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Graduate Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Booz Allen Hamilton

Aircraft Mission Planner

Linda, CA · On-site

$61K - $141K/yr

Aircraft Mission Planner The Opportunity: As a defense mission professional, you ask questions ... Graduate of a USAF Weapons School * Completion of 500+ total flight hours rated aviation Clearance:

Booz Allen Hamilton

Aircraft Mission Planner

Linda, CA · On-site

$61K - $141K/yr

Aircraft Mission Planner The Opportunity: As a defense mission professional, you ask questions ... Graduate of a USAF Weapons School * Completion of 500+ total flight hours rated aviation Clearance:

L3HHCM20

$60K - $112K/yr

Job Title: Sr. Associate, Production Planner Job Code: 39327 Job Location: Canoga Park, CA Job ... Graduate Degree or equivalent with 0 to 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree ...

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All JobsGraduate Planner JobsGraduate Planner Jobs in California

Graduate Planner information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$68.7K

$111.5K

How much do graduate planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate 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 some typical challenges faced by graduate planners when transitioning from university to a professional planning environment?

Graduate Planners often encounter the challenge of adapting academic knowledge to practical, real-world projects, where timelines and stakeholder expectations can be demanding. They may find it initially difficult to balance multiple projects while learning specific local planning policies and procedures. Working collaboratively with experienced planners, clients, and local authorities is key to navigating these early challenges and developing professional confidence. Most organizations provide mentorship, training, and gradual responsibility increases to support new graduates through this transition.

What is a graduate planner?

Graduate Planners are entry-level professionals who have recently completed a degree in urban planning, town planning, or a related field. They assist in the development, review, and implementation of urban and regional plans, policies, and projects. Graduate Planners typically work under the supervision of experienced planners to gain practical experience, contribute to planning applications, undertake research, and engage with stakeholders. This role serves as a stepping stone for gaining full professional accreditation and advancing within the planning profession.

What is the difference between Graduate Planner vs Junior Urban Planner?

AspectGraduate PlannerJunior Urban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in planning, geography, or related field; internship experienceBachelor's degree; some roles prefer or require a master's degree
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised tasks, learning-focusedEarly career, assisting in planning projects, more responsibility
Employer & Industry UsagePlanning firms, government agencies, consulting firmsMunicipalities, urban planning departments, private consultancies

The main difference between a Graduate Planner and a Junior Urban Planner lies in experience and responsibility. Graduate Planners are typically recent graduates gaining foundational experience, while Junior Urban Planners have some work experience and handle more complex tasks under supervision. Both roles are essential stepping stones in a planning career and are often used interchangeably depending on the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate planner?

To thrive as a Graduate Planner, you need a degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field, along with foundational knowledge of planning principles and regulations. Familiarity with GIS software, planning databases, and Microsoft Office is typically required, and some roles may prefer candidates with relevant internships or RTPI accreditation. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and teamwork skills help you engage effectively with stakeholders and contribute to collaborative projects. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring effective, sustainable planning solutions and successful integration into multidisciplinary planning teams.
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Planner jobs in California? For Graduate Planner jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Planner jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Planner jobs in California are:
Graduate Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Planner job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,680 per year, or $33 per hour.

Senior Planner / Urban Designer

Steinberg Hart

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Under general direction, the Senior Planner leads planning workstreams on complex projects, translating client goals into clear strategies, concepts, and deliverables. This role provides design leadership from analysis through documentation, coordinates closely with multi-disciplinary teams, and ensures planning outputs are accurate, compelling, and aligned with scope, schedule, and budget. The Senior Planner leads key client meetings, guides consultant coordination, and mentors junior staff in planning methods and quality standards. They contribute to proposals and interviews, support business development with Principals, and model a service-focused approach that strengthens long-term client relationships. They champion design excellence and professional growth within the firm.
Requirements
Responsibilities:
  • Provide design leadership by originating innovative, high-level planning/design solutions and coordinating across the larger project team through development and presentation.
  • Lead internal coordination efforts and help reinforce the studio culture of design excellence across functions and departments.
  • Lead client meetings and support project-level client management with demonstrated ability to satisfy clients.
  • Lead coordination with consultants on planning projects and integrate consultant inputs into cohesive deliverables.
  • Mentor planning staff to support development and growth, including coaching on planning processes, methods, and quality standards.
  • Maintain familiarity with project finances; help balance scope, project tasks, and fee, including assisting with staffing decisions as needed.
  • Work effectively across multiple projects simultaneously, including large and complex efforts with diverse project types.
  • Contribute to proposal development to win new work; participate in interviews as required and support internal business development efforts.
  • Actively participate in at least one firmwide initiative and engage in relevant external professional organizations/industry activities.

Requirements:
  • Approximately 5-7 years of experience recommended; graduate in a related field or equivalent experience.
  • Studio-wide influence and demonstrated ability to collaborate across functions and departments.
  • Excellent organization/time management skills and ability to lead workstreams with minimal oversight.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and graphic communication skills; ability to produce and review client-ready deliverables.
  • Proven capability leading planning core competencies (e.g., space planning/programming and/or campus/urban planning) and synthesizing analysis into recommendations.
  • Service-focused mindset dedicated to meeting client requirements, expectations, and budget.
  • Software: Excel and InDesign (expert); Adobe Suite (proficient-expert); GIS/AutoCAD and other tools as recommended.

Pay/Benefits
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability, paid PTO and holidays, as well as 401(k) matching, profit sharing and annual performance bonus opportunities.
Steinberg Hart is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, genetics, or arrest/conviction records.
Salary Description
$100,000 - $115,000

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