Urban and Regional Planners
Urban and regional planners develop comprehensive strategies for how land and physical facilities are used in cities, towns, counties, and metropolitan areas. They work for municipal governments, regional agencies, consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations, creating plans that guide development, transportation, housing, and public services across communities.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against urban and regional planners and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A planner might spend part of a week analyzing zoning data and demographic trends, meeting with city officials to discuss infrastructure needs, and reviewing development proposals from private developers. Other days involve presenting draft plans to community boards, revising recommendations based on feedback, coordinating with engineers and architects on specific projects, and attending public hearings. The work balances desk-based research and report writing with site visits and stakeholder meetings.
Who this work suits
Holland code IEC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely thrive on investigating complex problems—analyzing data, researching policy options, and weighing tradeoffs among competing needs. You're also enterprising: comfortable advocating for your recommendations, negotiating among different groups, and driving projects forward through systems and bureaucracies.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $110,190 | $137,000 | $156,750 | 120 |
| California | $90,330 | $109,610 | $136,070 | 7,460 |
| Oregon | $83,900 | $103,070 | $113,320 | 1,010 |
| Arizona | $75,510 | $102,400 | $127,660 | 1,330 |
| Colorado | $81,870 | $101,340 | $125,230 | 1,300 |
| Washington | $87,990 | $100,990 | $112,650 | 3,180 |
| Nevada | $78,490 | $100,040 | $123,520 | 270 |
| Connecticut | $81,120 | $99,880 | $125,550 | 350 |
| Massachusetts | $82,020 | $99,780 | $115,800 | 1,540 |
| Minnesota | $80,760 | $97,060 | $108,180 | 860 |
| Alaska | $77,910 | $93,860 | $105,440 | 230 |
| Illinois | $74,230 | $91,360 | $113,530 | 1,140 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Planner (AICP) — American Planning Association
- Professional Transportation Planner (PTP) — Transportation Professional Certification Board, Inc.
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against urban and regional planners and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-3051.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.