Town planners shape where and how the UK builds homes, offices, infrastructure, and green spaces. Whether working for a local authority (with the valuable LGPS pension) or a private consultancy like Lichfields or Savills Planning, take-home pay varies significantly by level and sector. Below are 2026/27 salary bands and exact take-home figures.
| Level | Notes | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate (RTPI student) | Working toward MRTPI | £25,000–£34,000 |
| Planner | Typically chartered (MRTPI) | £34,000–£45,000 |
| Senior Planner | DM or policy specialism | £45,000–£65,000 |
| Head of Planning / Principal | Management or Director-level | £70,000–£100,000 |
| Gross Salary | Income Tax | Employee NI | Net Annual | Net Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £30,000 (Graduate) | £3,486 | £1,394 | £25,120 | £2,093 |
| £52,000 (Senior Planner) | £8,232 | £3,051 | £40,717 | £3,393 |
| £85,000 (Head of Planning) | £21,432 | £3,711 | £59,857 | £4,988 |
Calculations use 2026/27 rates: PA £12,570; 20% up to £50,270; 40% above. Employee NI 8% on £12,570–£50,270, 2% above. No pension deductions shown.
