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  1. Occupations
  2. Urban and Regional Planners

Urban and Regional Planners

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

SOC: 19-3051.00

Common Job Titles

  • Community Development Planner
  • Planner
  • Planning Consultant
  • Planning Technician

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeFormulate comprehensive land use plans and zoning strategies for jurisdictions including towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas, integrating regulatory requirements and community objectives.
    Advanced
  • KnowledgeDesign sustainable growth and development strategies incorporating environmental impact assessments, transportation networks, and infrastructure capacity constraints.
    Advanced
  • KnowledgeSynthesize multidisciplinary research findings and regulatory frameworks to develop evidence-based policy recommendations for elected officials and planning boards.
    Advanced
  • KnowledgeEvaluate land use proposals and development applications for compliance with zoning regulations using GIS software and spatial analysis tools, determining alignment with municipal planning standards.
    Proficient
  • KnowledgeAnalyze demographic, geographic, and transportation data using ESRI ArcGIS and spatial decision support systems to inform urban development strategies.
    Proficient
  • MindsetReconcile conflicting stakeholder interests and community concerns during public hearings and planning commission meetings, balancing development needs with quality of life considerations.
    Proficient
  • MindsetAdvocate for equitable land use policies and inclusive community development when presenting recommendations to government officials, developers, and community organizations.
    Proficient
  • KnowledgeAssess environmental, economic, and social impacts of proposed development projects independently, applying systems analysis and complex problem-solving methodologies.
    Proficient
  • Hands-onOperate CAD software and GIS mapping tools including Autodesk AutoCAD and ArcGIS software to create detailed land use maps and planning documents.
    Proficient
  • MindsetEngage diverse community members and stakeholder groups through public forums and outreach initiatives to gather input on planning priorities and development concerns.
    Developing

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Urban and Regional Planners (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

43,040

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $55,590. 25th percentile: U.S. $66,210. 50th percentile: U.S. $83,720. 75th percentile: U.S. $104,450. 90th percentile: U.S. $128,550. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$55,590
10% of workers earn the following or more$128,550
Workers on average earn$89,730

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Law and Government4.6/5
  • English Language4.4/5
  • Geography4.2/5
  • Transportation4.0/5
  • Communications and Media3.6/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Database
  • Oracle Java
  • SAP software
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Trimble SketchUp Pro

Technology Skills

  • 3D urban simulation modeling software
  • Accela KIVA DMS
  • Accela PERMITS Plus
  • Accela Tidemark Advantage
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Adobe FreeHand MX
  • Adobe PageMaker
  • Autodesk 3ds Max Design
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • 10-key calculators
  • 35 millimeter cameras
  • Desktop computers
  • Digital camcorders
  • Digital cameras
  • Digitizers
  • Drafting scales
  • Global positioning system GPS receivers
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Transportation Planners 19-3099.01
  • Chief Sustainability Officers 11-1011.03
  • Project Management Specialists 13-1082.00
  • Sustainability Specialists 13-1199.05
  • Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers 11-9199.11

Moderately Similar

  • Climate Change Policy Analysts 19-2041.01
  • Environmental Restoration Planners 19-2041.02
  • Conservation Scientists 19-1031.00
  • Landscape Architects 17-1012.00
  • Industrial Ecologists 19-2041.03

Related

  • Management Analysts 13-1111.00
  • Government Property Inspectors and Investigators 13-1041.04
  • Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health 19-2041.00
  • Facilities Managers 11-3013.00
  • Range Managers 19-1031.02
  • Information Technology Project Managers 15-1299.09
  • Chief Executives 11-1011.00
  • Emergency Management Directors 11-9161.00
  • Geographers 19-3092.00
  • Water Resource Specialists 11-9121.02

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • Master's DegreeUrban & Regional Planning, MURPIssuer: Alabama A&M University
  • Bachelor's DegreeUrban and Regional PlanningIssuer: Alabama A&M University
  • Master's DegreeReal Estate Development — MREDIssuer: Auburn University
  • Master's DegreeCommunity Planning — MCPIssuer: Auburn University
  • Master's DegreeGlobal SustainabilityIssuer: University of South Florida
  • Bachelor's DegreeUrban HumanitiesIssuer: Montclair State University
  • Bachelor's DegreeB.A. in Energy ManagementIssuer: Principia College
  • Master's DegreeSustainability ManagementIssuer: Stevens Institute of Technology
  • Master's DegreeCITY & REGIONAL PLANNINGIssuer: Morgan State University
  • Doctoral ResearchRegional PlanningIssuer: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign