Construction & Real Estate Wheeling, WV Pop. 26,711

Urban Planner Salary in Wheeling, West Virginia

The median urban planner salary in Wheeling, WV is $62,041 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 7.1% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$62,041
vs State Avg
$-4,773
vs National
$-17,499
Cost of Living
78%

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

Wheeling offers a median urban planner salary of $62,041, which is $4,773 below the West Virginia state average of $66,814. Compared to the national median of $79,540, Wheeling pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wheeling's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 78% of the national average. This means the $62,041 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Wheeling an attractive option for urban planners seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for urban planners in Wheeling spans from $39,000 at the 10th percentile to $95,160 at the 90th percentile — a $56,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,560, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,040. Wheeling is a smaller market (pop. 26,711), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Urban Planner Salary in Wheeling by Experience

In Wheeling, an entry-level urban planner earns around $40,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,560
$-11,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,180
$-17,820 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,040
$-25,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wheeling, WV

Percentile Wheeling
10th Percentile $39,000
25th Percentile $49,140
Median (50th) $62,041
75th Percentile $78,000
90th Percentile $95,160

Urban Planner Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$71,586
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$69,995
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$65,223
Pop. 46,842
Parkersburg, WV
$63,632
Pop. 29,675

How to Become a Urban Planner in Wheeling

Education

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

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Wheeling

Browse open urban planner positions in Wheeling, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Wheeling

How much does a Urban Planner make in Wheeling, WV? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Wheeling, West Virginia is $62,041 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $39,000 (10th percentile) to $95,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Wheeling? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,041, a urban planner in Wheeling earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wheeling compare to the West Virginia state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Wheeling's median urban planner salary of $62,041 is 7.1% below the West Virginia state average of $66,814. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wheeling, WV? ▼
Wheeling has a cost of living index of 78% compared to the national average. This means a urban planner salary of $62,041 in Wheeling has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Wheeling? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Wheeling 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.