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Graduate Urban Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

William Paterson University

$46K - $63K/yr

Predoctoral Fellow of Urban Planning and Policy William Paterson University seeks applications from ... Teach a total of 18 graduate and/or undergraduate credits annually in online, hybrid or face-to ...

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How much do graduate urban planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate urban planner in the United States is $69,253.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for a Graduate Urban Planner?

As a Graduate Urban Planner, your day often involves supporting senior planners by gathering and analyzing data, attending community meetings, preparing reports, and assisting with site assessments and plan development. You may collaborate with architects, engineers, and local government officials to ensure that projects align with zoning regulations and broader development goals. You'll frequently use mapping software and data visualization tools to communicate planning ideas. This role offers a variety of tasks and the opportunity to build experience across multiple facets of the urban planning process.

What can I do with a master's degree in urban planning?

A master's degree in urban planning prepares individuals for roles such as urban planner, transportation planner, or land use analyst, involving designing and developing sustainable communities. Graduates often work with GIS software, zoning regulations, and community engagement, and may pursue certification like the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). These positions typically require strong analytical, communication, and project management skills.

What is a Graduate Urban Planner job?

A Graduate Urban Planner is an entry-level role for individuals who have recently completed a degree in urban planning or a related field. They assist in developing land use plans, researching urban development trends, analyzing data, and supporting senior planners in projects related to transportation, housing, and environmental sustainability. Graduate Urban Planners often work for government agencies, private firms, or nonprofit organizations, helping to shape communities by balancing social, economic, and environmental factors. This role provides hands-on experience and professional growth opportunities, preparing individuals for more senior planning positions.

Is there a demand for urban planners?

Urban planners are in demand due to ongoing urbanization and the need for sustainable development, infrastructure improvements, and smart city initiatives. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as local governments and private firms seek professionals skilled in GIS, zoning, and environmental planning. A relevant degree and certification can enhance job prospects in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Graduate Urban Planner position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Urban Planner, you typically need a degree in urban planning or a related field, a solid understanding of planning principles, and strong analytical and research abilities. Familiarity with GIS software, planning codes, and data analysis tools is commonly expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and present complex ideas clearly. These skills and qualifications enable you to effectively contribute to planning projects and support sustainable community development.

How much do graduate planners get paid?

Graduate urban planners typically earn between $45,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on location, employer, and level of education. Entry-level positions often require proficiency in GIS software and urban planning principles, with salaries increasing with experience and additional certifications.

Is a master's in urban planning worth it?

A master's in urban planning can enhance job prospects for urban planners by providing advanced knowledge of land use, policy, and design, which are valued skills in the field. It often leads to higher-level positions and increased earning potential, though practical experience and certifications like AICP also play important roles in career advancement.
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Graduate Urban Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Urban Planner job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,253 per year, or $33.3 per hour.
Senior Planner / Urban Designer

Senior Planner / Urban Designer

Steinberg Hart

Manhattan, NY

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

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.

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