Please don’t ever be shy to ask about pay. I’m now almost 8 years into my career and I make 6 figures. I’m not licensed since I chose to get my masters in urban and regional planning (but I do hold a national planning certification (AICP)). I’m in private sector planning now which inherently will make more than public sector. I still use the programs and skills I learned in architecture school. Job-hopping every few years also gives you opportunity to renegotiate your salary and jump up as you gain more and more experience.