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Senior Urban Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Opportunity Ulteig is seeking a motivated Senior Urban Planner to join our Water & Environment group. This role is responsible for leading and supporting signature projects contributing to city ...

The Opportunity Ulteig is seeking a motivated Senior Urban Planner to join our Water & Environment group. This role is responsible for leading and supporting signature projects contributing to city ...

The Opportunity Ulteig is seeking a motivated Senior Urban Planner to join our Water & Environment group. This role is responsible for leading and supporting signature projects contributing to city ...

Urban Designer 4

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

... Senior Urban Designer / Department Head. * Present solutions in-house and externally; serve as ... Demonstrate knowledge of building, planning and zoning codes, design guidelines and standards as ...

New

Senior Urban Designer

Boston, MA

$110K - $118K/yr

As a Senior Urban Designer , you will be responsible for leading all phases of the design process ... Collaborate with client and/or public to create strategic planning options. * Strategize, outline ...

... of Senior Urban Designer. Initiates urban design concepts. Supports team design content creation ... Initiates urban design concepts based on knowledge of site planning strategies (including land use ...

Senior Urban Designer

Boston, MA · On-site

$110K - $118K/yr

As a Senior Urban Designer , you will be responsible for leading all phases of the design process ... Collaborate with client and/or public to create strategic planning options. * Strategize, outline ...

Urban Planner Co-op Location: Cincinnati, OH 45202 Department: Urban Planning ABOUT KZF DESIGN KZF ... Support senior planners on studies, reports, planning documents, and other project activities

... urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK ... This senior-level planning role requires extensive technical knowledge, project leadership, and ...

Planner III

Ontario, CA · On-site

$45/hr

... urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK ... This senior-level planning role requires extensive technical knowledge, project leadership, and ...

PLANNER/SENIOR PLANNER

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$138K - $168K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or related field from an accredited college or university, and * Three years of suitable professional experience in urban planning. For Senior Planner: Sufficient ...

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Senior Urban Planner information

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$50K

$89.7K

$124.5K

How much do senior urban planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior urban planner in the United States is $89,714.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Urban Planner, you need in-depth knowledge of urban design, zoning regulations, and land use planning, typically supported by a relevant degree and several years of professional experience. Familiarity with GIS software, CAD programs, and planning-related certifications such as AICP are highly valuable. Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are crucial for developing effective urban strategies, fostering community collaboration, and ensuring sustainable city growth.

Are urban planners in high demand?

Urban planners are in steady demand due to ongoing urban development, infrastructure projects, and the need for sustainable city growth. Employment opportunities are expected to grow at a rate faster than the average for all occupations, with skills in GIS and environmental planning being particularly valuable.

How does a Senior Urban Planner typically collaborate with other departments and stakeholders during a project?

Senior Urban Planners play a central role in coordinating across various departments such as transportation, environmental services, and housing. They regularly lead meetings with engineers, architects, government officials, and community groups to ensure all perspectives are integrated into planning proposals. Effective communication and consensus-building are essential, as Senior Urban Planners often mediate between diverse interests to develop workable solutions. This collaboration is key to creating sustainable and community-oriented urban designs.

What does a Senior Urban Planner do?

A Senior Urban Planner is responsible for developing and overseeing plans and programs for land use in urban areas. They analyze data, consult with stakeholders, and create strategies to promote sustainable growth, manage resources, and improve the quality of life in communities. Senior Urban Planners often lead teams, coordinate with government agencies, and ensure that development projects comply with zoning laws and environmental regulations. Their work helps shape the physical and social infrastructure of cities and towns.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Senior urban planners typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive roles like CEOs, investment bankers, or specialized medical professionals. High-paying jobs often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, or leadership positions, and compensation can include bonuses and stock options. For urban planners, top executive or consulting roles may approach high six-figure salaries, but reaching $500,000 is uncommon in the field alone.

What is the difference between Senior Urban Planner vs Urban Planner?

AspectSenior Urban PlannerUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, 5+ years experience, professional certification (e.g., AICP)Bachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning or related field, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLead projects, oversee teams, coordinate with stakeholdersAssist in planning projects, research, data analysis, and drafting plans
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, consulting firms, government agenciesLocal governments, private planning firms, non-profits

Senior Urban Planners typically have more experience, leadership responsibilities, and advanced credentials compared to Urban Planners. They often oversee projects and teams, while Urban Planners focus on research and supporting planning efforts. Both roles are essential in urban development but differ mainly in scope and seniority.

How much is an Urban Planner paid?

Urban planners typically earn a median annual salary of around $75,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience, location, and education. Senior urban planners with advanced skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in urban or high-demand areas.

What is the highest salary for an Urban Planner?

