Synonyms: City Planner, Town Planner

Table of Contents

• Quick Facts
• Day in the Life
• Common Characteristics
• How to Become an Urban Planner
• Specialties and Similar Career Paths
• Advice from Haley

Quick Facts

What urban planners do:

Urban planners develop plans and programs for land use in towns, cities, and regions. They work to create communities, accommodate growth, and revitalize physical facilities in towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas. They consider environmental, economic, and social factors to create sustainable and functional urban spaces.

Median income:

$81,800 annually or $39.33 per hour.

Lifestyle:

Urban planners typically work full-time in offices, though they may spend time on-site to observe areas for potential projects. Community meetings and project deadlines can influence work schedules.

Education Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree is typically required.

Job Outlook

The future for urban planners is bright, with the occupation expected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as average with all occupations.

This is perfect for you if:

• You love planning and organizing
• You have a passion for community development
• You want to help shape the physical space and growth of cities and town

If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Haley Carruthers to learn more about being an urban planner here!

Day in the Life

Schedule:

Urban planners typically work standard office hours, but they may attend community meetings in the evenings or on weekends.

Setting:

Work in offices or municipal buildings, and may also visit sites to evaluate areas for potential projects. They collaborate with government officials, developers, and the public.

Tasks:

Analyze data to determine the best use of land, draft plans for community development, collaborate with stakeholders, address zoning and land-use regulations, and conduct environmental and economic feasibility studies.

Topics:

Land use planning, zoning regulations, transportation planning, community engagement, sustainable urban development, environmental impact assessment, housing policy, urban revitalization, infrastructure planning, and public policy.

Skills:

Strong analytical skills, proficiency in geographic information systems (GIS), problem-solving, excellent communication, public speaking, project management, and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.

Tools:

Geographic Information System (GIS) software, urban planning software (AutoCAD, SketchUp), data analysis tools, project management software, and presentation tools.

Common Characteristics

Natural Talents (strengths):

Good spatial awareness, a talent for balancing community needs with development goals, problem-solving, strong organizational skills, effective communication, and an ability to think both creatively and analytically.

Interests:

Enjoys planning and organizing urban spaces, solving community-related issues, analyzing land-use data, engaging with the public, and learning about sustainable development practices.

Personality:

Typically have investigative, social, and conventional personality types, with a passion for improving communities and making cities more livable and functional.

Values:

Community development, sustainability, equity in urban environments, environmental stewardship, and creating well-designed spaces for public benefit.

*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.

How to Become an Urban Planner

Education Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in urban planning, geography, architecture, or a related field is typically required, but many positions prefer candidates with a master’s degree in urban or regional planning. Internships in municipal planning offices or related organizations are beneficial.

Preferred Majors

Specialties and Similar Career Paths

Advice from Haley

Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:

Create a portfolio. Even if you’re not in a creative field, a portfolio sets you apart. Being able to tell a story is a key skill in urban planning—something I learned while working at Disney. Whether it’s a community plan or a park plan, it’s all about storytelling. Use your undergrad projects—reports, assignments, exercises—as deliverables that showcase how you fit into planning. Think about how what you’ve done relates to urban planning, and present it creatively in a portfolio to tell your story effectively.

Fastest way to get your foot in the door:

Start by reaching out to planners for coffee chats—they’re usually happy to share insights. Get involved in public engagement to gain experience without specific skills. Do community organizing as supplemental work, and network through organizations like the APA. Engaging with the community will help you transition smoothly into planning.

Recommended resources:

Haley recommends looking into:

1. The Accommodation – A book about the character of Dallas and how it has changed over time.
2. Evicted – A book that discusses housing issues.
3. APA (American Planning Association) – Offers journals and news articles related to urban planning.
4. Congress of New Urbanism (CNU) – Provides articles and offers a certification in new urbanism.
5. New York Times – Covers topics related to urban planning, such as housing and transportation.

What Haley would tell her younger self if she was just getting started:

“I would tell her to take a deep breath. Don’t dim your light, and keep pushing for what you think you deserve because you never know until you try. In my career, I was fearless about what I wanted, and I achieved it. If I could go back, I’d have a bit more patience, but I also know to trust my gut when something doesn’t feel right.”

Watch the full interview with Haley:

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Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 30 September 2024.

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