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City Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate Planner - City

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$32.49 - $49.66/hr

Knowledge of principles of city planning. * Knowledge of and skill in determining appropriate research and analysis methodologies. * Skill in working efficiently and accurately with information.

Associate Planner

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$101K - $135K/yr

The City of Larkspur is seeking a talented planning professional to support a wide range of current and long-range planning initiatives. This position offers the opportunity to work on impactful ...

... Development, the City Planner will be expected to perform professional urban planning tasks ... Prepares reports on planning and development issues, including special use permits, rezoning ...

City Planner I-II

Fountain, CO · On-site

$23.75 - $35.25/hr

This position reviews and coordinates planning and development applications, conducts technical ... Complies with all City policies and procedures, as well as applicable local, state, and federal ...

... Development, the City Planner will be expected to perform professional urban planning tasks ... Prepares reports on planning and development issues, including special use permits, rezoning ...

City Planner

Florissant, MO · On-site

$62K - $74K/yr

... Development, the City Planner will be expected to perform professional urban planning tasks ... Prepares reports on planning and development issues, including special use permits, rezoning ...

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 ... This position reviews and coordinates planning and development applications, conducts technical ...

City Planner

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$79K - $111K/yr

Present planning analyses and recommendations at public meetings and hearings. * Maintain accurate planning records, reports, and development files in accordance with city policies and retention ...

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City Planning information

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$56K

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$157K

How much do city planning jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for city planning in the United States is $103,218.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much is a city planner paid?

City planners typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced certifications and experience in urban design or zoning can lead to higher compensation.

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 a solid background in urban planning, land use, and environmental regulations, typically supported by a degree in urban planning or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, zoning codes, and project management tools is essential. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and stakeholder engagement skills set outstanding city planners apart. These competencies ensure effective, sustainable urban development that meets community needs and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between City Planning vs Urban Design?

AspectCity PlanningUrban Design
Primary FocusLong-term land use, zoning, and policy developmentPhysical design of urban spaces and public areas
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in urban planning, geography, or related fieldsBachelor's or master's in architecture, landscape architecture, or urban design
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, planning departments, consulting firmsArchitectural firms, design studios, public agencies
Industry UsagePolicy formulation, land use regulation, community developmentDesigning streetscapes, parks, and public spaces

City Planning and Urban Design are closely related fields but differ in scope. City Planning focuses on policy, land use, and long-term development strategies, while Urban Design emphasizes the physical layout and aesthetic of urban spaces. Both roles often collaborate but serve distinct functions within urban development projects.

What are some of the main challenges city planners face when balancing community needs with regulatory requirements?

City planners often encounter the challenge of finding a balance between the diverse interests of community stakeholders and the constraints of zoning laws, environmental regulations, and budget limits. Engaging with residents, business owners, and government officials requires strong communication and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to interpret and apply complex planning codes. Navigating these challenges is a key part of the role, and successful planners are adept at facilitating public meetings, incorporating feedback, and developing creative solutions that comply with regulations while addressing community goals.

How can you become a city planner?

To become a city planner, you typically need a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field, with many positions requiring a master's degree. Gaining experience through internships and developing skills in GIS software, zoning laws, and public policy are also important. Certification from professional organizations can enhance job prospects and credibility in the field.

Is city planning a good career?

City planning is a viable career that involves developing land use policies, designing urban spaces, and working with government agencies. It typically requires a degree in urban planning or related fields, strong analytical skills, and knowledge of zoning laws and GIS tools. The profession offers opportunities for impact on community development and sustainability but can involve long hours and public engagement.

How much is an urban planner paid?

Urban planners typically earn a median annual salary of around $75,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience, location, and education. Entry-level positions usually start lower, while experienced professionals or those in high-demand areas can earn higher wages, often requiring knowledge of zoning laws, GIS tools, and planning regulations.

What is city planning?

City planning, also known as urban planning, is the process of designing and managing the development of cities, towns, and urban areas. It involves creating plans and policies for land use, transportation, housing, public spaces, and infrastructure to ensure sustainable and organized growth. City planners work to balance social, economic, and environmental needs, aiming to improve the quality of life for residents while accommodating future population changes. Their work often includes community engagement, zoning, and addressing challenges such as traffic congestion, housing shortages, and environmental protection.
More about City Planning jobs
What cities are hiring for City Planning jobs? Cities with the most City Planning job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of City Planning jobs? The most popular types of City Planning jobs are:
What states have the most City Planning jobs? States with the most job openings for City Planning jobs include:
Associate Planner - City

Associate Planner - City

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

$32.49 - $49.66/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Oklahoma City Public Schools rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

423rd of 574 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

PAY AND FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT (FLSA) STATUS:

Pay Range:  514

Hourly Rate:  $32.49 - $49.66

FLSA Status:  Exempt

The normal starting pay for this position is the minimum of the pay range listed above. A higher rate of pay may be considered, dependent on the qualifications and experience of the selected applicant and/or the City's step placement policy.

