Construction & Real Estate Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Urban Planner Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median urban planner salary in Arlington, VA is $104,993 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$104,993
vs State Avg
+$22,271
vs National
+$25,453
Cost of Living
132%

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

Arlington offers a median urban planner salary of $104,993, which is $22,271 above the Virginia state average of $82,722. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $104,993 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $79,540. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for urban planners in Arlington spans from $66,000 at the 10th percentile to $161,040 at the 90th percentile — a $95,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,640, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $155,760. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Urban Planner Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level urban planner earns around $68,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $155,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,640
+$16,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$106,920
+$25,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$155,760
+$37,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $66,000
25th Percentile $83,160
Median (50th) $104,993
75th Percentile $132,000
90th Percentile $161,040

Urban Planner Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$81,131
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$79,540
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$77,949
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$76,358
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Urban Planner in Arlington

Education

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

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Arlington

Browse open urban planner positions in Arlington, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Arlington

How much does a Urban Planner make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Arlington, Virginia is $104,993 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $66,000 (10th percentile) to $161,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $104,993, a urban planner in Arlington earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Arlington's median urban planner salary of $104,993 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $82,722. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $104,993 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Arlington? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Arlington 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.