Construction & Real Estate Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Urban Planner Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median urban planner salary in Reading, PA is $69,995 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$69,995
vs State Avg
$-6,363
vs National
$-9,545
Cost of Living
88%

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

Reading offers a median urban planner salary of $69,995, which is $6,363 below the Pennsylvania state average of $76,358. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $69,995 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for urban planners seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for urban planners in Reading spans from $44,000 at the 10th percentile to $107,360 at the 90th percentile — a $63,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,840. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Urban Planner Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level urban planner earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,280
$-9,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,840
$-14,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $44,000
25th Percentile $55,440
Median (50th) $69,995
75th Percentile $88,000
90th Percentile $107,360

Urban Planner Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

How to Become a Urban Planner in Reading

Education

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

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Reading

Browse open urban planner positions in Reading, PA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Reading

How much does a Urban Planner make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $69,995 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $44,000 (10th percentile) to $107,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,995, a urban planner in Reading earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Reading's median urban planner salary of $69,995 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $76,358. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $69,995 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Reading? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Reading 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.