APPLICATION, HIRING, AND BACKGROUND

  • When completing the application, applicants will be asked to respond to application questions.  These application questions are based on the Job Requirements for the position.  
  • Completion of the application questions is required. 
  • Applicant responses to the application questions must specifically answer the questions asked. 
  • Responses to application questions must be supported by work history/information listed on the application/resume, sufficient to demonstrate qualifications for the position.  
  • Applicants may upload only two attachments.  Attachments may include, but are not limited to a resume, cover letter, DD214 or NGB Form 22, transcripts, etc.  Applicants may also choose to combine documents into one file for upload.  
  • Applications may not be reviewed if specific responses to application questions have not been provided.
  • Each application submission is reviewed independently.  

For detailed information about the City's hiring and background processes, check out theQuick Guide to Hiring and Background Checks 

If you have questions, check out the: Frequently Asked Questions 

TOTAL REWARDS

At the City of Oklahoma City, our Total Rewards package is designed to honor your service, fuel your growth, and support every part of your life.  We offer:

  • Competitive pay
  • An average of $22,000 annually contributed toward your benefits and retirement
  • A comprehensive package designed to support your health and wellness, financial security, work-life balance, and personal and professional growth and development

Explore all the ways we invest in you: City of Oklahoma City Total Rewards

DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION

The Associate Planner position will assist with the administration of several Federally funded programs within the City's neighborhood revitalization program, known as the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative.  The person in this position must have the ability to leverage human and financial resources to effect neighborhood change.

JOB SUMMARY

This job is located in the Community Development Division of the Planning Department within the City of Oklahoma City and is under the direction of an immediate supervisor. Associate Planner is a professional classification that requires well-developed skills in research; verbal and written communication; and fully functional knowledge of the principles, procedures, and methodologies of city planning.  Essential job functions include:  conducting research and/or traveling to conduct field surveys in specific or general project areas and independently compiling, computing, and presenting planning data in appropriate formats.  Associate Planners participate in data summary and analysis and are called upon to draw valid conclusions that may be based on hypotheses of future circumstances and demands.  Within this classification, differentiation occurs with respect to the disciplinary knowledge required of the incumbent.  Associate Planners in all disciplines are responsible for writing, presenting formal and technical reports, working papers, and other correspondence.  Work products, as well as the procedures used to generate them, are subject to review by a supervisor.  Reports, conclusions, and recommendations may become or be used to establish official City policies or ordinances. 

VETERANS PREFERENCE

Honorably discharged veterans of the United States Active Duty Armed Forces, National Guard, and Reserve Forces who are not currently employed full-time by the City of Oklahoma City and who meet the qualifications for the position shall be given preference. To receive preference, veterans must submit verification of honorable discharge from the United States military service (Department of Defense Form DD214 or NGB Form 22) prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

  • Knowledge of principles of city planning.
  • Knowledge of and skill in determining appropriate research and analysis methodologies.
  • Skill in working efficiently and accurately with information.
  • Skill in verbal and written communication.
  • Skill in working with large quantities of data, including spatial data.
  • Skill in assessing salient information through research, conferences, and examinations. 
  • Skill in working projects through to completion within specified time frames.
  • Skill in relating to people from various socio-economic and professional backgrounds.
  • Skill in writing technical reports.
  • Skill in reading and interpreting technical, narrative, and graphic displays.
  • Skill in recalling information.
  • Ability to think logically.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Ability to draw valid conclusions from research and analysis.
  • Ability to travel.
  • Willingness to assume responsibility for work performed. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Possession of a Bachelor's degree or higher in Urban Planning, Urban Geography, Sociology, or related field.
  • Familiarity with federal grant programs, including Community Development Block Grant and/or HOME.
  • Demonstratable experience in neighborhood revitalization, community engagement, project management, placemaking, and program delivery, especially those targeting low income and disadvantaged groups.
  • Proficiency in mapping, data analysis and presentation of neighborhood plans and projects.
  • Experience in public speaking and presenting complex information to groups.

