ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Urban Planner Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$179,756/yr
Typical range: $160,380 – $196,014
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Urban Planner salary by experience level in Seattle
Urban Planner Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $87,310 | $7,276 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $107,853 | $8,988 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $121,549 | $10,129 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $138,669 | $11,556 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $179,756 | $14,980 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $218,788 | $18,232 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $228,547 | $19,046 | +162% |
Current Salary
$179,756
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $86/hr
Next Level Target
$218,788
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 Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Urban Planners in Seattle, WA earn approximately $180K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $180K 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 Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Urban Planner in Seattle, WA earns $160K–$196K/yr.