- Salary statistics
- City planner salary
City planner salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
44 300 - 58 600 SEK / month
Women earn 98% of what men do.
Tekniskt arbete
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Salary progression City planner
What does an urban planner do? – Tasks and work environment
Urban planners are responsible for designing and developing city environments to be functional, attractive, and sustainable for residents and businesses. Tasks include planning residential areas, infrastructure, green spaces, and public places, often in close collaboration with architects, engineers, and politicians. The profession involves analyzing population growth, environmental aspects, and traffic flows to create long-term solutions. The work mainly takes place in offices but can also include site visits, public meetings, and presentations to decision-makers. The work environment is characterized by project-based work, where both independence and teamwork are central elements.
Salary development over time
The salary for urban planners has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 44,500 SEK per month, which increased to 47 100 SEK in 2023 and reached 4798 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to an increase of approximately 5.8% over three years, slightly above inflation, reflecting ongoing demand for professionals in the field. Salary growth is driven by the need for sustainable urban development, increased city projects, and requirements for specialized skills in environment and infrastructure. The market has been relatively stable, with both public and private sectors offering competitive conditions for those with the right education and experience.
Urban planner salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 4798 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 42,800 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 56,600 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 283 SEK
- Women: 48 700 SEK/month
- Men: 4798 SEK/month
- Gender pay gap: Women earn as much as men in this profession
Education and qualifications
To work as an urban planner, a university degree in urban planning, planning architecture, physical planning, geography, or similar fields is usually required. The education typically involves four to five years of study at university or college, including both theoretical and practical components. Internships, trainee programs, and specialized courses can enhance competitiveness in the job market.
- Formal degree: Bachelor's (3 years) or master's degree (5 years) in urban planning, physical planning, or planning architecture
- Certifications: Courses in GIS, environmental assessment, or project management can be advantageous
- Internships: Internships at municipalities or planning agencies are recommended
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies and specific courses in mathematics, social studies, and geography
- Tips for choosing specialization: Focus on areas of interest such as environment, infrastructure, or housing development
Urban planners have a unique opportunity to influence how future cities are shaped and function. The role often involves balancing many different interests, from environmental considerations to economic development and social needs. Working in dialogue with both the public and decision-makers offers a broad and dynamic professional life.
Common benefits and compensations
Urban planners often have access to benefits such as flexible working hours, wellness allowances, occupational pension, and possibilities for remote work. Further, opportunities for professional development through training, seminars, and study trips are common. Many also offer extra vacation days and subsidized lunches or public transportation.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as an urban planner is moderate, with a job market characterized by a balance between supply and demand. Challenges include managing complex interest conflicts, staying updated on legislation and environmental requirements, and working under time pressure on large projects. Digitalization and demands for sustainability place high requirements on continuous skills development. Changes in urban development and politics can quickly influence tasks and priorities. Flexibility and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders are crucial for success.
Tips for those aspiring to become urban planners
To succeed as an urban planner, it is helpful to be analytical and able to see the big picture in complex projects. Good communication skills facilitate cooperation with colleagues, decision-makers, and the public, while strong organizational skills help manage multiple tasks. An interest in social issues and sustainable development is important, as is the ability to take initiative and think innovatively. Being receptive to different interests and able to compromise are often key in the planning process. Engagement in urban development and openness to new solutions provide good conditions for thriving in the profession. Continuous skills development and an interest in technology and digital tools are also valuable traits.
Key facts about Urban Planners
- Education level: Bachelor's or master's degree in urban planning
- Work environment: Office-based with site visits and project meetings
- Demand: 550 job openings nationwide
- Gender distribution: Equal pay between women and men
- Employment type: Usually full-time employment in public or private sector
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as an urban planner, opportunities open for roles such as project manager, specialist in environmental planning, traffic planner, or head of planning departments. Advancement often occurs within larger consulting firms, municipalities, or regional authorities. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the job market is expected to remain balanced with medium opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years. Digitalization and increasing requirements for sustainable solutions may further increase career opportunities through specialization in GIS, climate issues, or digital urban development. Currently, there are 550 job openings, indicating ongoing demand for skilled urban planners.
Frequently asked questions about Urban Planners
- What is the average salary of an urban planner?
- The average salary is 4798 SEK per month. - How do salary differences between women and men look?
- Women and men earn roughly the same in the profession, women 48 700 SEK and men 4798 SEK per month. - What education is required to become an urban planner?
- Usually a bachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, physical planning, or planning architecture. - Are there good job opportunities for urban planners?
- Yes, with 550 job openings and the outlook expected to remain unchanged. - What are the highest and lowest salaries for urban planners?
- The highest salary is 56,600 SEK and the lowest is 42,800 SEK per month. - What personal qualities are important for urban planners?
- Analytical ability, good communication, flexibility, and interest in social issues. - What workplaces are most common for urban planners?
- Most often municipalities, regions, government agencies, and consulting firms within urban planning.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 42100 kr | 42100 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 48600 kr | 48700 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 53800 kr | 54000 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 55400 kr | 55700 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 48900 kr | 49000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 35900 kr | 36000 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 41900 kr | 41900 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 48500 kr | 48600 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 52800 kr | 52900 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 55500 kr | 55600 kr |
| 65-68 | 90% | 57500 kr | 57600 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48600 kr | 48600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 35900 kr | 36000 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 41900 kr | 41900 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 48500 kr | 48600 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 52800 kr | 52800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 55400 kr | 55500 kr |
| 65-68 | 90% | 57500 kr | 57600 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48500 kr | 48600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 51700 kr | 51900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 69000 kr | 69000 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 56800 kr | 56900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 101% | 51200 kr | 52100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 101% | 51200 kr | 52100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 42400 kr | 42600 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 48700 kr | 48900 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 53500 kr | 53900 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 54800 kr | 55300 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 49200 kr | 49500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 35200 kr | 35200 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 42000 kr | 42100 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 48600 kr | 48600 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 53000 kr | 53100 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 55800 kr | 55900 kr |
| 65-68 | 90% | 60500 kr | 60600 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48900 kr | 49000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 35200 kr | 35200 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 42100 kr | 42200 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 48500 kr | 48600 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 52900 kr | 53000 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 55700 kr | 55800 kr |
| 65-68 | 90% | 60500 kr | 60600 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48900 kr | 49000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 96% | 58600 kr | 58600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 101% | 50800 kr | 51800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 101% | 50800 kr | 51800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 41800 kr | 41900 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 48600 kr | 48600 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 54000 kr | 54100 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 55900 kr | 56100 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 48600 kr | 48700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 36100 kr | 36200 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 41800 kr | 41800 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 48500 kr | 48600 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 52700 kr | 52800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 55400 kr | 55500 kr |
| 65-68 | 90% | 54400 kr | 54400 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48300 kr | 48400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 36100 kr | 36200 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 41800 kr | 41800 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 48500 kr | 48600 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 52700 kr | 52700 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 55300 kr | 55300 kr |
| 65-68 | 90% | 54400 kr | 54400 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48300 kr | 48400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 50400 kr | 50700 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 55800 kr | 56000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 101% | 51800 kr | 52400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 101% | 51800 kr | 52400 kr |
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 planner has the SSYK code 2163, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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