📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Urban and Regional Planner Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$112,975
per year
Median
$107,849
per year
Hourly
$54.31
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$73,082
25th Percentile — Junior$93,110
50th Percentile — Median$107,849
75th Percentile — Senior$138,172
90th Percentile — Top Earners$154,756
💡 Top-earning Urban and Regional Planners in California make up to $154,756 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$92.4k
2021
$96.2k
2022
$100.1k
2023
$104.3k
2024
$108.5k
2025
$113.0k
2026
📈 Urban and Regional Planner salaries in California have followed the national trend with 4.1% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Urban and Regional Planner Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $175,111 +55.0% High
San Diego $167,203 +48.0% High
San Jose $194,317 +72.0% High
San Francisco $209,004 +85.0% High
Fresno $122,013 +8.0% High
Sacramento $137,830 +22.0% High
Long Beach $163,814 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $122,013 +8.0% High
Anaheim $160,424 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $158,165 +40.0% High
Riverside $144,608 +28.0% High
Stockton $133,310 +18.0% High
Irvine $175,111 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $133,310 +18.0% High
Modesto $126,532 +12.0% High
Fontana $137,830 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $129,921 +15.0% High
Glendale $167,203 +48.0% High
Fremont $180,760 +60.0% High
🔍
Urban and Regional Planner Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Urban and Regional Planners. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $112,975 per year, California's Urban and Regional Planner salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $73,082–$93,110, while experienced Urban and Regional Planners can command $138,172–$154,756.

Looking ahead, the Urban and Regional Planner profession in California is projected to grow at 4.1% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Urban and Regional Planner salary in California is $112,975 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $79,560.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Urban and Regional Planners the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Urban and Regional Planner employment.
  • At $112,975/year, California Urban and Regional Planner salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $79,560/year.