The highest salaries for senior urban planners can exceed $100,000 annually, especially in regions with high demand or for those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or leadership roles. Factors such as location, education, certifications, and the size of the organization influence salary levels.
More about Senior Urban Planner jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Urban Planner jobs? Cities with the most Senior Urban Planner job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Urban Planner jobs? The most popular types of Urban Planner jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Urban Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Urban Planner jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Urban Planner jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Urban Planner jobs are:
Infographic showing various Senior Urban Planner job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,714 per year, or $43.1 per hour.
Senior Urban Planner

Senior Urban Planner

Ulteig

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 hours ago


Ulteig rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 369 rated engineering


Job description

The Opportunity
Ulteig is seeking a motivated Senior Urban Planner to join our Water & Environment group. This role is responsible for leading and supporting signature projects contributing to city/county and utility sustainability goals, increased resiliency of infrastructure, capital improvement and master planning, and environmental regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions for public and private sector clients, balancing community needs, regulatory requirements, and sustainable growth.
What You'll Do
Project Planning & Management
  • Develop and implement comprehensive plans addressing sustainability (e.g., Climate Action Plans, GHG inventories), land use, zoning, and public infrastructure and utilities (e.g., roads, stormwater, water, wastewater, and/or power), while considering community needs (e.g., active transportation, recreational space, equity).
  • Conduct research and analyze demographic, economic, and spatial data to inform planning decisions.
  • Prepare planning documents, reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Review site plans and development proposals to ensure compliance with zoning laws, building codes, and community goals.
  • Collaborate with architects, engineers, and other professionals to ensure integrated planning solutions.

Policy & Regulatory Analysis
  • Formulate and recommend procedures, guidelines, and priorities for plan implementation.
  • Evaluate and recommend changes to infrastructure planning procedures, zoning ordinances, land use policies, and development regulations.
  • Monitor, interpret, and stay current on local, state, and federal legislation affecting urban development (land use and zoning ordinances), infrastructure funding, and environmental, sustainability, and resiliency initiatives.

Community Engagement & Communication
  • Facilitate public meetings, workshops, and community engagement sessions to present project details, gather input, and communicate planning initiatives.
  • Present findings and recommendations to planning commissions, boards, and the public.
  • Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, regulatory agencies, and community partners.

Project Implementation & Oversight
  • Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables for planning initiatives.
  • Oversee development and implementation of sustainability and urban infrastructure planning projects as needed.
  • Lead and maintain client communication protocols and meetings throughout a project, organizing discussions on schedules, QA/QC, stakeholder engagement, deliverables, etc..

Business Development & Team Collaboration
  • Assist with business development activities, including proposal writing, client outreach, and networking.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across Ulteig's Lifeline Sectors (Water, Power, Renewables, Transportation).
  • Mentor and support junior staff in technical and professional development.

What We Expect from You
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of relevant experience in environmental planning, sustainability, resiliency, or related disciplines.
  • Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Experience in community engagement and public consultation.
  • Knowledge of zoning laws, land use regulations, and urban development and infrastructure planning processes.
  • Experience in environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, waste management, climate change policies, and public health a plus.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.
  • Ability to prioritize and multitask under strict deadlines.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, public, and external agencies.
  • Must be comfortable working in a highly collaborative team environment.
  • Demonstrates openness to innovation by embracing and applying evolving technology and AI tools to enhance workflows, solve problems, and drive continuous improvement.
  • Must have authorization to work permanently in the U.S.

As you consider applying for a position at Ulteig, we encourage you to think outside the box - because we do! You might not meet 100% of the skills listed in a description, but we are committed to hiring people with exceptional talent, ability, and potential, and then creating an environment where they can become the best versions of themselves. We don't want to miss out on the possibility of speaking with the next outstanding Ulteig team member, so please apply if you think this role is a great match for your unique skills and strengths. And, yes, relevant military experience is absolutely considered for transitioning service members.
What You Can Expect from Ulteig
Ulteig is a purpose-driven organization that has built a culture focused on people, both our clients and our employees, for over 80 years. Working at Ulteig is more than a job, opening opportunities to make an impact by creating and solving for a sustainable future. We recognize our success relies heavily on the dedication and focus of our workforce; this is why we make investing in our employees a top priority. We prioritize flexibility and staying connected to meet your needs and help you achieve your goals. We value your unique perspective, respect your individuality, and celebrate your contributions. At Ulteig, we take our success and the success of our clients personally.
We offer our team members:
  • Flexible Workplace
  • Employee Ownership
  • Competitive Pay
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package
  • Collaborative Environment
  • Innovative Culture

Our vision is to be the most trusted partners transforming our world's critical infrastructure. Ulteig connects people and resources to develop compelling, integrated solutions across multiple Lifeline Sectors®, including Power, Renewables, Transportation, and Water. Ulteig is a trusted partner in engineering North America's essential infrastructure and leverages its expertise with a wide range of public and private clients.
At Ulteig, we care deeply about our team, listening to their needs and ensuring they have the tools necessary to be productive, whether they choose to work remotely, hybrid, or in the office. Regardless of where you work, you are empowered to build a workday that best suits your strengths. We strive to ensure a balance and separation between home and work life. We support a flexible working schedule so employees are able to focus on what's important to them.
If you would like to be a part of a company that empowers their employees, apply today!
Ulteig is a Drug-Free Workplace
ACHIEVE | GROW | COLLABORATE
Additional Opportunity Details:
Target Base Compensation Range for this role is $118,500- $160,600
* Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary include your job-specific skills, education, training, job location, number of years of experience related to this role and comparison to other employees already in this role.
This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will continue to be posted for an average of 60 days until a qualified applicant is selected or the position has been cancelled.
Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies: to protect the interests of all parties, Ulteig Engineers, Inc., will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate or an approved vendor that has a written and signed agreement in place with Ulteig. Please do not contact or forward resumes to our company employees or locations. Any unsolicited resumes will be considered Ulteig property. Ulteig is not responsible for any charges or fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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