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Senior Urban Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Perkins and Will

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 ...

Tetra Tech

Urban Planning Specialist - Ponce, PR

Ponce, PR · On-site +1

$65K - $85K/yr

Working under the direction of the Senior Urban Planning Lead, this position will assist in the development of planning strategies, municipal assessments, stakeholder outreach efforts, technical ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

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 ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Planner III

Ontario, CA · On-site

... 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 ...

City of Palo Alto

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 Aug 9, 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.

How much do top senior urban planners make?

Top senior urban planners typically earn between $90,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Those with advanced certifications or working in high-cost areas may earn higher salaries, often exceeding $140,000.

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

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.

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.

Are senior urban planners in high demand?

Senior urban planners are in high demand due to increasing urban development, infrastructure projects, and sustainable planning initiatives. They often require strong skills in GIS, environmental analysis, and project management, with employment prospects generally favorable in government agencies, consulting firms, and private sectors.

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.

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:
Senior Urban Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Urban Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,714 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Senior Urban Designer

Perkins and Will

Boston, MA • On-site

$110K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

As a Senior Urban Designer, you will be responsible for leading all phases of the design process with a high level of proficiency and expertise while adhering to firm and project goals and standards of excellence in design, execution, and living design.
You will manage project teams, foster collaboration, and demonstrate strong and effective communication and direction which inspires high team performance, design ideas, and successful project delivery.
You will:
  • Define, monitor, and maintain control of the scope of work and services for the project including project schedule and work plan both to direct the project team and the client team.
  • Lead efforts in developing, validating, and negotiating project scope and fee, budget, and scope of services during the marketing and contract development process.
  • Participate in marketing opportunities and begins to develop successful client experiences.
  • Be responsible for meeting or exceeding the financial goals established for the project and providing timely and appropriate information to Project Accountant to initiate invoicing.
  • Coordinate with other local governments and recommends approval or denials of proposals.
  • Meet with public officials and the public regarding development plans and land use.
  • Educate civic leaders and the public about the details of the projects scheduled for their communities.
  • Interpret gathered data and research.
  • Analyze sites, programs, and other key project elements through quantitative and qualitative means.
  • Develop analytical and design drawings throughout the design process using analog (through sketching and physical modeling) and digital means (through digital analyses, sketching, and modeling).
  • Collaborate with client and/or public to create strategic planning options.
  • Strategize, outline, mockup, and develop design documentation including creates and interprets maps and diagrams, master plan reports, design guidelines, and client-ready presentation materials.
  • Coordinate all aspects of project deliverables.
  • Review, evaluate, and integrate zoning and policy requirements into project design.
  • Develop strategies for key urban frameworks and systems including but not limited to circulation, open space, buildings, and infrastructure.
  • Perform advanced development calculations according to specified standards and proposed development controls.
  • Lead project-related client and public discussions and presentations.
  • Monitor the performance of the project team and approach to ensure our quality standards and design goals are being met.
  • Mentor staff.
  • Exercise creative judgment in all aspects of the design process.
  • Participate actively within collaborative team settings such as: casual team interactions, design charettes, reviews, and pin-ups.
  • Keep open communication within the team.
  • Communicate ideas and thoughts in a way that inspires others.
  • Effectively coordinate with other design partners and consultants.

Typical Years of Requisite Experience: 8-10+ years
Professional Licensure: Not required, but professional licensure is strongly preferred.
High-level Summary of Critical, Baseline Technical Skills and Certifications
Proficiencies:
  • Site and design research
  • Site analytics
  • Planning and zoning code analytics
  • Concept and detailed design studies
  • Production of drawings and deliverables
  • Hand-drawn and digital sketching
  • Computational analysis

Software:
  • Functional knowledge of 2D/3D production software (Revit, Rhino)
  • Functional knowledge of digital sketching/diagramming software (Illustrator)
  • Functional knowledge of analytical tools (ArcGIS, Grasshopper)
  • Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
  • Functional knowledge of visualization tools (Enscape, VRay)
  • Functional knowledge of physical modeling making
  • Functional knowledge of presentation tools (InDesign, PowerPoint)

Licensure/Certifications/Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in urban design, landscape, architecture, or related discipline required
  • AICP certification
  • LEED GA within 6 months of hire
  • Professional Accreditation in one area of Living Design that interests you: LEED AP with Specialty, BREEAM AP, WELL AP, SITES AP, Passive House Institute Certified Passive House Consultant/Designer CPHC/CPHD, or ILFI Living Future Accreditation

Salary Range Information
We foster a culture that is diverse and inclusive and strive for pay practices that are fair, and competitive and reflect our commitment to pay equity. Our compensation decisions include but are not limited to a candidate's qualifications including skill sets, education, experience and training, licensure and certifications credentials if applicable, and business-related factors. This practice extends to all employees, including performance considerations for merit increases, job promotions, and transfer opportunities. We additionally review our pay practices, conduct pay equity audits, and ensure our managers are trained in our pay practices on an annual basis. At the time of posting this job advertisement, the annual pay salary range for this position in Boston is between $114,500 and $168,300.
Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
At Perkins&Will we believe that inclusion spurs creativity and that innovation is born from an engaged culture of diverse people + ideas. By moving beyond barriers and stereotypes of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status; we are committed to building an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities and clients we serve.
"Design has the power to inspire joy, uplift lives, and strengthen the spirit of community."
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Perkins&Will has established and adopted an Equal Employment Opportunity Employment policy ("EEO"), which is part of the Company's Human Resources Policy. The purpose of this EEO policy is to ensure that all employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis, and without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, gender reassignment, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law. In some cases, local laws and regulations may provide greater protections than those outlined here and employees will be covered by the laws of their local jurisdiction.
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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