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Community, Social & Government Services career
Urban Planner
Also called: City Planner · Regional Planner · Transportation Planner · Community Development Planner
What urban planners do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an urban planner do?
Urban and regional planners develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate growth and revitalize places. The median pay is $89,320 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6 years (bachelor’s + master’s), and employment is projected to grow +3.9% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$89,320$42.94/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+3.9%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year3,200Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationMaster's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train6 years (bachelor’s + master’s)Typical program length
- U.S. jobs45,800Employment, 2025
What urban planners do
Urban planners shape how communities grow. They study population, land use and transportation data, write comprehensive plans and zoning rules, review development proposals, plan for housing, transit, parks and climate resilience, and lead public meetings where residents share their views.
Most planners need a master’s degree in urban planning or a related field. Many earn AICP certification. Employment is projected to grow about as fast as average.
Typical duties
- Analyze land use and demographic data
- Write comprehensive plans
- Draft and update zoning codes
- Review development proposals
- Lead public meetings
- Coordinate with officials and agencies
- Write grants and reports
Work environment and schedule
Planners work in government and consulting offices, with site visits and public meetings.
Schedule: Most work full-time, with evening public meetings.
A day in the life
- Review a site plan for a new apartment project.
- Map census data in GIS.
- Meet traffic engineers about a corridor plan.
- Draft a zoning amendment.
See a full day in the life of an urban planner →
Urban Planner salary
Half of urban planners earned more than $89,320 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $60,010 for the lowest 10% to $134,490 for the top 10%.
Full urban planner pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an urban planner
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Earn a master’s
- Intern
- Gain experience
- Earn AICP
A master’s degree in urban or regional planning, or a related field, is typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an urban planner →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Land use planning
- Zoning
- GIS
- Data analysis
- Policy writing
People skills
- Communication
- Negotiation
- Facilitation
- Problem solving
All urban planner skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Shape communities
- Mix of data, design and policy
- Public service
- Strong pay
Cons
- Evening meetings
- Political pressure
- Slow-moving projects
- Master’s degree usually needed
Certifications and licenses
- AICP certification: American Institute of Certified Planners.
- GIS certification: GIS skills.
- LEED AP ND: Neighborhood development credential.
- Certified Floodplain Manager: Flood planning.
Career path
- Planning Technician: Support planners.
- Planner: Review projects and write plans.
- Senior Planner: Lead projects.
- Planning Director: Lead departments.
Learn the job before day one
Our Urban Planner training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as review a site plan and run a community meeting, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Urban Planner vs. Landscape Architect · Urban Planner vs. Civil Engineer · Urban Planner vs. Surveyor · Urban Planner vs. Construction Manager
Urban Planner FAQ
Do planners need a master’s?
Usually, though some entry roles accept a bachelor’s.
What is AICP?
A professional certification for planners.
Where do planners work?
Mostly local governments, plus consulting and regional agencies.
How much does an urban planner make?
The median annual wage for urban planners was $89,320 ($42.94 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $60,010 and the highest 10% earned more than $134,490.
How long does it take to become an urban planner?
Most people need about 6 years (bachelor’s + master’s) of training. A master’s degree in urban or regional planning, or a related field, is typical.
Do you need a degree to be an urban planner?
Usually. BLS lists a master’s degree as typical, and most planner roles ask for one, though some entry jobs accept a bachelor’s degree plus experience.
More urban planner questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-3051 (Urban and regional planners).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Urban and regional planners (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.