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This bar graph shows the annual salary for Urban Planners.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Urban Planners.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 4%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives.
Create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables, such as population density.
Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.
Interested in shaping cities and creating communities? A career in urban planning might be the right path for you. Urban planners are responsible for developing plans and programs for land use in towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas. They work to enhance the physical settings for life in those places while also considering the economic, social, and environmental issues. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to become an urban planner.
To enter the field of urban planning, you typically need at least a master’s degree from an accredited planning program. However, some positions may be available to those with a bachelor’s degree. Here’s what you should consider education-wise:
Practical experience is crucial in this field. Consider the following steps to gain relevant experience:
While not always required, becoming certified can enhance your job prospects and credibility:
Urban planners need a mix of technical skills and soft skills:
Building a professional network is essential:
The field of urban planning is always evolving. Stay current by:
Becoming an urban planner requires a combination of formal education, practical experience, certification, skill development, networking, and a commitment to lifelong learning. With dedication and the right preparation, you can play a crucial role in designing sustainable and vibrant communities for the future.
To pursue a career in urban planning, typically, you'll need:
While not always mandatory, professional certifications can enhance your career prospects:
Urban planners need a mix of hard and soft skills, including:
Yes, urban planners can specialize in areas such as:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of urban and regional planners is projected to grow faster than average for all occupations. Factors contributing to this growth include increased needs for housing, public infrastructure, and environmental regulation.
Joining professional organizations can offer networking opportunities, resources, and continuing education. Consider these organizations:
To stay updated in the field, urban planners should:
As you gain experience, you can advance to roles such as:
Some planners also transition into related fields such as real estate development or public policy.