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City Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City Planner (NC)

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$62K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

City Planning and Engagement Opening Date: 08/07/2026 Closing Date: 8/21/2026 11:59 PM Eastern General Statement of Duties Performs a wide range of high-level professional tasks involving planning ...

As a City Planner, you will develop plans and programs for the use of land and physical facilities of municipalities. You will assess the feasibility of proposals and identify the best way to achieve ...

CITY PLANNER V

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K/yr

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT CITY PLANNER V DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING Bureau of Housing Development Number of Positions: 1 (additional vacancies possible pending budget approval) Starting Salary: $85,368.00 New ...

As a City Planner, you will develop plans and programs for the use of land and physical facilities of municipalities. You will assess the feasibility of proposals and identify the best way to achieve ...

As a City Planner, you will develop plans and programs for the use of land and physical facilities of municipalities. You will assess the feasibility of proposals and identify the best way to achieve ...

City Planner I-II

Fountain, CO · On-site

$23.75 - $35.25/hr

Description Job Summary The City Planner I-II performs professional planning, development review, project coordination, research, and customer service work related to the administration of the City ...

As a City Planner, you will develop plans and programs for the use of land and physical facilities of municipalities. You will assess the feasibility of proposals and identify the best way to achieve ...

As a City Planner, you will develop plans and programs for the use of land and physical facilities of municipalities. You will assess the feasibility of proposals and identify the best way to achieve ...

As a City Planner, you will develop plans and programs for the use of land and physical facilities of municipalities. You will assess the feasibility of proposals and identify the best way to achieve ...

Description Zoning Chief City Planner The Zoning Chief City Planner is a highly motivated and detail-oriented person who will support strategic direction and daily operations of the City Planning ...

City Planner I-II

Fountain, CO · On-site

$23.75 - $35.25/hr

Job Summary The City Planner I-II performs professional planning, development review, project coordination, research, and customer service work related to the administration of the City's codes ...

Full-Time City Planner

Layton, UT · On-site

$46.01 - $64.42/hr

SUPERVISION EXERCISED Provides general supervision to Planner I and Planner II staff, and the Code Compliance Inspector. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Promotes and follows the City's mission statement, values ...

SUPERVISION EXERCISEDProvides general supervision to Planner I and Planner II staff, and the Code Compliance Inspector. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Promotes and follows the City's mission statement, values ...

DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of hundreds of land use applications. The Department also advises on citywide strategic and capital planning, analyzes data, conducts ...

DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of hundreds of land use applications. The Department also advises on citywide strategic and capital planning, analyzes data, conducts ...

BOROUGH PLANNER

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of hundreds of land use applications. The Department also advises on citywide strategic and capital planning, analyzes data, conducts ...

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the future of New York City, working to create thriving and dynamic neighborhoods with access to housing and jobs, resilient infrastructure, and a ...

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the future of New York City, working to create thriving and dynamic neighborhoods with access to housing and jobs, resilient infrastructure, and a ...

Borough Planner

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the future of New York City, working to create thriving and dynamic neighborhoods with access to housing and jobs, resilient infrastructure, and a ...

Showing results 21-40

City Planner information

See salary details

$38.5K

$69.3K

$101.5K

How much do city planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for city planner in the United States is $69,253.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a city planner do?

A city planner develops short-term and long-term land use plans and programs for a city or municipality. As a city planner, your primary focus is determining the optimal use of land and resources to maintain communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize outdated or inefficient physical facilities. City planners may choose to specialize in certain areas of development, such as transportation, code enforcement, or community development. Your job duties may involve conducting research for zoning and landscaping laws, evaluating regulations, and drafting legislation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a city planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a City Planner, you need strong analytical abilities, knowledge of urban planning principles, and a relevant degree in urban or regional planning. Familiarity with GIS software, zoning codes, and project management tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills help city planners engage diverse stakeholders and navigate complex regulatory environments. These skills are crucial for developing sustainable, effective urban plans that balance community needs with regulatory and environmental requirements.

What are some common challenges city planners face when balancing community needs with regulatory requirements?

City planners often encounter the challenge of finding a balance between the diverse needs of communities—such as affordable housing, green spaces, and transportation options—and adhering to zoning laws, environmental regulations, and budget constraints. This requires strong communication and negotiation skills, as planners must engage with stakeholders, government agencies, and the public to reach practical and sustainable solutions. Flexibility, creative problem-solving, and attention to detail are vital for navigating these complexities and ensuring projects align with both regulatory frameworks and community interests.

What is the difference between City Planner vs Urban Designer?

