GovernmentUpdated Q1 2026

Urban Planner Salary
in Bismarck, ND

Develop land use plans and programs to manage growth and revitalize communities. Median salary in Bismarck: $70K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$70K
per year
Take-home: $47K

Salary range in Bismarck

Entry level (25th)$53,000
Median (50th)$70,000
Senior (75th)$90,000
Top earner (90th)$114,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Bismarck, North Dakota. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Bismarck

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

12% discount vs national median

Urban Planners in Bismarck earn approximately 12% lower than the US national median for this role β€” a $10,000 discount on annual base salary. Bismarck's lower wage level partially reflects the area's cost-of-living index of 88 (US avg = 100).

Rent eats 29% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Bismarck ($1,150/mo) consumes approximately 29% of an after-tax median Urban Planner salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home β€” a salary at the 75th percentile ($90K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Bismarck

Median salary
$70K
annual
Take-home pay
$47K
after fed/state tax
COL index
88
100 = US avg
State income tax
2.5%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,150
per month
YoY growth
+3.8%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Bismarck Urban Planner to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $70K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Bismarck

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Urban Planner salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$59K$64K$69K$74K$79K201920212023202520272029
2026
$72K
projected
2027
$74K
projected
2028
$75K
projected
2029
$77K
projected
2030
$79K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$70,000+$0
2028 projected$70,000+$0
2029 projected$70,000+$0
2030 projected$70,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Urban Planner Salary in Bismarck, North Dakota: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Urban Planner salary in Bismarck, ND is $70,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Bismarck–ND metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Urban Planner in Bismarck

Entry-level Urban Planners in Bismarck with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $53,000 and $70,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $70,000 to $90,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $90,000 to $114,000 or more.

Cost of living in Bismarck for Urban Planners

Bismarck has a cost of living index of 88 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 12% further in Bismarck than the national average. North Dakota has a 2.5% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Urban Planner

Master's in Urban Planning; AICP certification. 25% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Urban Planner salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Bismarck (current)$70K88
Fargo$72K90