How Much Should You Earn? Planner's Median Salary: $64,000

The "median" planner is 42 years old, has been in the field for 13 years, specializes in community development and redevelopment, and earns $64,000. States with highest salaries are D.C., California and New Jersey.

1 minute read

May 11, 2006, 1:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


APA has published the summary results of the 2006 Planners Salary Survey -- "the most comprehensive look at compensation and benefits in the profession." Results are based on responses by more than 10,000 APA members.

Most data, including a salary calculator, is available only to APA members, but a useful five-page summary of the overal survey data is also available. Among the highlights:

  • Total compensation in 2004 was $62,000, and in 2006 it is $65,000, with $51,000 being the 25th percentile (25% earn less) and $86,100 being the 75th percentile.
  • The typical (median) planner is 42 years old and has been in the planning field for 13 years.
  • Almost all planners indicated an area of specialization, the most common being community development and redevelopment (49%) and land-use or code enforcement (42%).
  • Highest salaries for planners are offered by law firms, development firms, and the federal government.
  • 64% of planners work in the city, 22% in the suburbs, and 14% in small town/rural settings.
  • In 2004, females earned 86 cents on the dollar, whereas earnings in 2006 are at 88 cents on the dollar. The gender gap grows with increasing experience.

Thursday, May 11, 2006 in American Planning Association

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

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