Transportation Planner Salary Overview in Washington, DC
Careerclev's modeled 2026 benchmark places Transportation Planner pay in Washington, DC at about $156,081 per year. On the latest official BLS baseline for this market, the lower local range starts near $82,760.0, while the strongest-paid professionals can reach about $206,110.
Salary estimates are based on data from the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-Va-Md-Wv metropolitan area, which includes nearby cities such as Arlington, and Alexandria.
If you’re comparing Transportation Planner salaries in Washington, DC, the real story isn’t just the headline number. Local employer mix, seniority, specialization, and whether the role is remote, hybrid, or onsite can push compensation well above or below the local median.
Washington, DC vs. U.S. National Average
Washington, DC pays +56% vs u.s. for Transportation Planner roles. The difference is driven by local employer demand, industry mix, cost pressures, and how concentrated this role is in the underlying metro labor market.
| Market | Projected Salary | vs Washington, DC | Market Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC (this guide) | $156,081 | Baseline | Local market |
| United States | $100,340 | -36% vs U.S. | National baseline |
Transportation Planner Salary by Experience Level in Washington, DC
Experience changes the local salary picture quickly because employers usually pay for independence, specialization, and broader scope, not just years on paper. In Washington, DC, this breakdown shows how aTransportation Planner can move from early-career pay into stronger bands as the role becomes more self-directed.
| Level | Experience | Projected Salary | Projected Range | Market Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Transportation Planner | 0-2 years | $125,559 | $93,869.0 - $156,081 | +25% vs U.S. |
| Mid-Level Transportation Planner | 3-5 years | $156,081 | $125,559 - $193,079 | +56% vs U.S. |
| Senior Transportation Planner | 6-10 years | $193,079 | $156,081 - $233,776 | +92% vs U.S. |
| Lead / Principal Transportation Planner | 10+ years | $233,776 | $193,079 - $285,206 | +133% vs U.S. |
Transportation Planner Salary by Industry in Washington, DC
Industry premiums in Washington, DC usually come from employers that place the Transportation Planner role close to revenue, infrastructure, compliance, product delivery, or other high-value work. National industry data gives the best available benchmark until local industry slices are available.
| Industry | Modeled Salary | Reference Range | Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $171,320 | $124,790 - $213,490 | Stronger salary |
| Information | $134,250 | $110,360 - N/A | Stronger salary |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $104,310 | $61,610.0 - $179,250 | Stronger salary |
| Government Excluding Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service | $101,440 | $68,390.0 - $148,620 | Competitive |
| Government, Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service | $99,200.0 | $65,370.0 - $146,620 | Competitive |
| Wholesale Trade | $85,070.0 | $61,240.0 - $114,020 | Competitive |
| Educational Services | $83,100.0 | $55,140.0 - $133,800 | Competitive |
| Other Services Except Public Administration | $80,760.0 | $59,490.0 - $130,520 | Competitive |
Entry-Level Transportation Planner Salary in Washington, DC
Entry-level Transportation Planner jobs in Washington, DC are modeled around the lower local wage percentiles. Candidates who can show practical projects, job-ready tools, and strong fundamentals usually have a better path into the middle of the local salary range.
For a broader starting-pay benchmark beyond this city market, see the entry-level Transportation Planner salary guide.
Remote vs Onsite Transportation Planner Pay in Washington, DC
Remote work can widen the employer pool for Transportation Planner candidates in Washington, DC. Onsite and hybrid roles may still pay more when employers need local availability, local clients, regulated work, or team coverage.
| Work Type | Estimated Salary | Experience | Best Fit | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote | $152,959 | Market dependent | National hiring pools | High |
| Hybrid | $159,203 | Metro dependent | Washington, DC employers | Medium |
| Onsite | $156,081 | Location dependent | Local teams and operations | Lower |
Cost of Living vs Salary in Washington, DC
A salary in Washington, DC should be read alongside housing, commuting, tax, and everyday costs. The same annual pay can feel very different at entry, mid-level, and senior levels.
Top Employers Hiring Transportation Planners in Washington, DC
Employer mix is one of the biggest city-level salary drivers. The industries below highlight where Transportation Planner pay tends to be strongest in Washington, DC, based on the sectors that create the most hiring demand for this role.
Transportation Planner Salary Trends in Washington, DC Over Time
Historical salary trend data for Transportation Planner in Washington, DC is available across multiple BLS wage years. The chart below shows how the local salary benchmark has changed over time.
* 2024–2026 values are modeled estimates extending from the last confirmed BLS benchmark. The last confirmed BLS figure ($138K, 2024) is extended with recent wage trend history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available, then replaced when official data is published.
Career Growth Opportunities in Washington, DC
Local career growth is strongest when it is read through both the city salary ladder and the broader national demand outlook. The city salary benchmark shows what this market currently pays, while the career path and BLS demand data show how that benchmark can expand with scope and responsibility.
| Metric | 2026 Outlook |
|---|---|
| Projected employment | 40.8k → 40.1k |
| Typical education | Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. |
| Related experience | A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. |
| Local market anchor | 7,050 jobs with a median of $156,081 |
Factors Affecting Transportation Planner Salary in Washington, DC
Local pay rarely moves for one reason alone. In city markets, the biggest differences usually come from employer concentration, industry mix, seniority, and whether the role is tied to business-critical work that is harder to staff.
How to Increase Your Transportation Planner Salary in Washington, DC
In city markets, salary growth often comes from better positioning as much as from patience. These moves are most useful when you already understand the local benchmark and want a clearer path beyond it.
Transportation Planner Salary in Washington, DC: FAQs
These questions usually come up after readers compare the city benchmark, the statewide picture, and the local experience ladder. They help clarify how to read the market and what matters most when you compare this city with other options.
These FAQs focus on how readers searching for "Transportation Planner" usually compare local pay, employer mix, and market differences in this city.
What is the average Transportation Planner in Washington, DCs salary?⌄
What is the entry-level Transportation Planner in Washington, DCs salary?⌄
How much can senior Transportation Planner in Washington, DCs professionals earn?⌄
Does location affect Transportation Planner in Washington, DCs salary?⌄
Which skills matter for Transportation Planner in Washington, DCs salary growth?⌄
Salary figures use BLS OEWS wage facts for 2024. City pages use the BLS metropolitan area as the salary dataset, display the largest city as the public page name, and model experience bands from local wage percentiles.