How to be an Urban Planner.

What is this job like?

Urban and regional planners develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities in towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

Urban and regional planners often travel to sites to inspect the proposed changes and their impact on land conditions, the environment, and use.

Most urban and regional planners work full-time during normal business hours, but some also work evenings or weekends to attend meetings with officials, planning commissions, and neighborhood groups. In 2014, about 1 in 5 planners worked more than 40 hours per week.

How do you get ready?

Urban and regional planners need a master’s degree from an accredited planning program to qualify for most positions.

Many master’s programs accept students with a wide range of undergraduate backgrounds. However, many candidates who enter master’s degree programs have a bachelor’s degree in economics, geography, political science, or environmental design.

How much does this job pay?

The median annual wage for urban and regional planners was $70,020 in May 2016.

How many jobs are there?

Urban and regional planners held about 38,000 jobs in 2014.

What about the future?

Employment of urban and regional planners is projected to grow 6 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Population growth, economic conditions, and environmental concerns will drive employment growth for planners.