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Urban Planner Salary in Denver, CO

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

Median Salary
$99,940
per year in Denver
Entry Level
$60,938
Starting salary
Senior Level
$140,160
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
129
29% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$60,938$99,940$140,160
Monthly$5,078$8,328$11,680
Biweekly$2,344$3,844$5,391
Weekly$1,172$1,922$2,695
Hourly$29$48$67

Denver vs National Average

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

Denver Salary
$99,940
COL Index: 129
National Average
$81,640
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$18,300
Higher in Denver

Cost of Living in Denver

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,850
per month
Median Income
$69,452
per year
Population
727,211
residents
Rent % of Income
32.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 129 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Denver 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
-2%
Los Angeles, CA
$106,000
+6%
Chicago, IL
$93,290
-7%
Houston, TX
$78,840
-21%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,920
-21%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Urban Planner Salary in Denver, CO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a urban planner in Denver, CO is $99,940 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 129. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Denver's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level urban planner professionals in Denver can expect to earn around $60,938 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level urban planners earning approximately $140,160 per year. This represents a 130% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Denver's cost of living index of 129 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Denver 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 Denver typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,850 per month, housing represents about 22.2% 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 Denver, 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.