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Urban Planner Salary in Irvine, CA

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

Median Salary
$165,109
per year in Irvine
Entry Level
$100,675
Starting salary
Senior Level
$231,555
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
158
58% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$100,675$165,109$231,555
Monthly$8,390$13,759$19,296
Biweekly$3,872$6,350$8,906
Weekly$1,936$3,175$4,453
Hourly$48$79$111

Irvine vs National Average

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

Irvine Salary
$165,109
COL Index: 158
National Average
$81,640
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$83,469
Higher in Irvine

Cost of Living in Irvine

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,350
per month
Median Income
$88,234
per year
Population
287,401
residents
Rent % of Income
32.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 158 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Irvine 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
-40%
Los Angeles, CA
$106,000
-36%
Chicago, IL
$93,290
-43%
Houston, TX
$78,840
-52%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,920
-52%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Urban Planner Salary in Irvine, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a urban planner in Irvine, CA is $165,109 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 158. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Irvine's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level urban planner professionals in Irvine can expect to earn around $100,675 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level urban planners earning approximately $231,555 per year. This represents a 130% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Irvine's cost of living index of 158 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Irvine 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 Irvine typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,350 per month, housing represents about 17.1% 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 Irvine, 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.