Construction & Real Estate Virginia Beach, VA Pop. 449,974

Urban Planner Salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The median urban planner salary in Virginia Beach, VA is $81,131 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 1.9% below the Virginia state average.

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

Urban Planner Pay in Virginia Beach: What to Expect (2026)

Virginia Beach offers a median urban planner salary of $81,131, which is $1,591 below the Virginia state average of $82,722. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Virginia Beach pays above average for this role.

Virginia Beach'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 Virginia Beach 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. With a population of 449,974, Virginia Beach is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Urban Planner Salary in Virginia Beach by Experience

In Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, VA

Percentile Virginia Beach
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 Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$104,993
Pop. 238,643
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 Virginia Beach

Education

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

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Virginia Beach

Browse open urban planner positions in Virginia Beach, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Virginia Beach

How much does a Urban Planner make in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia 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 Virginia Beach? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,131, a urban planner in Virginia Beach earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the Virginia state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Virginia Beach's median urban planner salary of $81,131 is 1.9% below the Virginia state average of $82,722. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $81,131 in Virginia Beach has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Virginia Beach? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Virginia Beach 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.