ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Urban Planner Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$145,159/yr
Typical range: $122,758 – $191,533
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Urban Planner salary by experience level in San Francisco
Urban Planner Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $104,269 | $8,689 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $128,803 | $10,734 | +24% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $145,159 | $12,097 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $165,604 | $13,800 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $214,672 | $17,889 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $261,286 | $21,774 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $272,940 | $22,745 | +162% |
Current Salary
$145,159
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $70/hr
Next Level Target
$165,604
Senior · 6
+$20Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
45/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Urban Planner salary in San Francisco, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Urban Planners in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $145K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Urban Planner make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $145K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $70/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Urban Planner in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Urban Planner in San Francisco, CA earns $192K–$234K/yr.