Urban and Regional Planners
Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Median pay: $89,320/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +3.4% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 3,400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
• Recommend approval, denial, or conditional approval of proposals.
• Conduct field investigations, surveys, impact studies, or other research to compile and analyze data on economic, social, regulatory, or physical factors affecting land use.
• Evaluate proposals for infrastructure projects or other development for environmental impact or sustainability.
What's the median pay for Urban and Regional Planners?
The median pay for Urban and Regional Planners is $89,320 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Urban and Regional Planners?
Employment for Urban and Regional Planners is projected to change +3.4% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Urban and Regional Planners?
Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Urban and Regional Planners?
About 3,400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.