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Urban Planner Salary in Tempe, AZ

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

Median Salary
$78,920
per year in Tempe
Entry Level
$48,121
Starting salary
Senior Level
$110,680
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 Tempe.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$48,121$78,920$110,680
Monthly$4,010$6,577$9,223
Biweekly$1,851$3,035$4,257
Weekly$925$1,518$2,128
Hourly$23$38$53

Tempe vs National Average

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

Tempe Salary
$78,920
COL Index: 110
National Average
$81,640
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$2,720
Lower in Tempe

Cost of Living in Tempe

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,450
per month
Median Income
$56,820
per year
Population
180,587
residents
Rent % of Income
30.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 110 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Tempe 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%
Houston, TX
$78,840
0%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,920
0%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Urban Planner Salary in Tempe, AZ — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a urban planner in Tempe, AZ is $78,920 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 110. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Tempe's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level urban planner professionals in Tempe can expect to earn around $48,121 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level urban planners earning approximately $110,680 per year. This represents a 130% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Tempe's cost of living index of 110 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Tempe 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 Tempe typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,450 per month, housing represents about 22.0% 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 Tempe, 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.