,000
90th Percentile	$104,920	$112,240	$122,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$43,000

25th Percentile

$54,180

Median (50th)

$68,404

75th Percentile

$86,000

90th Percentile

$104,920

How to Become a Urban Planner in Winston-Salem

Education

Most urban planner positions require a master's degree. Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Urban Planner make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median urban planner salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $68,404 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $43,000 (10th percentile) to $104,920 (90th percentile).

How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $68,404, a urban planner in Winston-Salem earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for urban planner pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median urban planner salary of $68,404 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $73,177. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $68,404 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most urban planner positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Urban Planner Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina