Town planner salary vs the national average
The median full-time weekly earnings for town planners – classified under urban and regional planners – is $2,316, according to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025. That figure is for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. It sits above the national full-time adult ordinary-time average of $2,083.70 per week (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026), which translates to about $108,352 a year on a 52-week year.
It is important to note that the median is not the same as the average. The median is the middle point: half of town planners earn more, half earn less. The average is the sum of all earnings divided by the number of employees. For town planners, the median being higher than the national average suggests that the typical town planner earns more than the typical full-time worker across all occupations. However, the average for town planners could be different if there is a wide spread of pay.
Place a salary on the line to see how your own pay compares.
What influences a town planner's pay
Several factors can push a town planner's salary above or below the median:
Public vs private sector
Town planners work mainly in Public Administration and Safety and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. The ABS Average Weekly Earnings data for May 2026 shows that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings in the public sector are higher for both men ($2,399.30) and women ($2,154.00) than in the private sector ($2,139.50 for men, $1,840.80 for women). Town planners in government roles may therefore earn more than those in private consulting, though the median figure blends both.
Experience and seniority
The median age of urban and regional planners is 39 years, the same as the all-occupations median. More experienced planners in senior or management roles can earn well above the median. The ABS data does not break down earnings by experience for this occupation, but the national full-time average for men is about $113,412 and for women about $100,594, indicating a gender pay gap that may also affect town planners.
Location
State-level median earnings for town planners are not published, but the national full-time average varies significantly by state. The highest average is in the Australian Capital Territory ($119,090) and Western Australia ($115,825), while Tasmania is lowest ($96,008). Town planners in states with strong development activity or high living costs may negotiate higher salaries. States and territories shows how the line moves across Australia.
Award coverage and minimum rates
Town planners employed by local government are covered by the Local Government Industry Award. The award sets minimum wages, penalty rates, and conditions. For town planners not in local government – for example, those in private consultancies or state government – there is no specific award. They are not covered by the Miscellaneous Award because there is no classification for professional employees. These planners are entitled only to the national minimum wage and the National Employment Standards.
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or about $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week. Award minimums rose by 4.75% from that date. The median town planner salary of $2,316 per week is more than double the minimum wage, reflecting the professional nature of the role.
How the figures are set
The national full-time average used on this site comes from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey, published twice a year (May and November). The most recent release is May 2026. The median earnings for town planners come from the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised for Jobs and Skills Australia. The national minimum wage is set by Fair Work each financial year. How the figures are set explains the methodology in more detail.
What would move this pay above or below the average
Because the median town planner salary ($2,316) is already above the national full-time average ($2,083.70), the typical town planner is above the line. However, individual circumstances can move pay below the average:
- Part-time work: 19% of urban and regional planners work part-time, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. Part-time earnings are not captured in the full-time median, but part-time workers earn less per week.
- Early career: New graduates or junior planners may start below the median, possibly around $1,500–$1,800 per week, depending on the employer.
- Private sector: If a town planner works for a small private firm without award coverage, pay may be closer to the national minimum wage, though professional roles typically command more.
Conversely, senior planners in public sector roles, especially in high-paying states like the ACT or WA, can earn well above the median. The top end of the profession is not published, but the average for all full-time workers in the public sector is higher than the private sector.
Job medians lets you compare town planners with other occupations.
Tax considerations
For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates are: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on income up to $45,000, 30% on income up to $135,000, 37% on income up to $190,000, and 45% above that. The Medicare levy of 2% applies before any reductions. A town planner earning the median full-time salary of about $120,432 per year ($2,316 × 52) would fall into the 30% tax bracket plus the Medicare levy, giving a marginal rate of 32%.
Summary
The median town planner salary of $2,316 per week is above the national full-time average of $2,083.70. But because the median and average are different measures, the typical town planner earns more than the typical full-time worker. Pay is influenced by sector, experience, location, and award coverage. For the most accurate picture, compare your own salary using the tools on this site.