COMPETENCIES

  • One City, One Team (Teamwork/Team Oriented) (1) Recognizes, values, and leverages the ideas, opinions, and perspectives of others; (2) participates willingly and effectively as a team lead or team member; (3) builds consensus; fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust; (4) collaborates with others to accomplish goals and objectives and achieve results; (5) expresses facts, ideas, messages, and information (technical and non-technical) to individuals or groups clearly, concisely, accurately, understandably, with honesty, tact, and diplomacy and in a manner that is appropriate for the intended audience; (6) actively listens, clarifies information as needed; (7) [Core Value One City, One Team] shares information, resources and solutions across departments; (8) [Core Value One City, One Team] asks for help early and offers it often; (9) [Core Value One City, One Team] collaborates across teams before decisions are made.
  • Service First (Customer Centric) (1) Demonstrates commitment to public service; (2) serves and satisfies internal and external customers in a timely and effective manner; (3) establishes, commits to, and maintains high standards for producing quality work products and being responsive to customers; (4) supports the Department/City's mission; develops and executes strategies with the customer in mind; (5) [Core Value Service First] acts quickly and follows through until the job is complete; (6) [Core Value Service First] serves everyone with genuine respect, diligence and professionalism; (7) [Core Value Service First] makes decisions with the people we serve in mind.
  • Respect Always (Leads Through Influence) (1) Persuades others; builds consensus through give and take; (2) gains cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals; (3) works with others towards achieving agreements that may involve exchanging resources or resolving differences; (4) understands the concepts, practices, and techniques used to identify, engage, influence, and monitor relationships with individuals and groups connected to a work effort including those actively involved; (5) leads through influence over the process and its results, and those who have a vested interest in the outcome (positive or negative). (6) [Core Value Respect Always] listens with curiosity and speaks with care; (7) [Core Value Respect Always] embraces different perspectives and lived experiences; (8) [Core Value Respect Always] gives feedback constructively and receives it openly. 
  • Own the Outcome (Execution and Results) (1) Sets well-defined and realistic goals and high standards of performance for self or self and others; (2) displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment toward performing work; (3) completes assignments in a thorough, accurate, and timely manner, and delivers results; (4) works with minimal supervision, is motivated to achieve, and demonstrates responsible behavior; (5) demonstrates understanding of all aspects of the job and application of accrued knowledge in carrying out duties and responsibilities; technical knowledge; skill in the techniques, equipment, procedures, and work required; (6) recognizes opportunities and takes action for improvement to programs, policies, procedures, practices, and processes; (7) understands and is able to apply the principles, methods, and tools of quality improvement; (8) collects, examines, analyzes, and interprets data from a variety of sources; (9) makes data-driven recommendations/decisions and achieves results; (10) effectively achieves results through others to achieve the Department or City's mission; (11) [Core Value Own the Outcome] takes initiative to fix it or escalates issues; (12) [Core Value Own the Outcome] follows through on commitments; (13) [Core Value Own the Outcome] speaks up when accountability is missing.
  • Keep Getting Better (Commitment to Continuous Improvement) (1) Recognizes opportunities for improvement with regard to programs, policies, procedures, practices, and processes; (2) understands and is able to apply the principles, methods, and tools of quality improvement; (3) collects, examines, analyzes, and interprets data from a variety of sources; (4) makes data-driven recommendations/decisions and achieves results; (5) [Core Value Keep Getting Better] takes time to reflect and act on what is working and what is not; (6) [Core Value Keep Getting Better] learns from mistakes without blaming; (7) [Core Value Keep Getting Better] supports self and other's development and growth. 
  • Empathetic Leadership (1) Fosters a workplace where employees are engaged; (2) seeks to know and learn about, and respects the values, attitudes, and beliefs of others; (3) welcomes varied ideas, perspectives, and thoughts when carrying out the work of the organization and making decisions; (4) builds trust through transparency, open communication, feedback, consistency, and humility; (5) seeks to build high performing teams through practices that demonstrate a commitment to hiring the most qualified candidates; promotes advancement opportunities for all (e.g., coaching, mentoring, providing personal and professional development opportunities); (6) resolves conflict and maintains effective working relationships with others through open dialogue, collaboration, empathy, active listening, understanding, tact, diplomacy, and professionalism; (7) treats others with fairness and dignity; (8) demonstrates emotional maturity; and (9) recognizes contributions and celebrates accomplishments.  Note: This competency is not applicable for employees who are not supervisors. 
  • Judgment (1) Plans, coordinates, and executes business functions efficiently, effectively, and in a fiscally responsible manner; (2) identifies risks and develops and implements measures to avoid, mitigate, or minimize those risks; (3) makes effective, timely, well-informed, objective, and transparent work-related decisions; (4) exhibits emotional maturity and stability, effectively manages conflict, and remains optimistic and calm during stressful situations; (5) uses resources effectively to achieve results aligned with organizational priorities; (6) applies understanding of financial management/budgeting principles to ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible and in accordance with policies, procedures, processes, rules, regulations, and laws; (7) makes business decisions that drive positive, fiscally responsible performance; (8) manages ambiguity, business insight, financial acumen, makes decisions using data and insight that achieves the best outcome for the department and City.
  • Talent Development (1) Provides tools, materials, equipment, and resources; (2) provides performance feedback, coaching, mentoring, encouragement, and support; (3) discusses personal and professional goals; (4) provides formal and informal learning and development opportunities that support achievement of personal and professional goals; (5) attracts and develops talent; (6) manages performance throughout the department or City; (7) sets the leadership tone for area of responsibility.  Note: This competency is not applicable for employees who are not supervisors. 
  • Strategic Thinking (1) Thinks conceptually, imaginatively, and systematically; (2) envisions the future; (3) defines the vision, direction, and goals; (4) develops a road map for achievement; (5) anticipates change and plans for it; (6) considers long-term value and consequences; (7) influences others to achieve results; (8) understands where the organization is headed; knows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work; (9) aligns business strategies to long-term success of the City; (10) sets the vision, direction and compelling course of action; (11) operates effectively within the systems, programs, policies, procedures, codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations of the organization; (12) knows industry and stays ahead of best practices; (13) understands the political environment, management priorities, staff roles and responsibilities, and grasps external factors impacting the organization; (14) identifies when issues need to be escalated to higher authorities and effectively alerts appropriate officials.
  • Agility (1) Values collaboration, commu...

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