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Development Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

County of Monterey

Senior Planner

Salinas, CA · On-site

The Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department seeks Senior Planners who are results oriented individuals with a strong grasp of the principles and practices associated with land use planning ...

County of Monterey, CA

Senior Planner

Salinas, CA · On-site

$7.3K - $10K/mo

Housing and Community Development Opening Date: 03/19/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Position ... The Senior Planner is the advanced working level/lead worker class in the professional Planner ...

AO Architects

Planner

Orange, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with planners, architects, designers, and development teams to help shape communities from early visioning through planning approvals. Key ...

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All JobsDevelopment Planner JobsDevelopment Planner Jobs in California

Development Planner information

See California salary details

$38K

$72.1K

$99.7K

How much do development planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for development planner in California is $72,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Development Planner vs Urban Planner?

AspectDevelopment PlannerUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, civil engineering, or related field; certifications may varyBachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, geography, or related field; professional certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, private development firms, consulting companiesMunicipalities, government agencies, consulting firms
Industry UsageFocuses on development projects, land use planning, and project implementationFocuses on city-wide planning, zoning, and community development

Development Planners primarily focus on managing specific development projects and land use within a broader urban context. Urban Planners have a wider scope, shaping city policies and long-term community growth. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in overlapping environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

Is being a planner a good career?

A development planner is a professional who coordinates land use, infrastructure, and community development projects, often requiring skills in project management, urban design, and environmental analysis. The career offers opportunities in government agencies, consulting firms, and private development companies, with job stability and growth potential depending on regional development needs. Certification and experience can enhance prospects in this field.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Development planners typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive roles, specialized medical professionals, or successful entrepreneurs. High-paying jobs often require advanced skills, extensive experience, or ownership of profitable businesses. For most roles, reaching this level involves significant responsibility and industry expertise.

What jobs make around $100,000 a year?

Development planners typically earn around $100,000 annually, especially with experience, advanced degrees, or certifications in urban planning, project management, or related fields. Other roles that often reach this salary level include project managers, civil engineers, and senior urban designers, particularly in large organizations or metropolitan areas.

How to become a development planner?

To become a development planner, typically a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field is required, often complemented by relevant work experience. Professional certification, such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), can enhance job prospects. Skills in GIS software, project management, and knowledge of zoning and land use regulations are also important.
What cities in California are hiring for Development Planner jobs? Cities in California with the most Development Planner job openings:
Development Planner jobs near you
Assistant Planner - Community Development - Planning

Assistant Planner - Community Development - Planning

City of Lancaster

Lancaster, CA • On-site

$90K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Closing Date: Tuesday, July 14th at 9:00 PM (PST)Position: Assistant PlannerDepartment: Community DevelopmentAnnual Salary: $90,079.32 - $114,966.80 FLSA: Exempt - Not Overtime Eligible


General Summary:

Performs entry-level work in the field of planning and environmental analysis to support the Community Development Director, including assisting customers at the public counter and performing basic to mid-level planning review.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Provides information and service to internal staff and the public regarding general procedures, provisions, and applications subject to Planning.
  • Reviews and interprets the Lancaster Municipal Code, specific plans, the Lancaster Design Guidelines, and other regulating documents for the general public, developers, and applicants.
  • Investigates complaints of ordinance violations and advises Community Preservation on the enforcement of such complaints.
  • Reviews and processes all components of planning applications, such as Director’s Reviews, Site Plan Reviews, Conditional Use Permits, and Tentative Tract Maps, including preparation of environmental review documents in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act and preparation of approval documents.
  • Reviews sign, building, engineering, and landscape plans for compliance with zoning standards and conditions of approval.
  • Attends meetings of, makes presentations to, and works with professional and public groups, including the Planning Commission.
  • Compiles and evaluates data for advanced planning studies related to land use, including office and field research on population trends, community design, and other factors.

The duties listed above are not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may also perform other related duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor. This position is considered exempt.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Planning, Urban Studies, Architecture, Geography, Public Administration, or related field.
  • One (1) year of experience in urban and regional planning or related field.
  • Master’s degree in either Planning or Public Administration and certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) are highly desirable.
  • Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the position may be considered.
Core Competencies:
  • Problem Solving – Analytically and logically evaluating information.
  • Learning Agility – Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to work.
  • Handling Stress – Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity.
  • Professional Integrity & Ethics – Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability.
  • Safety Focus – Showing Vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards.
  • Customer Focus – Attending to the Needs and expectations of customers.
  • Informing – Proactively obtaining and sharing information.
  • Teamwork – Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
  • Valuing Diversity – Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace.
  • Allocating Resources – Prioritizing the use of fiscal and material resources to maximize organizational effectiveness.
Guiding Principles:
  1. Put people first.
  2. Be visionary.
  3. Be an ambassador for Lancaster.
  4. Be Fiscally Responsible.
  5. Be Creative.
  6. Always Improving.
  7. Be Adaptable and Resilient.

Essential Physical Requirements:

  • Ascend/Descend stairs/ladders/balance (moderate)
  • Position self to bend or twist (frequent)
  • To move, transport, position items up to 15 lbs. (frequent)
  • Exposed to outdoor weather conditions (infrequent)
  • Operate Equipment (none)
  • Stationary or squatting position (frequent)

Environmental Factors:

  • Work under time pressure (moderate to frequent)
  • Interruptions (frequent)

Essential Cognitive Functions:

  • Analyze (continuous)
  • Computations (frequent)
  • Generate Written Work Product (frequent)
  • Independent Problem Solving (continuous)
  • Interruptions (frequent)
  • Maintain Positive Public Relations (moderate)
  • Organize (frequent)


Disaster Service Worker:


Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100-3109, all public employees are declared disaster service workers subject to disaster service activities as may be assigned to them in the event of fire, flood, earthquake, or other natural or man-made disaster.


Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.


The City of Lancaster will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the City of Lancaster is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting www.dfeh.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/.