Find a Job You Really Want In
Urban planners play a crucial role in shaping the infrastructure and development of communities across the United States. This profession is not limited to just a handful of states; urban planners can be found in every region, contributing to the growth and sustainability of cities and towns nationwide.
As the demand for urban planning continues to grow, we at Zippia investigated where urban planners can find the best opportunities for employment, attractive salaries, and room for career advancement throughout their careers. Our analysis focused on the availability of jobs and competitive pay in each state.
Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we compiled a list of the top states for urban planners, considering various factors that impact job prospects and salary potential. Here’s our updated ranking for 2026:
Washington tops our list as the best state for urban planners in 2026, offering competitive salaries and a robust job market.
Curious about how we arrived at this ranking? Keep reading to learn about our methodology and insights into the top ten states for urban planning.
How We Determined the Best States for Urban Planners
At Zippia, we engage with job seekers from diverse backgrounds. Our research consistently highlights two primary factors that individuals seek in a career:
- Job availability
- Competitive salaries
To identify the best states for urban planners, we analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics, focusing on the following criteria:
- Location Quotient: A measure indicating how concentrated a job is within a state.
- Average annual salary.
- Average annual salary for entry-level positions.
- Average annual salary for experienced professionals.
We adjusted salary figures relative to each state’s cost of living, ensuring a fair comparison. For instance, while planners in California earn an average of $82,770, the salary in Illinois is $81,990, which stretches further to cover essential living expenses.
We ranked each state based on these criteria, assigning scores from 1 to 50, with 1 being the best. The cumulative scores determined our overall ranking of states.
1. Washington
Total Jobs: 2,150
Average Annual Salary: $78,030
Average Entry Level Salary: $54,150
Average Experienced Salary: $102,720
Location Quotient: 2.8
2. Colorado
Total Jobs: 830
Average Annual Salary: $78,470
Average Entry Level Salary: $51,370
Average Experienced Salary: $108,510
Location Quotient: 1.31
3. Nebraska
Total Jobs: 240
Average Annual Salary: $66,510
Average Entry Level Salary: $43,700
Average Experienced Salary: $96,300
Location Quotient: 0.99
4. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 110
Average Annual Salary: $62,700
Average Entry Level Salary: $42,880
Average Experienced Salary: $91,830
Location Quotient: 1.55
5. Nevada
Total Jobs: 180
Average Annual Salary: $83,830
Average Entry Level Salary: $58,810
Average Experienced Salary: $110,830
Location Quotient: 0.55
6. Illinois
Total Jobs: 680
Average Annual Salary: $81,990
Average Entry Level Salary: $48,270
Average Experienced Salary: $118,130
Location Quotient: 0.45
7. Arizona
Total Jobs: 770
Average Annual Salary: $68,910
Average Entry Level Salary: $47,570
Average Experienced Salary: $95,990
Location Quotient: 1.16
8. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 1,020
Average Annual Salary: $69,400
Average Entry Level Salary: $51,010
Average Experienced Salary: $93,180
Location Quotient: 1.43
9. Texas
Total Jobs: 2,000
Average Annual Salary: $66,790
Average Entry Level Salary: $40,950
Average Experienced Salary: $101,400
Location Quotient: 0.67
10. Virginia
Total Jobs: 1,190
Average Annual Salary: $69,860
Average Entry Level Salary: $43,360
Average Experienced Salary: $101,220
Location Quotient: 1.26
Final Thoughts
For those considering a career as an urban planner, these states offer excellent prospects, competitive salaries, and opportunities for advancement. If you’re interested in exploring opportunities in urban planning, be sure to consider these top states.
Additionally, here are the states with the least favorable conditions for urban planners:
Detailed Rankings: Best States for Urban Planners
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $78,030 |
| 2 | Colorado | $78,470 |
| 3 | Nebraska | $66,510 |
| 4 | Wyoming | $62,700 |
| 5 | Nevada | $83,830 |
| 6 | Illinois | $81,990 |
| 7 | Arizona | $68,910 |
| 8 | Minnesota | $69,400 |
| 9 | Texas | $66,790 |
| 10 | Virginia | $69,860 |
| 11 | Oregon | $77,820 |
| 12 | Missouri | $65,600 |
| 13 | Oklahoma | $68,320 |
| 14 | Florida | $67,640 |
| 15 | Utah | $62,410 |
| 16 | Delaware | $64,240 |
| 17 | Ohio | $64,420 |
| 18 | Montana | $65,530 |
| 19 | North Carolina | $61,540 |
| 20 | Kansas | $58,560 |
| 21 | Mississippi | $59,240 |
| 22 | Alaska | $81,130 |
| 23 | Michigan | $60,140 |
| 24 | Alabama | $60,680 |
| 25 | California | $82,770 |
| 26 | Connecticut | $81,990 |
| 27 | Wisconsin | $63,870 |
| 28 | New Mexico | $58,430 |
| 29 | Idaho | $56,330 |
| 30 | South Carolina | $61,540 |
| 31 | Iowa | $59,500 |
| 32 | Rhode Island | $72,400 |
| 33 | New Jersey | $78,730 |
| 34 | Tennessee | $57,620 |
| 35 | West Virginia | $56,210 |
| 36 | Maine | $65,330 |
| 37 | Georgia | $55,810 |
| 38 | South Dakota | $52,940 |
| 39 | Massachusetts | $75,410 |
| 40 | Pennsylvania | $58,970 |
| 41 | Kentucky | $54,470 |
| 42 | Louisiana | $57,440 |
| 43 | Vermont | $57,230 |
| 44 | Maryland | $66,100 |
| 45 | Hawaii | $68,960 |
| 46 | Indiana | $51,200 |
| 47 | New Hampshire | $63,410 |
| 48 | North Dakota | $55,680 |
| 49 | New York | $73,800 |
| 50 | Arkansas | $46,840 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
