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Entry Level Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PlaceWorks

Entry-level Planner

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$31.25 - $41.83/hr

Job Title Entry-level Planner Location Sacramento, CA - US (Primary) Category Comprehensive Planning Job Type Full-time Non-exempt Career Level Entry Level Education Bachelor's Degree Travel ...

PlaceWorks

Entry-level Planner

Sacramento, CA · Hybrid

$31.25 - $41.83/hr

PlaceWorks has an immediate need for a full-time, entry-level planner to join the Planning team in our Folsom office. We are looking for an individual with 2 - 4 years of professional experience ...

HNTB

Aviation Planner - Entry Level

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$74K - $111K/yr

What We're Looking For It is an exciting time to join HNTB's integrated aviation planning and environmental practice! We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with excellent analytical and ...

HNTB

Aviation Planner - Entry Level

Oakland, CA · On-site

$74K - $111K/yr

What We're Looking For It is an exciting time to join HNTB's integrated aviation planning and environmental practice! We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with excellent analytical and ...

HNTB

Aviation Planner - Entry Level

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$74K - $111K/yr

What We're Looking For It is an exciting time to join HNTB's integrated aviation planning and environmental practice! We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with excellent analytical and ...

PPG

Entry Level Production Planner

Mojave, CA

The Production Planner supports manufacturing operations by preparing and maintaining detailed production schedules aligned with demand requirements, plant capacity, and material availability within ...

NextDeavor Inc.

Planner

Irvine, CA

$33.36 - $41.70/hr

Planner Full-time Irvine, CA Exclusive confidential search -- details shared with qualified ... At least 1 year of relevant professional experience (entry-level professional position) * Bachelor ...

NextDeavor Inc.

Planner

Irvine, CA · On-site

$33.36 - $41.70/hr

Planner Full-time Irvine, CA Exclusive confidential search -- details shared with qualified ... At least 1 year of relevant professional experience (entry-level professional position) * Bachelor ...

Arcadis

Environmental Planner I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $97K/yr

Arcadis is seeking an entry-level Environmental Planner to join our Enviro Socio Permitting team in primarily serving Southern California. The successful candidate will conduct desktop reviews and ...

Arcadis

Environmental Planner I

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$75K - $96K/yr

Arcadis is seeking an entry-level Environmental Planner to join our Enviro Socio Permitting team in primarily serving Southern California. The successful candidate will conduct desktop reviews and ...

County of Siskiyou

Assistant Planner

Yreka, CA

$52K - $66K/yr

DEFINITION Under supervision, performs a variety of entry-level professional planning duties, including assisting in the review of land use and development applications; conducting research and ...

County of Siskiyou, CA

Assistant Planner

Yreka, CA · On-site

$52K - $66K/yr

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the entry-level class in the professional Planner series. Incumbents perform a variety of planning assignments while developing knowledge of land use ...

804 Technology

Planner

Irvine, CA · On-site

Professional entry level position at least 1 year of experience Bachelor's degree in business ... General knowledge of manufacturing resource planning systems and standard business application ...

Belcan

Planner

Irvine, CA · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Planner Pay Rate: $25-$32/hr Location: Irvine, CA Area Code: 949, 714 ZIP Code: 92618 Start Date ... Professional entry level position at least 1 year of experience * Bachelor"s degree in business ...

Belcan

Planner

Irvine, CA

$25 - $32/hr

Planner Pay Rate: $25-$32/hr Location: Irvine, CA Area Code: 949, 714 ZIP Code: 92618 Start Date ... Professional entry level position at least 1 year of experience * Bachelor"s degree in business ...

804 Technology

Planner

Irvine, CA

Professional entry level position at least 1 year of experience * Bachelor's degree in business ... General knowledge of manufacturing resource planning systems and standard business application ...

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All JobsPlanner JobsEntry Level Planner JobsEntry Level Planner Jobs in California

Entry Level Planner information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$68.7K

$111.5K

How much do entry level planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level planner in California is $68,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $79,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by entry level planners, and how can they effectively overcome them?

Entry level planners often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple project deadlines, adapting to rapidly changing priorities, and learning to communicate effectively with diverse teams. To overcome these, it's helpful to develop strong organizational skills, proactively seek feedback from experienced colleagues, and make use of project management tools commonly used in the field. Regular check-ins with supervisors and collaborating closely with team members can also help new planners stay on track and quickly build confidence in their role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Planner vs Junior Urban Planner?

