Construction & Real Estate Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Urban Planner Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median urban planner salary in Philadelphia, PA is $81,131 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$81,131
vs State Avg
+$4,773
vs National
+$1,591
Cost of Living
102%

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

Philadelphia offers a median urban planner salary of $81,131, which is $4,773 above the Pennsylvania state average of $76,358. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $51,000 at the 10th percentile to $124,440 at the 90th percentile — a $73,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,040, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,360. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Urban Planner Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level urban planner earns around $53,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,040
+$1,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,620
+$1,620 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,360
+$2,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $51,000
25th Percentile $64,260
Median (50th) $81,131
75th Percentile $102,000
90th Percentile $124,440

Urban Planner Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$74,768
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$73,972
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$69,995
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$66,814
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Urban Planner in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open urban planner positions in Philadelphia, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Urban Planner make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $81,131 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $51,000 (10th percentile) to $124,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,131, a urban planner in Philadelphia earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median urban planner salary of $81,131 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $76,358. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $81,131 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Philadelphia? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Philadelphia 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.