Home / City Job Salaries / Urban Planner in Bethesda

Urban Planner Salary in Bethesda, MD

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

Median Salary
$135,326
per year in Bethesda
Entry Level
$82,515
Starting salary
Senior Level
$189,787
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
148
48% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$82,515$135,326$189,787
Monthly$6,876$11,277$15,816
Biweekly$3,174$5,205$7,300
Weekly$1,587$2,602$3,650
Hourly$40$65$91

Bethesda vs National Average

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

Bethesda Salary
$135,326
COL Index: 148
National Average
$81,640
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$53,686
Higher in Bethesda

Cost of Living in Bethesda

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,200
per month
Median Income
$142,234
per year
Population
68,270
residents
Rent % of Income
18.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 148 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Bethesda 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
-27%
Los Angeles, CA
$106,000
-22%
Chicago, IL
$93,290
-31%
Houston, TX
$78,840
-42%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,920
-42%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a urban planner salary in Bethesda.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Bethesda.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Bethesda.

Urban Planner Salary in Bethesda, MD — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a urban planner in Bethesda, MD is $135,326 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 148. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Bethesda's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level urban planner professionals in Bethesda can expect to earn around $82,515 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level urban planners earning approximately $189,787 per year. This represents a 130% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Bethesda's cost of living index of 148 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Bethesda 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 Bethesda typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,200 per month, housing represents about 19.5% 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 Bethesda, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. 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.