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Urban Planner Salary in Houston, TX

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

Median Salary
$78,840
per year in Houston
Entry Level
$48,073
Starting salary
Senior Level
$110,568
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
99
1% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$48,073$78,840$110,568
Monthly$4,006$6,570$9,214
Biweekly$1,849$3,032$4,253
Weekly$924$1,516$2,126
Hourly$23$38$53

Houston vs National Average

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

Houston Salary
$78,840
COL Index: 99
National Average
$81,640
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$2,800
Lower in Houston

Cost of Living in Houston

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$56,203
per year
Population
2,320,268
residents
Rent % of Income
29.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 99 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Houston 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
+25%
Los Angeles, CA
$106,000
+34%
Chicago, IL
$93,290
+18%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,920
+0%
Philadelphia, PA
$79,050
+0%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Urban Planner Salary in Houston, TX — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a urban planner in Houston, TX is $78,840 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 99. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Houston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level urban planner professionals in Houston can expect to earn around $48,073 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level urban planners earning approximately $110,568 per year. This represents a 130% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Houston's cost of living index of 99 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Houston 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 Houston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 21.3% 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 Houston, 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.