Explore This Path

Urban Planner

💰 Earn $86K-$130K

📚 Master Degree

⏱️ 48 Month Training

📈 3.4% Job Growth

Shape vibrant communities by designing sustainable urban environments.
Influence city growth and improve quality of life through strategic land use planning.
Blend creativity and analysis to craft future-ready urban landscapes.

What Urban Planners DoDevelop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.
Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives.
Create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables, such as population density.
Hold public meetings with government officials, social scientists, lawyers, developers, the public, or special interest groups to formulate, develop, or address issues regarding land use or community plans.
Mediate community disputes or assist in developing alternative plans or recommendations for programs or projects.

Urban Planners Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationMaster Degree

Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training TimeOver 4 years

Job Openings3,400 Annually

Median Earnings

$105,230 in California

$83,720 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

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Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Being creative or artistic
Influencing or leading others
Thinking and problem solving

you value

Accomplishing things
Job security
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Speaking
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing

Go Deeper: Urban Planners Explained

Urban PlannerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

Workforce Development ProgramA workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

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