City Planner Jobs in Fresno, CA

Fresno, California$73,225 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About City Planner Jobs in Fresno

Looking for a City Planner job in Fresno? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a City Planner in Fresno, CA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Fresno has a strong job market for City Planners. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

City Planner Salary in Fresno

Entry Level
$47,218
Median
$73,225
Senior Level
$104,535

City Planner salaries in Fresno are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Fresno is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning RegulationsCommunity EngagementAnalysis

City Planner Job Market in Fresno

Fresno, CA is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for City Planner professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 542K residents, Fresno balances career opportunities with quality of life. The city's strong Agriculture and Healthcare sectors create robust demand for City Planner talent. The market for City Planner positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring City Planners in Fresno

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring City Planners in Fresno include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for City Planners in Fresno

Living in Fresno as a City Planner means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Housing costs are manageable for City Planner salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

101
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a City Planner in Fresno

Fresno Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for City Planners in Fresno: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among City Planner professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in California

California has relatively high state income taxes. A City Planner earning $73,225 might pay approximately $5,858 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for City Planners

The job outlook for City Planners in Fresno is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Fresno offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Urban Planning, GIS, Zoning Regulations, Community Engagement.

Relocating to Fresno

California has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average City Planner salary in Fresno, CA?

The average City Planner salary in Fresno, CA is $73,225 per year. Entry-level City Planners typically start around $47,218, while experienced professionals can earn $104,535 or more. The national average for City Planner roles is $72,500.

How many City Planner jobs are available in Fresno?

Fresno has a growing job market with steady opportunities for City Planner professionals. Major employers hiring City Planners include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Agriculture and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Fresno a good city for City Planners?

Fresno is an solid choice for City Planners. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's agriculture industry creates strong demand for government & public sector professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for City Planners in Fresno?

Top skills for City Planners in Fresno include Urban Planning, GIS, Zoning Regulations, Community Engagement, Analysis. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for City Planners in Fresno?

Fresno's cost of living is near the national average (101% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Fresno is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for City Planners in Fresno?

Fresno Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

More Government & Public Sector Jobs in Fresno