AspectCity PlannerUrban Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Geography, or related field; certification often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Urban Design, Architecture, or related field; certification less common
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, city offices, planning departmentsDesign firms, architecture studios, consulting agencies
Industry UsagePublic sector, urban development projectsPrivate sector, urban design and aesthetic projects

While both City Planners and Urban Designers work to improve urban spaces, City Planners focus on policy, zoning, and long-term development strategies, often within government agencies. Urban Designers concentrate on the aesthetic and functional design of specific urban areas, typically in private firms or consultancy roles. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in urban development.

How much do city planners make a year?

City planners, also known as urban and regional planners, typically earn a median annual salary of around $75,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, education, location, and the complexity of projects they manage, with some earning over $100,000 annually in higher-paying regions.

Is it hard to get a job as a city planner?

Getting a job as a city planner can be competitive, often requiring a relevant degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field, along with experience or internships. Strong skills in GIS software, zoning laws, and public policy can improve job prospects, but the availability of positions varies by location and economic conditions.

Is there a demand for city planners?

City planners are in demand due to ongoing urban development, infrastructure projects, and the need for sustainable growth. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as municipalities and private firms seek professionals skilled in zoning, land use, and urban design, often requiring knowledge of GIS tools and planning regulations.

What qualifications do I need to be a city planner?

To become a city planner, a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, architecture, or a related field is typically required, with many positions preferring a master's degree in urban or regional planning. Professional certification, such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), can enhance job prospects. Strong skills in GIS software, public communication, and knowledge of zoning laws are also important.

What cities are hiring for City Planner jobs?

Cities with the most City Planner job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of City Planner jobs?

The most popular types of City Planner jobs are:

What states have the most City Planner jobs?

States with the most job openings for City Planner jobs include:

What job categories do people searching City Planner jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for City Planner jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to City Planner jobs?

For City Planner jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various City Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,253 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

City Planner (NC)