AspectEntry Level PlannerJunior Urban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in planning, geography, or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in urban planning or related field
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, project support, data analysisOffice and fieldwork, site visits, community engagement
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, consulting firms, government agenciesUrban planning firms, government departments, non-profits

Entry Level Planners and Junior Urban Planners share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often working in municipal or consulting settings. The main difference lies in job titles used by employers; 'Junior Urban Planner' may imply slightly more specialized or advanced responsibilities, but both roles serve as entry points into urban planning careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Planner, you typically need a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field, along with strong analytical and organizational skills. Familiarity with GIS software, Microsoft Office Suite, and understanding of zoning regulations are often required. Effective communication, attention to detail, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for collaborating with stakeholders and conveying planning concepts. These skills ensure accurate project analysis, regulatory compliance, and successful coordination on planning initiatives.

What does an entry level planner do?

An entry level planner typically assists in the development and implementation of plans related to urban development, events, or logistics, depending on the industry. Their responsibilities often include gathering and analyzing data, preparing reports, supporting senior planners, and ensuring projects comply with relevant regulations. This role is designed to provide foundational experience and training, allowing individuals to develop the skills needed for more advanced planning positions. Entry level planners may work in local government, private firms, or nonprofit organizations, and their daily tasks often involve both fieldwork and office duties.
What are the most commonly searched types of Planner jobs in California? The most popular types of Planner jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Planner jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Planner job openings:
Entry Level Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Planner job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,680 per year, or $33 per hour.
Entry-level Planner

Entry-level Planner

PlaceWorks

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$31.25 - $41.83/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Entry-level Planner
Location
Sacramento, CA - US (Primary)
Category
Comprehensive Planning
Job Type
Full-time Non-exempt
Career Level
Entry Level
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Travel
Job Description
Job Description:
PlaceWorks has an immediate need for a full-time, entry-level planner to join the Planning team in our Folsom office. We are looking for an individual with 2 - 4 years of professional experience related to planning, who is creative, outgoing, self-starting, and passionate about helping shape and improve communities through their work.
Working in a collaborative, casual, and professional work environment under the guidance of skilled project managers and other senior staff, this planner will assist project teams by applying planning knowledge and technical skills to contribute to the successful completion of projects at a variety of scales, often working concurrently on more than one project. Typical projects of our planning practice include general and specific plans, master plans, zoning, housing policy, urban revitalization/infill, and local/regional transportation plans, as well as community engagement.
You're most likely a fit if:
  • You love planning for the future of communities and making a difference with your work.
  • You have an interest in research, public policy development, and creating development and design standards.
  • You have strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills and aren't afraid to ask questions or provide contributions, ideas or insights that will help move projects forward.
  • You have excellent writing, formatting, and proofreading skills and are detail-oriented.
  • Engaging with the public excites you, and you're willing to jump in to help with outreach efforts. You may be asked to coordinate meetings, prepare and assemble materials/supplies, give presentations, and/or facilitate discussions at workshops.
  • You're able to attend and travel to client meetings and community workshops which may occur on weekday nights and weekends.
  • You have professional acumen to cultivate working relationships with clients, community-based organizations, and other firms.
  • You enjoy using your technical skills to create graphics, maps, plan documents, proposals, and presentations that communicate ideas simply and clearly.
  • You enjoy analyzing and compiling research and data as required by a project.
  • You can manage your time to produce final project documents and products by stated deadlines. You can work effectively on multiple projects at once.
  • You're a self-starter who is also a team player, able to work both independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work environment-balancing remote work with in-office collaboration as required based on office location. This position requires a minimum of two in-office days per week.
  • You're interested in assisting with marketing, business development, and proposal efforts for planning and outreach work.
  • You have a bachelor's degree or master's degree in urban or regional planning, or related field.
  • You navigate the digital world with solid, intermediate-level computer skills, learn new tools quickly, and have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
  • You're experienced with ArcGIS and/or Adobe Creative Suite (not required, but these skills are a huge plus!)
  • You have a reliable means of transportation to and from work, and to perform site visits and attend meetings when needed.

The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $41.83 per hour, dependent upon experience and other relevant factors.
Benefits:
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Competitive salaries and 401(k)
  • Generous paid time off
  • 8 paid holidays
  • Flexible schedules
  • Professional development budget
  • PlaceWorks offers competitive benefits and perks. To learn more, click here.

Application Instructions:
When applying, attach your cover letter, resume, and a writing sample or design portfolio as three (3) separate PDF attachments. Each attachment must be under 500KB. Alternatively, include a link to your writing sample/design portfolio if it exceeds 500KB.
Job Requirements
(see job description)
We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.

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