ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Urban Planner Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$86,993/yr
Typical range: $83,800 – $102,419
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Urban Planner salary by experience level in Washington DC
Urban Planner Salary Progression in Washington DC
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 | $86,993 | $7,249 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $107,462 | $8,955 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $121,108 | $10,092 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $138,165 | $11,514 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $179,103 | $14,925 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $217,994 | $18,166 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $227,717 | $18,976 | +162% |
Current Salary
$86,993
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $42/hr
Next Level Target
$107,462
Junior · 2
+$20Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
45/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Urban Planner salary in Washington DC, DC?
Entry Level Urban Planners in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $87K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $87K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $42/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Urban Planner in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Urban Planner in Washington DC, DC earns $160K–$195K/yr.