Urban and regional planners
SOC Code: 19-3051Also known as:
Campus Planner, City Designer, City Planner, City Planning Engineer, Community Development Planner
Median Annual Salary
$83,720
+3.4% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
45K
Current Jobs
What Urban and regional planners Do
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
💰 Salary
$83,720
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.4%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Master's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
44,700
Projected Employment (2034)
46,200
Related Careers
Chief executives
$206,420 •
+4.3% growth
Managers, all other
$136,550 •
+4.5% growth
Project management specialists
$100,750 •
+5.6% growth
Business operations specialists, all other
$81,270 •
+3.0% growth
Social scientists and related workers, all other
$100,340 •
-1.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Judgment and Decision Making
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Discuss with planning officials the purpose of land use projects, such as transportation, conservation, residential, commercial, industrial, or community use.
- Keep informed about economic or legal issues involved in zoning codes, building codes, or environmental regulations.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Master's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Master's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Urban and regional planners
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a urban and regional planners:
Sustainability Studies
4,374 degrees awarded •
226 colleges offer this program
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
2,362 degrees awarded •
115 colleges offer this program
Urban Studies/Affairs
1,343 degrees awarded •
93 colleges offer this program
Real Estate Development
555 degrees awarded •
17 colleges offer this program
Sustainable Design/Architecture
47 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Design for Human Health
29 degrees awarded •
1 colleges offer this program
Transportation and Infrastructure Planning/Studies
18 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Urban and regional planners
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become urban and regional planners.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do urban and regional planners make?
The median annual salary for urban and regional planners is $83,720.
What education do urban and regional planners need?
Most urban and regional planners positions require a master's degree.
Common degree programs include Sustainability Studies, City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning, Urban Studies/Affairs.
Is becoming urban and regional planners a good career choice?
Urban and regional planners is projected to see +3.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 3,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for urban and regional planners?
Top colleges for aspiring urban and regional planners include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Columbia University in the City of New York, Harvard University, University of Southern California.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to urban and regional planners?
Urban and regional planners may also be known as: Campus Planner, City Designer, City Planner, City Planning Engineer, Community Development Planner, Community Development Technician, Community Planner, Community Planning Technician, Developer Advocate, Development Technician, Economic Developer, Economic Development Coordinator, Housing Development Specialist, Housing Grant Analyst, Housing Liaison, Land Use Planner, Neighborhood Planner, Occupancy Planner, Planner, Planning Consultant.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.