ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Urban Planner Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$64,342/yr
Typical range: $61,980 – $75,751
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Urban Planner salary by experience level in Chicago
Urban Planner Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $64,342 | $5,362 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $79,481 | $6,623 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $89,574 | $7,465 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $102,190 | $8,516 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $132,468 | $11,039 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $161,232 | $13,436 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $168,424 | $14,035 | +162% |
Current Salary
$64,342
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $31/hr
Next Level Target
$79,481
Junior · 2
+$15Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
45/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Urban Planner salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Urban Planners in Chicago, IL earn approximately $64K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Urban Planner make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $64K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $31/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Urban Planner in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Urban Planner in Chicago, IL earns $118K–$144K/yr.