Construction & Real Estate Charleston, WV Pop. 48,006

Urban Planner Salary in Charleston, West Virginia

The median urban planner salary in Charleston, WV is $69,995 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.8% above the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$69,995
vs State Avg
+$3,181
vs National
$-9,545
Cost of Living
88%

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

Charleston offers a median urban planner salary of $69,995, which is $3,181 above the West Virginia state average of $66,814. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Charleston's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $69,995 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for urban planners seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for urban planners in Charleston spans from $44,000 at the 10th percentile to $107,360 at the 90th percentile — a $63,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,840. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Urban Planner Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level urban planner earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,280
$-9,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,840
$-14,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, WV

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $44,000
25th Percentile $55,440
Median (50th) $69,995
75th Percentile $88,000
90th Percentile $107,360

Urban Planner Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$71,586
Pop. 30,955
Huntington, WV
$65,223
Pop. 46,842
Parkersburg, WV
$63,632
Pop. 29,675
Wheeling, WV
$62,041
Pop. 26,711

How to Become a Urban Planner in Charleston

Education

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

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Charleston

Browse open urban planner positions in Charleston, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Charleston

How much does a Urban Planner make in Charleston, WV? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Charleston, West Virginia is $69,995 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $44,000 (10th percentile) to $107,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,995, a urban planner in Charleston earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the West Virginia state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Charleston's median urban planner salary of $69,995 is 4.8% above the West Virginia state average of $66,814. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, WV? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $69,995 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Charleston? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Charleston 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.