Home / City Job Salaries / Urban Planner in Waukegan

Urban Planner Salary in Waukegan, IL

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

Median Salary
$84,008
per year in Waukegan
Entry Level
$51,224
Starting salary
Senior Level
$117,815
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
98
2% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$51,224$84,008$117,815
Monthly$4,269$7,001$9,818
Biweekly$1,970$3,231$4,531
Weekly$985$1,616$2,266
Hourly$25$40$57

Waukegan vs National Average

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

Waukegan Salary
$84,008
COL Index: 98
National Average
$81,640
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$2,368
Higher in Waukegan

Cost of Living in Waukegan

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,100
per month
Median Income
$48,920
per year
Population
89,321
residents
Rent % of Income
27.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 98 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Waukegan 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
+17%
Los Angeles, CA
$106,000
+26%
Chicago, IL
$93,290
+11%
Houston, TX
$78,840
-6%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,920
-6%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Waukegan.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Waukegan.

Urban Planner Salary in Waukegan, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a urban planner in Waukegan, IL is $84,008 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 98. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Waukegan's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level urban planner professionals in Waukegan can expect to earn around $51,224 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level urban planners earning approximately $117,815 per year. This represents a 130% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Waukegan's cost of living index of 98 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Waukegan 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 Waukegan typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 15.7% 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 Waukegan, 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.