Image that illustrates City planning architect

City planning architect

47 100 kr

Planning architects etc.

42 800 - 56 600 kr / month

Women earn 100% of what men do.

Tekniskt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression City planning architect

Average salary 47 100 kr
Males 47 100 kr
Females 47 200 kr

What does an urban planner architect do? – Tasks and work environment

An urban planner architect works on designing and developing city environments, residential areas, and public spaces. The role involves analyzing, planning, and shaping how land and water areas are used to create sustainable and attractive communities. Typical tasks include preparing detailed plans, coordinating project teams, engaging with authorities and citizens, and working with digital tools for visualization and analysis. The work is often team-based and conducted in offices, but site visits and consultation meetings are also common. The work environment emphasizes collaboration, creative processes, and balancing aesthetic, functional, and environmental requirements.

Salary development over time

The salary for urban planner architects has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 44,500 SEK per month, rising to 45 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has increased further to 47100 SEK, representing an increase of about 5.8 percent over the three-year period. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for expertise in urban development, as well as a greater focus on sustainability and complex societal issues in urban planning. The salary increase is also a result of a balanced labor market, where supply and demand for urban planner architects are aligned.

Urban planner architect salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 47100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 42,800 SEK/month (men), 42,900 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 56,600 SEK/month (men), 54,300 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 283 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn as much as men
  • Regional differences: Varies, but larger cities often have higher salaries

Education and qualifications

To work as an urban planner architect, a longer university education focusing on physical planning, urban planning, or architecture is required. The education combines technical, creative, and social science subjects and includes both theory and practice. Many employers also value experience in project management, digital planning tools, and understanding sustainable urban development.

  • Formal degree: Master's degree in physical planning, architecture, or urban planning (5 years)
  • Certifications/courses: Courses in GIS, environmental assessment, and project management are advantageous
  • Internship/trainee: Internships during studies are common and often necessary for employment
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and specific qualifications in mathematics, natural sciences, or social sciences
  • Tips for choosing: Select programs with a strong focus on sustainability and digitalization

Urban planner architects often have the opportunity to influence how future cities are shaped and function, where the interplay between architecture, environment, and society is central. This makes the profession particularly attractive for those who want to combine creativity with societal engagement and long-term thinking.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Urban planner architects are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, wellness allowances, occupational pensions, and opportunities for professional development. Some employers also provide extra vacation days, remote work options, and subsidized lunches. Working conditions vary between sectors, but generally both municipal and private employers invest in good work environments and work-life balance.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an urban planner architect is considered balanced, with a moderate number of available jobs nationwide. Challenges in the profession include complex and lengthy planning processes, high demands for coordination among various stakeholders, and the need to stay updated on legislation and digital tools. Rapid changes in the urban development sector, especially regarding sustainability and digitalization, require continuous skills development. Finding the right balance among different interests and making trade-offs between environment, economy, and social aspects can be demanding but also rewarding for those who enjoy complex issues.

Tips for aspiring urban planner architects

To succeed as an urban planner architect, it is beneficial to have strong analytical skills and a genuine interest in societal issues. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with various actors, while creativity helps to find innovative solutions to complex challenges. Initiative and independence are valued, especially when driving projects forward and taking responsibility for tasks. Attention to detail and structured work habits are also important, as the profession involves many details and long-term consequences. An interest in digital tools and quick learning ability can be advantageous, as technological development advances rapidly in the field. Finally, patience and perseverance are essential, as planning processes often take time and require compromises.

Key facts about urban planner architects

  • Average salary: 47100 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 42,800–56,600 SEK/month
  • Education level: Master's degree (5 years)
  • Job market: 564 available jobs nationwide, moderate opportunities
  • Gender differences: No salary difference between women and men

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an urban planner architect, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as project manager, specialist in sustainability issues, or head of planning departments. Some choose to work as consultants or start their own businesses to diversify their assignments. According to forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service, demand for urban planner architects is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with a balanced labor market. Skills in digitalization and sustainable urban development are increasingly valued, providing advantages for those looking to develop further within the profession.

Frequently asked questions about urban planner architects

  • What is the average salary of an urban planner architect?
    - The average salary is 47100 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - No, women and men earn the same within the profession.
  • What education is required to become an urban planner architect?
    - A master's degree in physical planning, urban planning, or architecture is required, corresponding to five years of university studies.
  • What does the job market look like for urban planner architects?
    - There are 564 available jobs nationwide, and the opportunities are considered moderate.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries?
    - The highest salary is 56,600 SEK and the lowest is 42,800 SEK per month.
  • What benefits are common?
    - Common benefits include flexible working hours, wellness allowances, occupational pensions, and remote work options.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Yes, salaries are often higher in larger cities and regions with high housing development.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a City planning architect is 56600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 54300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a City planning architect is 42800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 42900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 100% 40400 kr 40600 kr
35-44 100% 47400 kr 47500 kr
45-54 102% 52700 kr 53000 kr
55-64 103% 53200 kr 53400 kr
Snitt 100% 46900 kr 47100 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession City planning architect has the SSYK code 2163, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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