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Urban Planner Salary in Salem, OR

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

Median Salary
$86,538
per year in Salem
Entry Level
$52,767
Starting salary
Senior Level
$121,365
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
106
6% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$52,767$86,538$121,365
Monthly$4,397$7,212$10,114
Biweekly$2,030$3,328$4,668
Weekly$1,015$1,664$2,334
Hourly$25$42$58

Salem vs National Average

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

Salem Salary
$86,538
COL Index: 106
National Average
$81,640
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$4,898
Higher in Salem

Cost of Living in Salem

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,200
per month
Median Income
$50,152
per year
Population
175,535
residents
Rent % of Income
28.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 106 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Salem 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
+14%
Los Angeles, CA
$106,000
+22%
Chicago, IL
$93,290
+8%
Houston, TX
$78,840
-9%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,920
-9%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Urban Planner Salary in Salem, OR — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a urban planner in Salem, OR is $86,538 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 106. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Salem's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level urban planner professionals in Salem can expect to earn around $52,767 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level urban planners earning approximately $121,365 per year. This represents a 130% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Salem's cost of living index of 106 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Salem 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 Salem typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,200 per month, housing represents about 16.6% 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 Salem, 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.