Construction & Real Estate Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Urban Planner Salary in Rhode Island

The median urban planner salary in Rhode Island is $83,517 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $79,540.

Median Salary
$83,517
vs National
+$3,977
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Urban Planner Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for urban planner compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for urban planner pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $83,517 per year, urban planners in Rhode Island earn $3,977 more than the national median of $79,540.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning urban planner salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: urban planners at the 10th percentile earn $52,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $128,100 — a $75,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $85,903.

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 Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level urban planner earns around $54,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,900 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,600
+$2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,050
+$4,050 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,900
+$5,900 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $52,500
25th Percentile $66,150
Median (50th) $83,517
75th Percentile $105,000
90th Percentile $128,100

Urban Planner Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for urban planners in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Urban Planner in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning LawCommunity EngagementData AnalysisAutoCAD

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Urban Planner make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Rhode Island is $83,517 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $52,500 (10th percentile) to $128,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,517, a urban planner in Rhode Island earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for urban planners? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for urban planner pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level urban planners earn $54,600, while senior professionals earn $123,900.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for urban planner salary? ▼
The highest paying state for urban planners is Hawaii at $135,218. Rhode Island's median of $83,517 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($83,517) and New Hampshire ($83,517).
What is the entry-level urban planner salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level urban planner in Rhode Island earns approximately $54,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $85,050. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $123,900.
What city in Rhode Island pays urban planners the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for urban planners, with a median salary of $85,903. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.