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 Planner
Planner
Planning Consultant
Planning Technician

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key 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)

Region

Compare with Region

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

43,040

Wage Distribution by Percentile

U.S.

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 Acrobat
Adobe Creative Cloud software
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Photoshop
Autodesk AutoCAD
Bentley MicroStation
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
ESRI ArcGIS software
Extensible markup language XML
Hypertext markup language HTML
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Project
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Word
Oracle Database
Oracle Java
SAP software
Structured query language SQL
Trimble SketchUp Pro

Technology Skills

3D urban simulation modeling software
Accela KIVA DMS
Accela PERMITS Plus
Accela Tidemark Advantage
Adobe Dreamweaver
Adobe FreeHand MX
Adobe PageMaker
Autodesk 3ds Max Design

Tools & Equipment

10-key calculators
35 millimeter cameras
Desktop computers
Digital camcorders
Digital cameras
Digitizers
Drafting scales
Global positioning system GPS receivers