Urban Planner Salary in Bismarck, ND: $71,586 (2026)

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

Bismarck offers a median urban planner salary of $71,586, which is $0 above the North Dakota state average of $71,586. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Bismarck pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Bismarck's cost of living is 90% 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 Bismarck spans from $45,000 at the 10th percentile to $109,800 at the 90th percentile — a $64,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,800, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,200. Bismarck is a smaller market (pop. 73,529), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Urban Planner Salary in Bismarck by Experience

In Bismarck, an entry-level urban planner earns around $46,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$46,800

$-5,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$72,900

$-8,100 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$106,200

$-11,800 vs national

Percentile	Bismarck	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$45,000	$45,000	$50,000
25th Percentile	$56,700	$56,700	$63,000
Median (50th)	$71,586	$71,586	$79,540
75th Percentile	$90,000	$90,000	$100,000
90th Percentile	$109,800	$109,800	$122,000

Percentile

Bismarck

10th Percentile

$45,000

25th Percentile

$56,700

Median (50th)

$71,586

75th Percentile

$90,000

90th Percentile

$109,800

How to Become a Urban Planner in Bismarck

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Bismarck

How much does a Urban Planner make in Bismarck, ND? ▼

The median urban planner salary in Bismarck, North Dakota is $71,586 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $45,000 (10th percentile) to $109,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Bismarck? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $71,586, a urban planner in Bismarck earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Bismarck compare to the North Dakota state average for urban planner pay? ▼

Bismarck's median urban planner salary of $71,586 is 0.0% above the North Dakota state average of $71,586. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Bismarck, ND? ▼

Bismarck has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $71,586 in Bismarck has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Bismarck? ▼

Most urban planner positions in Bismarck 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 Bismarck, North Dakota