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Community Planner Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for an Entry Level Planner to join our Community DesignTeam to improve infrastructure in our Flint or Detroit office. The candidate must have a bachelor's degree Planning or a related ...

We are looking for an Entry Level Planner to join our Community Design Team to improve infrastructure in our Flint or Detroit office. The candidate must have a bachelor's degree Planning or a related ...

We are looking for an Entry Level Planner to join our Community Design Team to improve infrastructure in our Flint or Detroit office. The candidate must have a bachelor's degree Planning or a related ...

We are looking for an Entry Level Planner to join our Community Design Team to improve infrastructure in our Flint or Detroit office. The candidate must have a bachelor's degree Planning or a related ...

We are looking for an Entry Level Planner to join our Community Design Team to improve infrastructure in our Flint or Detroit office. The candidate must have a bachelor's degree Planning or a related ...

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Community Planner information

See Michigan salary details

$39.2K

$88K

$119.8K

How much do community planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for community planner in Michigan is $87,953.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,100.00 and $119,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a community planner do?

A community planner develops plans and programs to improve the physical, social, and economic aspects of communities. They analyze data, collaborate with stakeholders, and use planning tools like GIS to create sustainable development strategies, often requiring knowledge of zoning laws and urban design principles.

Can you make a lot of money as a Urban Planner?

Urban planners, including community planners, can earn competitive salaries, especially with experience, advanced degrees, and certifications such as AICP. Salaries vary by region and employer, but senior roles and specialized skills can lead to higher income levels within the field.

What Is a Community Planner?

A community planner develops assists in the planning and development of public space. Community planners typically work for the city; they think strategically about the use of local resources and create long-term and short-term plans for the municipality. As a community planner, examples of projects you may oversee include development of new bike paths, housing communities, or public parks. Once plans are approved, you issue permits to developers and construction crews. You also monitor the projects to ensure the city sticks to its official development budget. Other job duties include drafting legislation, planning new construction, conducting field investigations, mapping land areas, and predicting development trends.

What is the difference between Community Planner vs Urban Planner?

AspectCommunity PlannerUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or related field; certification often preferredBachelor's or master's degree in urban planning or related field; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLocal government agencies, community organizations, non-profitsMunicipal governments, private consulting firms, government agencies
Industry UsageFocuses on community development, public engagement, and local projectsFocuses on city-wide or regional development, infrastructure, and zoning

Community Planners and Urban Planners share similar educational backgrounds and certifications. However, Community Planners typically work more directly with local communities and focus on neighborhood-level projects, while Urban Planners often handle broader city or regional planning initiatives. Both roles are essential in shaping sustainable, functional communities and often collaborate on development projects.

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

To thrive as a Community Planner, you need a solid background in urban planning, geography, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in planning and relevant certification (such as AICP). Familiarity with GIS software, zoning codes, and planning regulations is typically required. Strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills help you effectively engage with stakeholders and navigate complex projects. These skills and qualifications are essential for developing sustainable, functional, and community-focused plans that address the needs of diverse populations.

Is an Urban Planner a good career?

A community planner, often called an urban planner, is a viable career that involves designing and developing land use plans to improve communities. It requires skills in research, public consultation, and knowledge of zoning laws, with employment opportunities in government agencies, consulting firms, and non-profit organizations. The profession offers a stable job outlook and opportunities for specialization in areas like transportation, environmental planning, or housing development.

Is there a demand for town planners?

Community planners, also known as urban or town planners, are in demand due to ongoing urban development and infrastructure projects. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as cities focus on sustainable growth, requiring skills in GIS, zoning, and environmental planning.

What are community planners?

Community planners are professionals who work to develop and implement plans that shape the growth, development, and quality of life within communities. They collaborate with local governments, organizations, and residents to address issues such as land use, transportation, housing, and environmental sustainability. Their goal is to create well-organized, livable, and resilient communities by balancing economic, social, and environmental needs through careful planning and public engagement.

What are some common challenges Community Planners face when engaging with diverse stakeholders?

