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Principal Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Planner

Temple, TX ยท On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Summary The Principal Planner, under the general supervision of the Director, is responsible for complex professional planning work which involves organizing and coordinating short- and long-range ...

PRINCIPAL PLANNER

Yulee, FL ยท On-site

$72K - $109K/yr

Knowledge of the methods, policies and procedures of the Department and County as they pertain to the performance duties of the Principal Planner. * Knowledge of the functions and interrelationships ...

Principal Planner

Temple, TX ยท On-site

$82K/yr

Summary The Principal Planner, under the general supervision of the Planning Manager, is responsible for complex professional planning work on the case management side of the department. The position ...

Principal Planner

Marathon, FL ยท On-site

$100 - $125/hr

The Principal Planner ensures that all development permitted in unincorporated Monroe County is well designed, consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, and in compliance with all applicable Land ...

Principal Planner

Marathon, FL ยท On-site

$81K - $130K/yr

The Principal Planner ensures that all development permitted in unincorporated Monroe County is well designed, consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, and in compliance with all applicable Land ...

Principal Planner

Minden, NV ยท On-site

$99K - $139K/yr

... Principal Planner role is also responsible for representing and speaking for the County at meetings as well as on regional boards, groups, and programs. This role requires someone with a strong ...

Principal Planner

Lake Worth, FL ยท On-site

$75K/yr

SUMMARY Under general direction of the Planning, Zoning & Building Director, performs professional and administrative work in the field of planning. The incumbent writes staff reports on matters ...

Principal Planner

Minden, NV ยท On-site

$99K - $139K/yr

... Principal Planner role is also responsible for representing and speaking for the County at meetings as well as on regional boards, groups, and programs. This role requires someone with a strong ...

Principal Planner

Marathon, FL ยท On-site

$81K - $130K/yr

The Principal Planner ensures that all development permitted in unincorporated Monroe County is well designed, consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, and in compliance with all applicable Land ...

Principal Planner

Ocala, FL ยท On-site

$77K - $102K/yr

Assists the Planning Director to update and revise the City's comprehensive plan including maintaining an ongoing surveillance of physical, economic, and social changes within the community. * Has ...

Principal Planner

Arlington, TX ยท On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Manage and supervise planners and planning teams responsible for assignments of long-range plans and studies and current planning activities, preparing and presenting staff reports, ordinance ...

Showing results 21-40

Principal Planner information

See salary details

$56K

$102K

$155.5K

How much do principal planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal planner in the United States is $102,002.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $120,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal planner?

Principal Planners are senior-level professionals in urban and regional planning who lead the development, coordination, and implementation of planning projects and policies. They often supervise teams, provide expert guidance on land use, zoning, transportation, and community development, and serve as key advisors to government agencies or private firms. Principal Planners are responsible for ensuring that projects align with local, state, and federal regulations, and they often represent their organizations in public meetings and hearings. Their work is crucial in shaping sustainable and functional communities.

What does a principal planner do?

As a Principal Planner, you'll often oversee complex planning projects such as land use studies, zoning code updates, or long-range community plans. Your day may involve coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, leading public meetings, and reviewing development proposals for compliance with policies and regulations. Principal Planners also mentor junior staff, provide technical expertise, and frequently collaborate with local government officials, stakeholders, and the public to ensure projects align with community goals. The role requires balancing administrative tasks with hands-on project management and strategic planning.

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

To thrive as a Principal Planner, you need expertise in urban planning, land use regulations, and project management, typically supported by a degree in urban planning or a related field and relevant professional experience. Familiarity with GIS software, zoning codes, and planning documentation systems is essential, and certifications like AICP are often preferred. Outstanding communication, negotiation, and leadership skills help you guide teams and engage stakeholders effectively. These competencies ensure well-coordinated planning initiatives, compliance with regulations, and successful community development outcomes.

What is the difference between Principal Planner vs Senior Planner?

AspectPrincipal PlannerSenior Planner
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Certification (AICP)Bachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Certification (AICP)
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in planning projects, strategic oversightProject management, detailed planning tasks
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, large consulting firmsMunicipalities, private planning firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior-level planning rolesLooking for experienced planning professionals

The Principal Planner typically holds a leadership position with strategic oversight, requiring advanced credentials like AICP certification. They often work in government agencies or large consulting firms. In contrast, a Senior Planner focuses on managing specific projects and detailed planning tasks, usually within municipalities or smaller firms. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but the Principal Planner's role emphasizes leadership and strategic planning, while the Senior Planner concentrates on project execution.

What cities are hiring for Principal Planner jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Planner job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Planner jobs?

The top employers for Principal Planner jobs are:

What states have the most Principal Planner jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Planner jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Planner jobs?

For Principal Planner jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,002 per year, or $49 per hour.

Principal Planner/Analyst

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

ABOUT THE SECTION

The Principal Planner will be a member of the Housing and Local Planning team within the Regional Planning Program serving MTC and ABAG. The Regional Planning Program guides regional planning activities related to housing, land use, resilience, and transportation to create an affordable, connected, diverse, healthy, and vibrant Bay Area for all.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Within the Regional Planning Program, the Housing and Local Planning team advances regional housing and land use goals by developing and implementing key regional policies and by providing grants and technical assistance to local jurisdictions. Examples of programs and initiatives managed by the team include the Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Policy, Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) process, Priority Development Area (PDA) grants, TOC grants, and Regional Housing Technical Assistance program.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Principal Planner will play a lead role within the Housing and Local Planning team. Over the next few years, the position is anticipated to lead strategic initiatives that provide support to local jurisdictions implementing housing and land use solutions consistent with regional goals. Responsibilities will include managing the grant and technical assistance program by overseeing the existing portfolio of grants and technical assistance, developing program policies and procedures, providing direction and support to a team of grant managers, engaging with local jurisdictions, managing consultants, and designing and implementing future programs to support local planning efforts.

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