How much does a City planner make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. City planner
Image that illustrates City planner

City planner

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 planner

Average salary 47 100 kr
Males 47 100 kr
Females 47 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 2 Vacant jobs ->

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 45 600 SEK in 2023 and reached 47100 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: 47100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 42,800 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 56,600 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 283 SEK
  • Women: 47 200 SEK/month
  • Men: 47100 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.

– statsskuld.se

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 47100 SEK per month.
  • How do salary differences between women and men look?
    - Women and men earn roughly the same in the profession, women 47 200 SEK and men 47100 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.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-08-18 08:38:31

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a City planner 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 planner 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
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 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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