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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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Graduate Urban Planner information

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$69.3K

$101.5K

How much do graduate urban planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,253 per year, or $33.3 per hour.
Urban Design & Planning - Planner IV

Urban Design & Planning - Planner IV

Progressive AE

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Make an Impact
As a Planner IV, you will lead complex, multi-faceted planning and design projects that shape communities and create meaningful impact for clients. You will collaborate with planners, architects, designers, engineers, consultants, public stakeholders, advisory groups, and legislative bodies to move projects from concept through implementation. You will bring deep expertise in community development, land use, urban design, transportation, housing, zoning, economic development, and placemaking to deliver thoughtful, equitable, and high-quality planning solutions.
Deliver Results
• Lead complex planning and design projects, including written reports, short- and long-range plans, policies, presentations, ordinance recommendations, and implementation strategies.
• Develop design concepts, graphic presentations, and 3D renderings that communicate multifaceted ideas to diverse audiences.
• Coordinate project work with architects, designers, engineers, construction administrators, consultants, developers, and clients to ensure strong collaboration and successful outcomes.
• Engage public stakeholders, advisory groups, multi-jurisdictional clients, and legislative bodies to build consensus and navigate complex community conversations.
• Review comprehensive plan amendments, re-zonings, annexations, site plans, plats, and other planning documents for compliance with applicable codes and standards.
• Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, staff hours, project expenses, invoices, and documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Mentor less experienced staff, provide technical guidance, support professional development, and contribute to business development and cross-team marketing efforts.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, or related field.
• AICP, IEDC, LEED, or similar professional credential.
• Typically 15 years of post-graduate planning experience, including experience with land planning principles and elements of neighborhood, street, and landscape design.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong knowledge of state planning laws, municipal zoning ordinances, environmental laws, site planning, urban design best practices, and risk management considerations.
Preferred Qualifications
• Master's Degree in Planning or a related field.
• Experience leading complex public engagement, multi-jurisdictional planning, and consensus-building efforts.
• Competency with design software such as SketchUp, Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring staff, leading project delivery teams, and supporting new business development initiatives.
People Matter
Each individual's background, knowledge, ability, and experience contributes to strengthening our organization and projects. Our dedication to diversity includes company provided training and education, equitable recruitment, a grassroots employee DEI committee, and robust community partnerships.
Progressive Companies is comprised of people with a variety of abilities, races, colors, religions, genders, sexual orientations, national origins, ages, veteran statuses, and more. As an equal opportunity employer, we believe diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements of innovative design. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Transforming Spaces. Empowering People.
The talented professionals of Progressive Companies are designers of a bold new future, creating high-performance structures and pathways, delivering on today's needs and preparing for what's to come. We live by the idea that design isn't simply about beauty, it's about improving strategic outcomes-what we call Performance Based Design. Our work spans across the nation, allowing team members to work on a variety of exciting projects and maximize impact as trusted partners to our clients and communities.
Sustainable and Inclusive
We are dedicated to human-centered, sustainable, and inclusive design practices. We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to building trust, respect, and truly innovative design making spaces welcoming and accessible to all. Our sustainability approach embraces the AIA 2030 Commitment, together with a range of high performance, restorative, and regenerative strategies with a focus on climate responsive results to maximize positive impact in our industry.
Employee Owned
We act like owners-because we are. From modest beginnings of four original engineering partners in 1962, to almost 300 architects, engineers, designers, and consultants across multiple regional offices today, the energy, resourcefulness, and entrepreneurial mindset you expect from a CEO come standard with every team member.
Culture of Excellence
The firm is continually ranked as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation®, with comprehensive benefits including an award-winning wellness program, hybrid work schedule, summer hours, profit-sharing, and employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). We take our work seriously, but have fun along the way, which fuels the creative spirit and supports a focus on work and life integration.
Progressive Companies is committed to development and growth of team members through continuing education, mentorship, growth opportunities, and more. We are dedicated to giving back to our communities, with paid service-learning hours available to every employee and corporate sponsorship for a wide range of community organizations and activities.

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