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Transit Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Planner

Orange, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Intermediate Urban Planner to join our growing Planning Team. This ... Free parking and convenient transit access * Employee discount program (OC location)

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Showing results 1-20

Transit Planner information

See California salary details

$47.9K

$70.8K

$103.1K

How much do transit planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for transit planner in California is $70,822.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,200.00 and $75,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a transit planner do?

A Transit Planner is responsible for designing, evaluating, and improving public transportation systems in cities or regions. They analyze travel patterns, population trends, and community needs to recommend routes, schedules, and service changes. Their goal is to make public transit more efficient, accessible, and sustainable for the community. Transit Planners often collaborate with government agencies, stakeholders, and the public to ensure transportation solutions meet both current and future demands.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a transit planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Transit Planner, you need expertise in urban planning, transportation systems, data analysis, and typically a degree in urban planning, civil engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, transit modeling tools, and transportation planning regulations is essential. Strong communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills help you collaborate effectively and address community needs. These abilities ensure efficient, equitable, and sustainable transit solutions that enhance urban mobility and quality of life.

What are the main challenges transit planners face when balancing community needs with budget constraints?

Transit planners often need to find creative solutions to address diverse community needs while working within limited budgets. This involves prioritizing projects that maximize public benefit, analyzing ridership data, and seeking input from stakeholders to ensure equitable service distribution. Balancing operational efficiency with accessibility and sustainability goals can be challenging, but collaboration with local governments, engineers, and the public helps identify the most impactful improvements. Being adaptable and using data-driven decision-making are key skills for overcoming these challenges.

How much do transit planners make in the US?

Transit planners in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills may offer higher compensation, and many transit planners hold relevant certifications or degrees in urban planning or transportation engineering.

What is the difference between Transit Planner vs Transit Analyst?

AspectTransit PlannerTransit Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, transportation, or related field; often requires GIS skillsBachelor's or master's in urban planning, transportation, or data analysis; strong analytical skills needed
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, community engagement, planning meetingsData analysis, report writing, software use
Employer & Industry UsagePublic transit agencies, city planning departmentsTransit agencies, consulting firms, government agencies

Transit Planners focus on developing transit routes and infrastructure, while Transit Analysts analyze data to improve transit services. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work within the same organizations, but their daily tasks differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Transit Planner jobs in California? For Transit Planner jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Transit Planner jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Transit Planner jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Transit Planner jobs? Cities in California with the most Transit Planner job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Transit Planner jobs in CA? For Transit Planner jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Transit Planner job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,822 per year, or $34 per hour.

Practice Builder - Transit Planning

Kimley-Horn

Los Angeles, CA

$145K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


Kimley-Horn rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 443 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

Kimley-Horn has an opportunity for a motivated Senior Transit Planner to join our team in Los Angeles, California (CA) overseeing various, large transportation and transit infrastructure projects. 

Responsibilities
  • Has a strategic mindset and a passion for leading large transportation/transit planning projects.

  • Leading transportation planning for transit projects including Commuter Rail, Bus Rapid Transit, Light Rail, and Fixed and On Demand services.

  • Collaborating with municipalities, regional entities, transit agencies, and members of the public.

  • Play a role in business development by tracking transportation planning opportunities.

  • Mentor and develop staff, provides leadership in an environment that encourages teamwork, initiative, and growth.
  • Lead project outreach activities including guiding the direction of public engagement, giving presentations, meeting with community members, businesses, and organizations to explain the project scope, impacts, benefits, mitigations, etc.
  • Collaborate with agencies and municipal clients on complex planning and project delivery challenges.
  • Perform project management duties such as managing large tasks and projects, performing research, report writing, leading public involvement meetings and maintaining client relations in support of transportation infrastructure projects.
  • Develop schedules, review invoices, manage progress reports, prepare scopes, and track budgets.
  • Leadership responsibilities include:

    • Lead a team while building and managing relationships with key clients.

    • Operate with integrity and sound business principles.

    • Provide practice vision, business planning and strategy, establishing goals, building and maintaining positive client relationships.

    • Open communication with partners and team, along with growing and directing a Transit Planning practice.

    • Manage projects profitably, transition work to qualified staff, grow and mentor staff, help recruit, and be a positive role model.

  • Our system for rewards is designed to recognize staff as they move along a path to success. Bonuses, promotions, path to ownership recognition, and other forms of advancement are performance based, because as a firm we focus on results.
Qualifications
  • 15+ years of years of planning experience, including large capital transit infrastructure projects
  • Bachelors Degree or higher in city or regional planning or related
  • Registered American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Preferred
  • Local and regional experience preferred
  • Provide high quality deliverables with exceptional client service
  • A desire to lead and grow a planning practice
  • Business development and marketing experience including writing proposals, scopes of work, and budgets for projected work.
  • Ability to work in a team environment and effectively communicate at all levels of the organization.

Base Salary Range

  • $145,000 - $250,000
  • Eligible for performance-based bonus compensation
Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it- that's why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn's placement on the Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

  • Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
  • Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
  • Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
Education:Bachelor's DegreeEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Kimley-Horn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a full-service consulting firm that provides a wide range of infrastructure and land development planning and engineering services to both public and private clients. Though we have more than 6,000 employees in 100+ offices, we pride ourselves on our small company feel. At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People--clients and employees--are at the forefront of our business. Clients know we are laser-focused on their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all. Both groups know that with Kimley-Horn, they can expect more and experience better.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1967