Home / City Job Salaries / Urban Planner in Fairfax

Urban Planner Salary in Fairfax, VA

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

Median Salary
$112,859
per year in Fairfax
Entry Level
$68,816
Starting salary
Senior Level
$158,278
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
128
28% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$68,816$112,859$158,278
Monthly$5,735$9,405$13,190
Biweekly$2,647$4,341$6,088
Weekly$1,323$2,170$3,044
Hourly$33$54$76

Fairfax vs National Average

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

Fairfax Salary
$112,859
COL Index: 128
National Average
$81,640
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$31,219
Higher in Fairfax

Cost of Living in Fairfax

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$92,821
per year
Population
24,146
residents
Rent % of Income
21.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 128 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Fairfax 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
-13%
Los Angeles, CA
$106,000
-6%
Chicago, IL
$93,290
-17%
Houston, TX
$78,840
-30%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,920
-30%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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 Fairfax.

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 Fairfax.

Urban Planner Salary in Fairfax, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a urban planner in Fairfax, VA is $112,859 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 128. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Fairfax's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level urban planner professionals in Fairfax can expect to earn around $68,816 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level urban planners earning approximately $158,278 per year. This represents a 130% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Fairfax's cost of living index of 128 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Fairfax 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 Fairfax typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 17.5% 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 Fairfax, 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.