Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Urban Planner
What urban planners actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an urban planner?
Review a site plan for a new apartment project. From there, the day usually includes analyze land use and demographic data, write comprehensive plans, and draft and update zoning codes. Most work full-time, with evening public meetings.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an urban planner working full time.
- 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.
- Meet a developer about design standards.
- Prepare slides for the planning commission.
- Present at a community meeting.
Where urban planners work
Planners work in government and consulting offices, with site visits and public meetings.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time, with evening public meetings.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- 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
Tools you’ll use every day
- ArcGIS
- AutoCAD
- Census and demographic data
- Spreadsheets
- Presentation software
- Survey tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Shape communities
- Mix of data, design and policy
- Public service
- Strong pay
What’s hard
- Evening meetings
- Political pressure
- Slow-moving projects
- Master’s degree usually needed
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I care about how cities work
- I like maps and data
- I enjoy public speaking
- I can handle disagreement
- I want public service
- I’m willing to earn a master’s
Not sure? Take the free Urban Planner fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow site visit safety
- Use ethical and transparent processes
- Protect personal data
- Stay calm at contentious meetings