1

Graduate Transportation Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

In this role, the primary responsibilities of a Graduate Engineer include conducting traffic engineering studies and reviewing, planning, designing, and/or managing transportation engineering ...

In this role, the primary responsibilities of a Graduate Engineer include conducting traffic engineering studies and reviewing, planning, designing, and/or managing transportation engineering ...

In this role, the primary responsibilities of a Graduate Engineer include conducting traffic engineering studies and reviewing, planning, designing, and/or managing transportation engineering ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Graduate Transportation Planner information

See salary details

$39.5K

$74.3K

$110.5K

How much do graduate transportation planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate transportation planner in the United States is $74,255.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,500.00 and $81,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Transportation Planner, you need a solid understanding of urban planning, transportation systems, and data analysis, typically supported by a relevant degree such as urban planning, civil engineering, or geography. Familiarity with GIS software, transportation modeling tools, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite are commonly required, and certifications like EIT or AICP can be advantageous. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help you effectively collaborate with stakeholders and present complex ideas clearly. These abilities are essential for developing effective, sustainable transportation solutions that meet community and regulatory needs.

What kinds of projects do Graduate Transportation Planners typically contribute to in their first year?

As a Graduate Transportation Planner, you can expect to work on a range of projects, such as assisting with traffic impact studies, supporting the development of transportation models, and helping prepare proposals and reports for both public and private sector clients. Early on, you'll likely collaborate closely with senior planners and engineers, learning how to gather and analyze data, attend stakeholder meetings, and contribute to the planning of transportation infrastructure improvements. This exposure provides valuable experience with real-world projects and sets a strong foundation for professional growth within the field.

What is the difference between Graduate Transportation Planner vs Transportation Analyst?

AspectGraduate Transportation PlannerTransportation Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, civil engineering, or related field; entry-levelBachelor's degree in transportation, logistics, or related field; entry-level
Work EnvironmentPlanning departments, consulting firms, government agencies; focus on project supportData analysis, reporting, and modeling; often in government or consulting settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by urban planning departments, transportation agencies, consulting firmsCommon in transportation agencies, research institutions, consulting firms

The main difference between a Graduate Transportation Planner and a Transportation Analyst lies in their focus areas. Graduate Transportation Planners typically assist in planning and developing transportation projects, while Transportation Analysts focus more on data analysis and modeling to inform decisions. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and are found in related industries, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ slightly.

What are Graduate Transportation Planners?

Graduate Transportation Planners are early-career professionals who assist in designing, evaluating, and improving transportation systems such as roads, public transit, and cycling infrastructure. They typically work under the supervision of senior planners and contribute to research, data analysis, public engagement, and the development of transportation policies or projects. This role is often an entry point for recent graduates with degrees in urban planning, civil engineering, geography, or related fields. Graduate Transportation Planners help ensure that transportation networks are safe, efficient, and sustainable for communities.
More about Graduate Transportation Planner jobs
What states have the most Graduate Transportation Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Transportation Planner jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Transportation Planner jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Transportation Planner jobs are:
Infographic showing various Graduate Transportation Planner job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,255 per year, or $35.7 per hour.
Transportation Engineer II-IV (Roadway Design)

Transportation Engineer II-IV (Roadway Design)

Texas Department of Transportation

Kaufman, TX • On-site, Remote

$64K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Texas Department Of Transportation rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 691 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Transportation Engineer II: Performs complex transportation engineering work in one or more functional areas such as planning, project development and design, construction, transportation/traffic operations and/or maintenance. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines. Work requires contact with governmental officials and private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.
Transportation Engineer III: Performs advanced and complex transportation engineering work in one or more functional areas such as planning, project development and design, construction, transportation/traffic operations and/or maintenance. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines. Work requires contact with governmental officials and private entities. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.
Transportation Engineer IV: Performs highly advanced and complex transportation engineering work in one or more functional areas such as planning, project development and design, construction, transportation/traffic operations and/or maintenance. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines. Work requires contact with governmental officials and private entities. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product.

Essential Duties:

  • Performs complex engineering design work such as development of layouts, sketches, plans, specifications, estimates and contracts
  • Performs complex planning work such as plan review, calculations and assisting in transportation planning studies
  • Assists with design, computer operations and plan preparation
  • Performs other job responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Education 

Transportation Engineer II-IV - Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related science bachelor's or higher degree accepted by TX PELS.

Experience

Transportation Engineer II: 5 years engineering, transportation engineering, or related engineering experience (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Transportation Engineer III: 6 years engineering, transportation engineering, or related engineering experience (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Transportation Engineer IV: 7 years engineering, transportation engineering, or related engineering experience (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications


Licenses and Certifications:

  • Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
  • Licensed Prof Engineer*
  • If performing underwater bridge inspections: Must have Open Water Diver certification.
  • For Bridge Inspection: Must have completed a comprehensive training course based on the Bridge Inspector's Training Manual or NICET Level III or IV certification in Bridge Safety Inspection within (1) year of date of hire. 

*Professional engineers licensed in another state in the United States, but not currently licensed in the State of Texas, must (1) meet the license requirements of the State of Texas Engineering Practices Act, (2) obtain a professional engineering license from the State of Texas within six (6) months of the date of hire, and (3) sign an agreement to that effect as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiar with the following software:

  • Bentley OpenRoads Designer

  • Bentley Microstation

  • HY-8

  • HECRAS

  • HECHMS

Competencies:

The required competencies for a Transportation Engineer II, III, and IV include:

  • Highway construction design applications
  • Applicable plans, specifications and estimates preparation, review, processing and compliance requirements
  • Construction phasing and sequencing
  • Applicable engineering workstations and applications to support efficient planning and design activities
  • Design and plan preparation methods and requirements 

Additional competencies for a Transportation Engineer III and IV include:

  • Hydrologic, hydraulic and geotechnical design activities and principles
  • Pavement concepts, methods, polices and requirements
  • Geometric design relationships to traffic operations, maintenance, and construction

Additional competencies for a Transportation Engineer IV include:

  • Coordinating and directing multiple projects

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

  • Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
  • Repetitive motion-substantial movements of wrist, hands , and/or fingers
  • Close Visual Acuity -work includes data/figures; view a computer screen. 

Conditions of Employment:
Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

  • This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical. 
  • Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
    • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation - 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) - does not authorize "medical marijuana" under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.
       

What Texas Department Of Transportation employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom