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Urban Planner Salary in Olympia, WA

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

Median Salary
$100,580
per year in Olympia
Entry Level
$61,329
Starting salary
Senior Level
$141,058
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
110
10% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$61,329$100,580$141,058
Monthly$5,111$8,382$11,755
Biweekly$2,359$3,868$5,425
Weekly$1,179$1,934$2,713
Hourly$29$48$68

Olympia vs National Average

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

Olympia Salary
$100,580
COL Index: 110
National Average
$81,640
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$18,940
Higher in Olympia

Cost of Living in Olympia

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$56,120
per year
Population
55,605
residents
Rent % of Income
27.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 110 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Olympia 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
-2%
Los Angeles, CA
$106,000
+5%
Chicago, IL
$93,290
-7%
Houston, TX
$78,840
-22%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,920
-22%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Urban Planner Salary in Olympia, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a urban planner in Olympia, WA is $100,580 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 110. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Olympia's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level urban planner professionals in Olympia can expect to earn around $61,329 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level urban planners earning approximately $141,058 per year. This represents a 130% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Olympia's cost of living index of 110 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Olympia 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 Olympia typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 15.5% 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 Olympia, 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.