Urban Planner vs Landscape Architect: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Urban Planner
Develop land use policies and plans to guide sustainable community development.
Landscape Architect
Design outdoor spaces including parks, gardens, and urban greenways.
Urban Planner earns more on average — the national median is $5,000/year (7%) higher than a Landscape Architect. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Urban Planner vs Landscape Architect — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Urban Planner | Landscape Architect | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $118,802 | $111,052 | Urban +$7,750 |
| New York, NY | $98,063 | $88,474 | Urban +$9,589 |
| Seattle, WA | $115,028 | $109,391 | Urban +$5,637 |
| Austin, TX | $89,273 | $84,468 | Urban +$4,805 |
| Chicago, IL | $84,530 | $80,148 | Urban +$4,382 |
| Boston, MA | $106,550 | $98,298 | Urban +$8,252 |
| London, UK | £63,022 | £58,372 | Urban +$4,650 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$106,604 | CA$99,791 | Urban +$6,813 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Urban Planner or Landscape Architect earn more?+
A Urban Planner earns more on average. The national median salary for a Urban Planner is $80,000/year, compared to $75,000/year for a Landscape Architect — a difference of $5,000 (7%).
Which has better career growth — Urban Planner or Landscape Architect?+
Urban Planner roles are growing at 10% YoY while Landscape Architect demand is growing at 6% YoY. Urban Planner has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Urban Planner to Landscape Architect?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: GIS.
Which is harder to automate — Urban Planner or Landscape Architect?+
Landscape Architect has a lower AI automation risk (20% vs 22%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.