Urban Planner

Your Fit

Income

$84K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

3.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Urban Planner?

An Urban Planner designs and oversees land use and development plans for urban, suburban, and rural communities, aiming to create functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing spaces. They balance community needs, environmental constraints, and economic development in their planning.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Urban Planner.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Urban Planner earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$56K per year	$66K per year	$84K per year	$104K per year	$129K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $34K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Urban Planner do?

Work environment

Urban Planners typically work for local governments, planning consultancies, real estate developers, or regional planning agencies. Their work often involves collaborating with public officials, developers, and the public. Urban Planners may spend time in an office and in the field, assessing sites and attending community meetings.

Quick task list

Develops and reviews land use plans and zoning regulations.
Conducts research and analysis on environmental, economic, and social trends.
Engages with the community to gather input and address concerns.
Collaborates with public officials, developers, and architects on development projects.
Prepares reports and presentations for stakeholders and decision-makers.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Land Use and Zoning: Focusing on land use regulations and zoning laws to guide development.
Environmental and Sustainability Planning: Concentrating on sustainable practices and environmental impact assessments.
Transportation Planning: Developing transportation systems and infrastructure to improve mobility.
Economic Development: Aiming to foster economic growth and redevelopment.
Urban Design: Emphasizing the aesthetic and functional design aspects of urban spaces.

Description

Urban Planners play a vital role in shaping the physical layout and character of communities. They analyze various data, consider long-term community needs, and propose plans that balance growth, sustainability, and functionality. This involves understanding complex regulatory environments, environmental constraints, economic trends, and social dynamics.

A career in urban planning is multifaceted, requiring skills in research, analysis, problem-solving, and effective communication. Urban Planners must be adept at using planning software and GIS technology for spatial analysis. They are often at the forefront of addressing challenges such as urban sprawl, transportation congestion, and community development, making their role critical in creating livable and sustainable communities.

Urban Planning is a collaborative field that involves engagement with various stakeholders, including government officials, developers, and the public. It offers opportunities to impact society positively by creating healthier, more efficient, and more equitable communities. This profession requires a blend of technical skills, creativity, and a deep understanding of social and environmental issues.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Directly impacting community development and quality of life.
Working on diverse projects, from green spaces to urban infrastructure.
Contributing to sustainable and environmentally responsible planning.

You might make a good Urban Planner if you are...

Passionate about urban development and community building.
Skilled in critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical reasoning.
Interested in geography, architecture, and environmental studies.
A strong communicator capable of engaging with diverse groups.
Creative and able to visualize and plan spatial arrangements.

Pros:

Opportunity to shape the physical and social environment of communities.
Diverse and dynamic work with varied projects.
Growing importance of urban planning in addressing environmental and societal challenges.

Cons:

Potentially contentious nature of planning decisions and community engagement.
Navigating complex regulatory environments and bureaucratic processes.
Balancing competing interests and priorities in development projects.

How to become an Urban Planner

Typical education

Most Urban Planners have a master's degree in urban or regional planning, which generally requires 2-3 years of graduate study after a 4-year bachelor's degree. Some entry-level positions may be available with a bachelor's degree.

High school preparation

Courses:

Social Studies and Geography to understand community development and spatial dynamics.
Environmental Science for sustainability and conservation principles.
Mathematics and Statistics for data analysis.
Art or Design for developing visualization skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in city or community planning events.
Engaging in environmental clubs or local community service projects.
Joining model United Nations or debate teams to develop skills in public speaking and policy analysis.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, environmental studies, or a related field.
Consider internships with city planning departments, real estate firms, or environmental organizations.
Earn a master's degree in urban or regional planning for advanced career opportunities.
Gain certification from organizations like the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) for professional recognition.

More resources

American Planning Association (APA) - Offers resources, education, and certification for urban planners.
Planetizen - A public-interest information exchange for the urban planning, design, and development community.
Urban Land Institute (ULI) - Provides leadership in responsible land use and creating sustainable, thriving communities.
National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) - Offers guidelines and resources on urban street design and transportation policies.
Strong Towns - A nonprofit advocating for sustainable urban development and resilient cities.

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