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Urban Planner Salary in Detroit, MI

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

Median Salary
$80,520
per year in Detroit
Entry Level
$49,097
Starting salary
Senior Level
$112,924
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
88
12% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$49,097$80,520$112,924
Monthly$4,091$6,710$9,410
Biweekly$1,888$3,097$4,343
Weekly$944$1,548$2,172
Hourly$24$39$54

Detroit vs National Average

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

Detroit Salary
$80,520
COL Index: 88
National Average
$81,640
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$1,120
Lower in Detroit

Cost of Living in Detroit

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,100
per month
Median Income
$44,823
per year
Population
639,111
residents
Rent % of Income
29.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 88 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Detroit 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
+22%
Los Angeles, CA
$106,000
+32%
Chicago, IL
$93,290
+16%
Houston, TX
$78,840
-2%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,920
-2%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Urban Planner Salary in Detroit, MI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a urban planner in Detroit, MI is $80,520 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Detroit's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level urban planner professionals in Detroit can expect to earn around $49,097 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level urban planners earning approximately $112,924 per year. This represents a 130% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Detroit's cost of living index of 88 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Detroit 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 Detroit typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 16.4% 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 Detroit, 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.