ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Urban Planner Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$178,858/yr
Typical range: $159,579 – $195,036
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Urban Planner salary by experience level in Boston
Urban Planner Salary Progression in Boston
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $86,874 | $7,240 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $107,315 | $8,943 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $120,942 | $10,079 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $137,976 | $11,498 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $178,858 | $14,905 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $217,696 | $18,141 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $227,406 | $18,951 | +162% |
Current Salary
$178,858
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $86/hr
Next Level Target
$217,696
Principal · 14
+$39Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
45/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Urban Planner salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Urban Planners in Boston, MA earn approximately $179K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Urban Planner make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $179K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $86/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Urban Planner in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Urban Planner in Boston, MA earns $160K–$195K/yr.