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Urban Planner Salary in Anchorage, AK

How much does a urban planner make in Anchorage? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Anchorage's cost of living.

Median Salary
$97,700
per year in Anchorage
Entry Level
$59,573
Starting salary
Senior Level
$137,018
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
171
71% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how urban planner salaries break down across different pay periods in Anchorage.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$59,573$97,700$137,018
Monthly$4,964$8,142$11,418
Biweekly$2,291$3,758$5,270
Weekly$1,146$1,879$2,635
Hourly$29$47$66

Anchorage vs National Average

How Anchorage's urban planner salaries compare to national figures.

Anchorage Salary
$97,700
COL Index: 171
National Average
$81,640
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$16,060
Higher in Anchorage

Cost of Living in Anchorage

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,450
per month
Median Income
$73,456
per year
Population
290,797
residents
Rent % of Income
40.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 171 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Anchorage have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Urban Planner

Overview

Develop plans for urban development and community growth.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or related field

Key Skills

Urban DesignPlanningZoningCommunity Engagement

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +16% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Urban Planner Salary

See Urban Planner salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$98,290
+1%
Los Angeles, CA
$106,000
+8%
Chicago, IL
$93,290
-5%
Houston, TX
$78,840
-19%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,920
-19%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Urban Planner Salary in Anchorage, AK — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a urban planner in Anchorage, AK is $97,700 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 171. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Anchorage's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level urban planner professionals in Anchorage can expect to earn around $59,573 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level urban planners earning approximately $137,018 per year. This represents a 130% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Anchorage's cost of living index of 171 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Anchorage are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $81,640, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a urban planner's salary in Anchorage typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,450 per month, housing represents about 30.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Urban Planners are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 16% over the next decade. In Anchorage, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.