Prepare studies for proposed transportation projects. Gather, compile, and analyze data. Study the use and operation of transportation systems. Develop transportation models or simulations.
Transportation Planners
SOC: 19-3099 O*NET: 19-3099.01
Median Salary
$100,340
per year
Job Growth
📉 -1.7%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
3.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Prepare studies for proposed transportation projects. Gather, compile, and analyze data. Study the use and operation of transportation systems. Develop transportation models or simulations.
What does a Transportation Planners do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$62,570
10th percentile
Early Career
$79,210
25th percentile
Median
$100,340
50th percentile
Experienced
$127,880
75th percentile
Top Earners
$160,810
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$62,570
25th
$79,210
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$100,340
Mean: $106,440
75th
$127,880
90th
$160,810
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $98,240 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $79,210 and $127,880
- •Salary spread is 48.5% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 36,970 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:40,800
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services13.2%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services13.2%
Scientific Research and Development Services8.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-1.7%
Annual Openings:3,200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)40,800
Current
2034 (Projected)40,100
-1.7%
-700
Employment Change
-1.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Transportation Planners professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 49 locations
Virginia
4,390 jobs$144,3204.50x
New York
3,090 jobs$102,5701.35x
District of Columbia
2,700 jobs$122,32015.88x
California
2,650 jobs$101,1100.61x
Maryland
2,520 jobs$129,7503.82x
Texas
2,480 jobs$96,2100.75x
North Carolina
1,660 jobs$87,8101.42x
Ohio
1,560 jobs$95,8601.18x
Florida
1,560 jobs$86,6700.66x
Georgia
1,330 jobs$89,4401.15x
Washington
1,070 jobs$107,1001.26x
Minnesota
910 jobs$95,9301.31x
Colorado
790 jobs$101,0001.14x
Pennsylvania
750 jobs$93,7500.52x
Michigan
720 jobs$78,9600.69x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Complex Problem Solving
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Writing
86%
#4
Speaking
80%
#5
Reading Comprehension
74%
#6
Active Listening
66%
#7
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
#8
Active Learning
54%
#9
Systems Evaluation
46%
#10
Coordination
40%
Skills Overview
Complex Problem Solving
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Writing
intermediate4.3
86%
Speaking
intermediate4.0
80%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.7
74%
Active Listening
intermediate3.3
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.0
60%
Active Learning
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Systems Evaluation
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers82%
5 shared skills
Sustainability Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists82%
5 shared skills
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Computer and Information Systems Managers82%
5 shared skills
Health Informatics Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Active Listening
- →Judgment and Decision Making
- →Active Learning
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Complex Problem Solving
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Writing
- ★Speaking
- ★Complex Problem Solving
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Reading Comprehension
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Transportation Planners
Technology Intensity
Low
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires basic digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Email and internet usageBasic software navigationFile management
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Transportation Planners
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Transportation Planners professionals typically have a ICE Holland code and highly value achievement
IInvestigative
CConventional
EEnterprising
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Transportation Planners
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.60
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.40
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.35
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.20
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.16
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.15
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.6
Cooperation
4.4
Analytical Thinking
4.3
Attention to Detail
4.2
Dependability
4.2
Initiative
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.9
Persistence
3.8
Achievement/Effort
3.8
Leadership
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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