Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Urban and Regional Planners
SOC: 19-3051 O*NET: 19-3051.00
Median Salary
$83,720
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.4%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
3.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
What does a Urban and Regional Planners do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$55,590
10th percentile
Early Career
$66,210
25th percentile
Median
$83,720
50th percentile
Experienced
$104,450
75th percentile
Top Earners
$128,550
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$55,590
25th
$66,210
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$83,720
Mean: $89,730
75th
$104,450
90th
$128,550
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $72,960 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $66,210 and $104,450
- •Salary spread is 45.7% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 43,040 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:44,700
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services11.8%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services11.8%
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services9%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.4%
Annual Openings:3,400
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)44,700
Current
2034 (Projected)46,200
+3.4%
+1,500
Employment Change
+3.4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Urban and Regional Planners professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
7,630 jobs$105,2301.51x
Washington
2,840 jobs$98,1902.87x
Florida
2,640 jobs$77,1900.96x
Texas
2,150 jobs$78,1800.56x
New York
2,100 jobs$94,7400.79x
Virginia
1,710 jobs$81,7501.51x
North Carolina
1,640 jobs$78,3201.20x
Massachusetts
1,570 jobs$88,0301.54x
Colorado
1,260 jobs$96,8101.57x
Illinois
1,190 jobs$80,1400.70x
Arizona
1,110 jobs$78,2001.25x
Oregon
1,100 jobs$92,4002.01x
Pennsylvania
1,090 jobs$75,2500.65x
Michigan
1,070 jobs$76,3800.87x
Georgia
1,070 jobs$75,9900.79x
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
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Judgment and Decision Making
100%
#2
Active Listening
94%
#3
Speaking
86%
#4
Systems Analysis
80%
#5
Critical Thinking
74%
#6
Reading Comprehension
66%
#7
Writing
60%
#8
Complex Problem Solving
54%
#9
Systems Evaluation
46%
#10
Social Perceptiveness
40%
Skills Overview
Judgment and Decision Making
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Speaking
intermediate4.3
86%
Systems Analysis
intermediate4.0
80%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.7
74%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.3
66%
Writing
intermediate3.0
60%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced2.7
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:
Judgment and Decision Making
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Systems Analysis
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Systems Evaluation
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists100%
5 shared skills
Actuaries82%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers82%
5 shared skills
Web Administrators82%
5 shared skills
Chief Sustainability Officers82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Reading Comprehension
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Systems Analysis
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Judgment and Decision Making
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Systems Analysis
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Judgment and Decision Making
- ★Critical Thinking
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 Urban and Regional Planners
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechBentley MicroStation
🔥 Hot TechDassault Systemes SolidWorks
🔥 Hot TechTrimble SketchUp Pro
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechOracle Database
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechAdobe InDesign
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechExtensible markup language XML
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Bentley MicroStation
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Trimble SketchUp Pro
Microsoft Access
Oracle Database
Structured query language SQL
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
Extensible markup language XML
📚 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
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
VERY HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡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 mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet very high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Planning & Development (13)General Responsibilities (5)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Analysis & Evaluation (2)
1
Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development100% perform100%
2
Recommend approval, denial, or conditional approval of proposals.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables, such as population density.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Conduct field investigations, surveys, impact studies, or other research to compile and analyze data on economic, social, regulatory, or physical factors affecting land use.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation88% perform92%
6
Discuss with planning officials the purpose of land use projects, such as transportation, conservation, residential, commercial, industrial, or community use.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Keep informed about economic or legal issues involved in zoning codes, building codes, or environmental regulations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Mediate community disputes or assist in developing alternative plans or recommendations for programs or projects.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Coordinate work with economic consultants or architects during the formulation of plans or the design of large pieces of infrastructure.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Review and evaluate environmental impact reports pertaining to private or public planning projects or programs.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on planning & development activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
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 Urban and Regional 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?
Urban and Regional Planners professionals typically have a IEC Holland code and highly value relationships
IInvestigative
EEnterprising
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Urban and Regional Planners
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.84
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.56
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.48
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.40
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.36
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.28
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.8
Cooperation
4.6
Dependability
4.5
Analytical Thinking
4.4
Self-Control
4.4
Attention to Detail
4.3
Stress Tolerance
4.2
Concern for Others
4.2
Initiative
4.2
Achievement/Effort
4.2
💡 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 plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
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