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Urban Planner Salary in McLean, VA

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

Median Salary
$130,493
per year in McLean
Entry Level
$79,568
Starting salary
Senior Level
$183,009
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
148
48% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$79,568$130,493$183,009
Monthly$6,631$10,874$15,251
Biweekly$3,060$5,019$7,039
Weekly$1,530$2,509$3,519
Hourly$38$63$88

McLean vs National Average

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

McLean Salary
$130,493
COL Index: 148
National Average
$81,640
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$48,853
Higher in McLean

Cost of Living in McLean

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,200
per month
Median Income
$192,821
per year
Population
51,030
residents
Rent % of Income
13.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 148 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in McLean 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
-19%
Chicago, IL
$93,290
-29%
Houston, TX
$78,840
-40%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,920
-40%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Urban Planner Salary in McLean, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a urban planner in McLean, VA is $130,493 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 148. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering McLean's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level urban planner professionals in McLean can expect to earn around $79,568 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level urban planners earning approximately $183,009 per year. This represents a 130% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

McLean's cost of living index of 148 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in McLean 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 McLean typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,200 per month, housing represents about 20.2% 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 McLean, 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.