Construction & Real Estate Ohio (OH) Rank #38 of 50

Urban Planner Salary in Ohio

The median urban planner salary in Ohio is $71,586 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $79,540.

Median Salary
$71,586
vs National
$-7,954
State Rank
#38 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Urban Planner Salary Overview in Ohio (2026)

Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for urban planner compensation. Urban Planner salaries in Ohio are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $71,586 per year, urban planners in Ohio earn $7,954 less than the national median of $79,540.

A key advantage of working in Ohio is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $71,586 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $79,540 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Ohio is significant: urban planners at the 10th percentile earn $45,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $109,800 — a $64,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Ohio for this role is Columbus, where the median reaches $75,563.

Nationally, urban planner employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for urban planners across the country.

Urban Planner Salary in Ohio by Experience

In Ohio, an entry-level urban planner earns around $46,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,200 per year. The cost of living index in Ohio 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

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Salary Percentiles in Ohio

Percentile OH Salary
10th Percentile $45,000
25th Percentile $56,700
Median (50th) $71,586
75th Percentile $90,000
90th Percentile $109,800

Urban Planner Salary by City in Ohio

The largest employment areas for urban planners in Ohio include Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Urban Planner in Ohio

Education

Most urban planner positions require a master's degree. Ohio has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning LawCommunity EngagementData AnalysisAutoCAD

Job Outlook in Ohio

Nationally, urban planner employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Ohio's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Ohio

How much does a Urban Planner make in Ohio? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Ohio 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 Ohio? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,586, a urban planner in Ohio earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Ohio a good state for urban planners? ▼
Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for urban planner pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level urban planners earn $46,800, while senior professionals earn $106,200.
How does Ohio compare to other states for urban planner salary? ▼
The highest paying state for urban planners is Hawaii at $135,218. Ohio's median of $71,586 ranks #38 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nebraska ($71,586) and North Dakota ($71,586).
What is the entry-level urban planner salary in Ohio? ▼
An entry-level urban planner in Ohio earns approximately $46,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $72,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $106,200.
What city in Ohio pays urban planners the most? ▼
Columbus is the highest paying city in Ohio for urban planners, with a median salary of $75,563. Other cities include Cleveland and Cincinnati.