Urban and regional planners
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$83,720
~$40/hr · ~$6,977/mo
US Jobs
45K
As fast as average
AI & Automation Risk
7/10
High Risk
AI & Automation Risk
High Risk 7/10
Urban planners perform heavy knowledge work including data analysis, GIS mapping, and report writing, all of which are highly susceptible to AI enhancement and automation. However, the role requires significant physical site inspections and high-stakes interpersonal negotiation with government officials and the public, which provides a buffer against total automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CABEST VALUE | $133,380 | Above avg (113.1) | $117,974 |
| Vallejo, CA | $122,550 | Above avg (109.4) | $112,062 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $121,940 | Above avg (110.3) | $110,600 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $129,400 | Above avg (117.6) | $110,080 |
| Rochester, NY | $108,160 | Average (98.4) | $109,931 |
| Napa, CA | $121,750 | Above avg (111.8) | $108,875 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | $98,190 | Below avg (90.9) | $107,966 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $95,170 | Below avg (89.2) | $106,737 |
| El Centro, CA | $104,680 | Average (100.2) | $104,522 |
| Modesto, CA | $106,380 | Above avg (105.1) | $101,192 |
| Madison, WI | $96,500 | Below avg (95.9) | $100,590 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $97,200 | Average (97.3) | $99,889 |
| Redding, CA | $102,250 | Above avg (103.0) | $99,271 |
| Reno, NV | $96,920 | Average (98.0) | $98,873 |
| Salem, OR | $100,070 | Average (102.5) | $97,668 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Master's degree
10-Year Growth
+3% (As fast as average)
Hourly Rate
~$40/hr
Monthly Income
~$6,977/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)