ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Urban Planner Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$170,772/yr
Typical range: $152,365 – $186,218
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Urban Planner salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Urban Planner Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $82,946 | $6,912 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $102,463 | $8,539 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $115,474 | $9,623 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $131,738 | $10,978 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $170,772 | $14,231 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $207,854 | $17,321 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $217,124 | $18,094 | +162% |
Current Salary
$170,772
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $82/hr
Next Level Target
$207,854
Principal · 14
+$37Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
45/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Urban Planner salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Urban Planners in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $171K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $171K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $82/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Urban Planner in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Urban Planner in Los Angeles, CA earns $152K–$186K/yr.