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 PlannerPlannerPlanning ConsultantPlanning Technician
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey 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
| Metric | U.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
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Adobe AcrobatAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopAutodesk AutoCADBentley MicroStationDassault Systemes SolidWorksESRI ArcGIS softwareExtensible markup language XMLHypertext markup language HTMLMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordOracle DatabaseOracle JavaSAP softwareStructured query language SQLTrimble SketchUp Pro
Technology Skills
3D urban simulation modeling softwareAccela KIVA DMSAccela PERMITS PlusAccela Tidemark AdvantageAdobe DreamweaverAdobe FreeHand MXAdobe PageMakerAutodesk 3ds Max Design
Tools & Equipment
10-key calculators35 millimeter camerasDesktop computersDigital camcordersDigital camerasDigitizersDrafting scalesGlobal positioning system GPS receivers