City of Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

$62K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


City Of Cincinnati rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

72nd of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary : $62,851.22 - $95,553.68 Annually
Location : Centennial II, Human Resources Department, 805 Central Avenue, Suite 200, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, OH
Job Type: Full-time Unclassified
Job Number: 26-02545
Department: City Planning and Engagement
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Closing Date: 8/21/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
General Statement of Duties
Performs a wide range of high-level professional tasks involving planning and organizing, managing programs, reporting and researching, and representing the Department of City Planning and Engagement.
Minimum Qualifications (KSAs)
(Illustrative only. Any one position may not require all of the listed KSAs nor do the listed examples include all the KSAs which may be required.)
Knowledge of:
Principles, practices and terminology of planning, land development and urban design.
Principles and practices of community development and revitalization programs.
Basic practices and principles of economics and finance.
Principles and practices of real estate.
Pertinent Federal, State and Local laws, codes and regulations.
Methods of program development, evaluation and administration.
Principles and practices of municipal accounting and budget development.
Principles and practices of research and analysis.
Methods and techniques of report writing.
City geography.
Ability to:
Develop and implement plan, coordinate projects; establish goals and objectives; define and assign duties; monitor progress.
Identify, analyze and resolve program deficiencies; develop solutions and recommend changes.
Interpret and explain City policies and procedures.
Prepare clear and concise reports.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Read and understand maps, blueprints and specifications.
Operate assigned vehicle.
Examples of Work Performed
(Illustrative only. Any one position within this classification may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all of the tasks which may be performed.)
Develop, administer and coordinate various city planning programs and projects; monitor project development, report progress and recommend changes to improve project development.
Serve as a liaison for various community and business agencies for the city; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
Prepare or direct the preparation of correspondence, reports, ordinances, contracts, brochures and documents for various projects and programs; explain programs; gather and analyze project information; present findings to department director, City Manager, City Council, various departments and the general public.
Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
To provide responsible assistance to supervisory staff; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence; maintain logs and records on program activities and operations.
Assist in the implementation of goals and objectives for assigned programs; implement approved policies and procedures.
Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields related to assigned area of work.
Represent department to other city departments, elected officials and outside agencies; coordinate department activities with those of other departments, outside agencies and organizations including HUD officials, financial institutions, contractors, property owners and residents.
May be required to conduct field inspections for city funded programs and projects.
Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with those contacted in the course of work.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Probationary Period
Twelve months
Supervision Exercised
May exercise technical and functional direction over lower-level staff.
Required Education and Experience
Each applicant must have successfully completed a bachelor's degree at an accredited college or, university in the following course areas; city/urban planning, geography, architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation or public administration.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Possession of or ability to obtain a Driver's License
MILITARY EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE EVALUATION
Military education and experience may be substituted for college level course work at the lower and upper division baccalaureate and graduate levels and apprenticeship training at the vocational certificate level on a case by case basis based on the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide recommendations.
HR Contact: Lawrence.whitaker@cincinnati-oh.gov
Working and Physical Conditions
Environmental Conditions: Office environment; exposure to computer screens; travel from site to site.
Physical Conditions: Duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time.
The below information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available and is subject to change. Not all benefits listed are available for every position. Benefits can vary depending on applicable labor agreements and/or salary plan. For specific questions, contact the HR Contact indicated on the Job Posting.
The City of Cincinnati offers its employees competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefit package designed to actively attract and retain quality employees' to add additional value to the City of Cincinnati's workforce. A summary of these benefits for full-time employment is listed below. This is a general listing of benefits for all employees and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing for all bargaining units.
The City offers a variety of training programs, ranging from job-specific skills such as computer and equipment instruction, to helping supervisors improve their management techniques.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Cincinnati is dedicated to providing equal employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation or transgendered status, or ethnic, national or Appalachian origin, or on the basis of any other category protected under federal, state and local laws.
Holidays
The City of Cincinnati has 11 paid holidays annually that include:
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King Day
President's Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas
Health Insurance
The City of Cincinnati 80/20 offers 3 medical plans to all full time City of Cincinnati employees and eligible dependents: the 80/20 PPO medical plan, the HDHP medical plan with an HSA contribution, and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement for those enrolled on another non-city eligible group plan.
Eligible dependents include:
Legal Spouse or Equal Partner
Child (natural child, adopted child, and/or child who the group has determined is covered under a "Qualified Medical Child Support Order")
Step-child
Child for whom the employee or employee's spouse/equal partner is a legal guardian
Basic Life Insurance
A $50,000 Basic Life Insurance policy is paid for by the City for certain eligible employees. Full time employees not eligible for the City-paid basic life insurance policy are generally provided a similar benefit through their union group.
Supplemental Life, Long Term Disability, Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
Most full time City employees are eligible to participate in a supplemental life insurance program, a long term disability plan, and accident and critical illness insurance programs at their own expense. Premiums are determined by age, amount of coverage, and various additional factors.
Flexible Benefits Plans
Healthcare Flex Spending Account
City employees can participate in the Healthcare Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay out-of-pocket medical, prescription, dental, and vision care expenses for employees and family members.
Dependent Care Flex Spending Account
City employees can participate in a Dependent Care Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay work-related dependent care expenses. Participants can set aside money each year through pre-tax payroll deductions to pay for these expenses.
Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account
City employees can participate in a Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account (TERA) that can be used to reimburse expenses related to traveling to and from work. Participants can set-up a pre-tax payroll deduction up to an IRS regulated amount.
Healthy Lifestyles Program
City employees can voluntarily participate in a wellness incentive program that encourages and rewards employees and their spouses/equal partners for making positive choices for better health. The City of Cincinnati will contribute up to $300/year to a Health Reimbursement Account for each the employee and their spouse/equal partner for meeting specified program goals. These dollars can be used to offset qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Integrated Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
This is a voluntary program that serves as an alternative healthcare option to traditional medical plans. If you have alternate group health coverage available to you through a spouse, equal partner, another job, or a non-city retirement plan, you may be eligible for this plan which reimburses you for the difference in premiums between the plans and your covered out of pocket expenses on the other plan.
Retirement Plan
The City provides a defined benefit pension plan for part-time and full-timeemployees. New hires and re-hired employees are required to participate in the City of Cincinnati's Retirement System (CRS), regardless of previous participation in an Ohio State pension system or any another state or federal pension system. CRS is funded by employer and employee contributions, and investment returns from plan assets. CRS provides retirement and health care benefits subject to eligibility requirements. The following groups are excluded from participation in CRS: Mayor and Members of City Council; Sworn Police & Fire; Police Recruits; and Rehired Ohio Police & Fire Retirees.
Deferred Compensation
As an Ohio government employer, the City offers employees the ability to participate in a 457(b) tax-deferred retirement savings plan. The City makes an annual match to your 457(b) of up to $750, or as otherwise specified in applicable regulations and union contracts.
01
Select the option that best describes your highest level of qualifying education.
  • Bachelor's degree in City/Urban Planning
  • Bachelor's degree in Geography
  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture
  • Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture
  • Bachelor's degree in Historic Preservation
  • Bachelor's degree in Public Administration
  • Bachelor's degree in another field
  • No bachelor's degree

02
Please acknowledge the following statement regarding the education requirement and transcript submission:
  • I understand that I must attach a transcript showing a conferred bachelor's degree in a qualifying field, and failure to provide the required transcript by the application deadline will result in rejection of my application.

03
Select the statement that best describes your driver's license status:
  • I currently possess a valid driver's license.
  • I do not currently possess a valid driver's license but can obtain one by the time of appointment.
  • I do not possess a valid driver's license and cannot obtain one by the time of appointment.

04
If you are a current City of Cincinnati employee, please enter your CHRIS ID number. If you are not currently employed by the City of Cincinnati, enter "N/A
Required Question

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