Construction & Real Estate West Virginia (WV) Rank #49 of 50

Urban Planner Salary in West Virginia

The median urban planner salary in West Virginia is $66,814 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $79,540.

Median Salary
$66,814
vs National
$-12,726
State Rank
#49 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Urban Planner Salary Overview in West Virginia (2026)

West Virginia ranks #49 out of 50 states for urban planner compensation. Urban Planner salaries in West Virginia are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $66,814 per year, urban planners in West Virginia earn $12,726 less than the national median of $79,540.

A key advantage of working in West Virginia is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $66,814 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $79,540 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in West Virginia is significant: urban planners at the 10th percentile earn $42,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $102,480 — a $60,480 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in West Virginia for this role is Morgantown, where the median reaches $71,586.

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 West Virginia by Experience

In West Virginia, an entry-level urban planner earns around $43,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,120 per year. The cost of living index in West Virginia is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,680
$-8,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,040
$-12,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,120
$-18,880 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in West Virginia

Percentile WV Salary
10th Percentile $42,000
25th Percentile $52,920
Median (50th) $66,814
75th Percentile $84,000
90th Percentile $102,480

Urban Planner Salary by City in West Virginia

The largest employment areas for urban planners in West Virginia include Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, and Parkersburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Urban Planner in West Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning LawCommunity EngagementData AnalysisAutoCAD

Job Outlook in West Virginia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in West Virginia

How much does a Urban Planner make in West Virginia? ▼
The median urban planner salary in West Virginia is $66,814 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $42,000 (10th percentile) to $102,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in West Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,814, a urban planner in West Virginia earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is West Virginia a good state for urban planners? ▼
West Virginia ranks #49 out of 50 states for urban planner pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level urban planners earn $43,680, while senior professionals earn $99,120.
How does West Virginia compare to other states for urban planner salary? ▼
The highest paying state for urban planners is Hawaii at $135,218. West Virginia's median of $66,814 ranks #49 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oklahoma ($68,404) and Arkansas ($66,814).
What is the entry-level urban planner salary in West Virginia? ▼
An entry-level urban planner in West Virginia earns approximately $43,680 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $68,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $99,120.
What city in West Virginia pays urban planners the most? ▼
Morgantown is the highest paying city in West Virginia for urban planners, with a median salary of $71,586. Other cities include Charleston and Huntington.