City Planner Jobs in New Orleans, LA

New Orleans, Louisiana$69,600 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About City Planner Jobs in New Orleans

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

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.

New Orleans 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 New Orleans

Entry Level
$44,880
Median
$69,600
Senior Level
$99,360

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

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

Required Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning RegulationsCommunity EngagementAnalysis

City Planner Job Market in New Orleans

New Orleans, LA is a major regional employment hub for City Planner professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, New Orleans offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Tourism leads the local economy, there's growing demand for City Planner roles across various sectors. The market for City Planner positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring City Planners in New Orleans

City of New OrleansRTAEntergyPort of New Orleans

Major employers hiring City Planners in New Orleans include City of New Orleans, RTA, Entergy, Port of New Orleans. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for City Planners in New Orleans

Living in New Orleans as a City Planner means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,400/month (22% below the national average). At median City Planner salary, housing is quite affordable at 24% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,100/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

96
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.4K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a City Planner in New Orleans

New Orleans 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 New Orleans: 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 Louisiana

Louisiana has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for City Planners

The job outlook for City Planners in New Orleans is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. New Orleans's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Urban Planning, GIS, Zoning Regulations, Community Engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average City Planner salary in New Orleans, LA?

The average City Planner salary in New Orleans, LA is $69,600 per year. Entry-level City Planners typically start around $44,880, while experienced professionals can earn $99,360 or more. The national average for City Planner roles is $72,500.

How many City Planner jobs are available in New Orleans?

New Orleans has a strong job market with regular openings for City Planner professionals. Major employers hiring City Planners include City of New Orleans, RTA, Entergy, Port of New Orleans. The Tourism and Energy sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is New Orleans a good city for City Planners?

New Orleans is an very good choice for City Planners. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's tourism industry creates strong demand for government & public sector professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for City Planners in New Orleans?

Top skills for City Planners in New Orleans 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 New Orleans?

New Orleans's cost of living is near the national average (96% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,400/month. Purchasing power in New Orleans is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for City Planners in New Orleans?

New Orleans 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 New Orleans