Construction & Real Estate Texas (TX) Rank #30 of 50

Urban Planner Salary in Texas

The median urban planner salary in Texas is $73,177 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $79,540.

Median Salary
$73,177
vs National
$-6,363
State Rank
#30 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Urban Planner Salary Overview in Texas (2026)

Texas ranks #30 out of 50 states for urban planner compensation. Urban Planner salaries in Texas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $73,177 per year, urban planners in Texas earn $6,363 less than the national median of $79,540.

A key advantage of working in Texas is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $73,177 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $79,540 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Texas is significant: urban planners at the 10th percentile earn $46,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $112,240 — a $66,240 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Texas for this role is Austin, where the median reaches $83,517.

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 Texas by Experience

In Texas, an entry-level urban planner earns around $47,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,560 per year. The cost of living index in Texas is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,840
$-4,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,520
$-6,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,560
$-9,440 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Texas

Percentile TX Salary
10th Percentile $46,000
25th Percentile $57,960
Median (50th) $73,177
75th Percentile $92,000
90th Percentile $112,240

Urban Planner Salary by City in Texas

The largest employment areas for urban planners in Texas include Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Urban Planner in Texas

Education

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

Key Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning LawCommunity EngagementData AnalysisAutoCAD

Job Outlook in Texas

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Texas

How much does a Urban Planner make in Texas? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Texas is $73,177 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $46,000 (10th percentile) to $112,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Texas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,177, a urban planner in Texas earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Texas a good state for urban planners? ▼
Texas ranks #30 out of 50 states for urban planner pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level urban planners earn $47,840, while senior professionals earn $108,560.
How does Texas compare to other states for urban planner salary? ▼
The highest paying state for urban planners is Hawaii at $135,218. Texas's median of $73,177 ranks #30 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Mexico ($73,972) and North Carolina ($73,177).
What is the entry-level urban planner salary in Texas? ▼
An entry-level urban planner in Texas earns approximately $47,840 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $74,520. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $108,560.
What city in Texas pays urban planners the most? ▼
Austin is the highest paying city in Texas for urban planners, with a median salary of $83,517. Other cities include Houston and Dallas.