Community Planners often work with a wide range of stakeholders, including residents, business owners, government officials, and advocacy groups, each with unique interests and priorities. Balancing these diverse perspectives while fostering consensus can be challenging, especially when addressing sensitive issues like zoning changes or development projects. Effective communication, active listening, and adaptability are essential skills to ensure all voices are heard and solutions are equitable. Successful Community Planners regularly facilitate public meetings and workshops to build trust and collaboratively shape community goals.
What are popular job titles related to Community Planner jobs in Michigan? For Community Planner jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Community Planner jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Community Planner job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Community Planner jobs in MI? For Community Planner jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Community Planner job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,953 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Entry Level Planner - #2970

Wade Trim

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago


Wade Trim rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 443 rated engineering


Job description

What We Offer:
Our excellent salary and benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, education reimbursement, 401(k), performance bonuses, and an employee stock program. Employee Resource Groups and Programs offered include the Young Professionals Group, Women at Wade Trim, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Professional Development, Leadership Development, Mentor Program, Sustainability Program, and Wellness Program.
Position Description:
We are looking for an Entry Level Planner to join our Community DesignTeam to improve infrastructure in our Flint or Detroit office. The candidate must have a bachelor's degree Planning or a related field and have zero to five years of related experience. Basic background in master planning, urban design, zoning ordinances updates, environmental and sustainability planning, economic planning, neighborhood planning, community planning, downtown planning and smart growth land use issues. GIS experience is preferred. The candidate must also be self-motivated, work well with others, and have excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills.
Typical responsibilities include:
  • Assist in zoning ordinance and comprehensive or master plan revisions.
  • Assist clients in as-needed planning and zoning administration.
  • Complete or review building permits, variances, rezoning, land use amendment, site plans and other planning or zoning applications.
  • Research and manipulate data using GIS research for comprehensive planning, land development codes, and other planning items.
  • Gather and analyze community profile data (census, national resources, existing land use, etc.).
  • Write reports and letters (Master Plans, CDBG, Site Plan Review, etc.).
  • Assist with parks and recreation plans.
  • Conduct project specific research through interviews, literature review, etc.
  • Assist with writing proposals and creating presentations.
  • Participate in various meetings, including evening meetings (staff, client, community, etc.).
  • Maintain excellent client relations.
  • Maintain a safe working environment.

Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Planning or related field

Skills/Experience:
  • 0 - 5 years of experience
  • GIS experience preferred

About Wade Trim:
Wade Trim is committed to maximizing the value of infrastructure investments. We've been solving complex engineering challenges for a century. We customize our work approach to fit each project using a collaborative, friendly style to deliver solutions our clients can stand behind.
Our supportive culture recognizes and strives to fulfill collective client, company, and individual needs. Mentoring and building skills of Wade Trim staff is a priority. Frequent interaction among staff is encouraged, company leadership is easily accessible, and opportunities are provided for staff to help shape the firm's future through strategic planning. Work/life balance is supported through a flexible, hybrid work schedule that brings team members together in the office at least three days a week and connects them virtually when working from home.
To solve our clients' toughest challenges, we've devoted ourselves to delivering innovative solutions. Our Office of Applied Technology (OAT) is dedicated to seeking new technologies or ways to apply existing technologies to enhance value to our clients and positively impact communities. All staff are encouraged to share ideas and suggestions for innovative technologies or processes to adopt. This open-minded approach enables us to advance technology, foster innovation, and stay ahead of our clients' needs.
Wade Trim's success is shared by the employees that make it happen. Since our beginning, our firm has been 100% employee owned. This cultivates an ownership mindset that benefits our work approach, collaborative culture, and ability to deliver client solutions. We believe employee ownership drives the sustainability and growth of our firm and provides all our employees with opportunities for financial success.
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in a friendly environment, please submit your resume by visiting the Careers section of our website at http://www.wadetrim.com/careers.
Wade Trim does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate profiles, or CVs from third-party recruiters or employment agencies. Any submission made without a valid, signed agreement and an approved engagement request from Wade Trim's People Services Team will be considered the property of Wade Trim. Wade Trim reserves the right to pursue and hire any candidate submitted through unsolicited means without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. A valid agreement can only be signed by the Director of People Services. Resumes or candidate profiles submitted at the request of a Wade Trim employee who is not authorized by the People Services team do not constitute a valid engagement. Recruiters and agencies must have a current, written agreement authorized by the Director of People Services to be considered an approved vendor.
Wade Trim is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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