What does an urban planner do?
Urban planners shape the design and development of towns and cities, creating environments that are functional, sustainable and attractive. Their work frequently covers large-scale regeneration, masterplanning and public realm improvement schemes. Working for local authorities, consultancies and developers, they assess land use patterns, transport connectivity, environmental impact and community infrastructure.
A strong grounding in spatial planning principles, stakeholder engagement and urban design is essential for urban planners. The role supports place-making and seeks to tackle challenges in urban areas such as housing demand, climate resilience and economic development.
How much does an urban planner earn?
Urban planners work within the wider town planning profession. Carrington West's 2026 Town Planning Salary Survey shows private sector planners earning an average of £28,000 at graduate level, £35,000 as a town planner, £45,000 at senior level and £55,000 as a principal town planner, rising to £60,000 for associates, £68,000 for associate directors and £85,000 for planning directors.
On a contract basis, specialist planning roles covering urban design, conservation and heritage typically earn between £35 and £55 per hour, with £45 per hour the most common rate.
These figures are taken from our salary surveys, created every 6 months to provide invaluable market analysis and salary benchmarking resources to built environment professionals. View and download the full documents below.
What industries do urban planners work in?
Carrington West places urban planners in permanent and contract roles across the town planning sector. |
Use the link below to explore urban planning roles with leading public and private sector organisations across the UK through Carrington West's job search.