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Transit Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Transit Planning Intern- Summer 2026

Dallas, TX ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

What We're Looking For Our Dallas, TX office seeks a Transit Planning Intern for Summer 2026. Relocation and housing are not provided for this position. At HNTB, you can create a career that is ...

Transit Planning Intern- Summer 2026

Dallas, TX

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

What We're Looking For Our Dallas, TX office seeks a Transit Planning Intern for Summer 2026. Relocation and housing are not provided for this position. At HNTB, you can create a career that is ...

Transportation Planner

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$85K - $100K/yr

Support railroad and rail-transit planning studies, including corridor, station-area, yard/terminal, grade crossing, and service planning efforts. * Assist with alternatives analysis, purpose & need ...

Transportation Planner

Chicago, IL ยท Hybrid

$70K - $84K/yr

Support railroad and rail-transit planning studies, including corridor, station-area, yard/terminal, grade crossing, and service planning efforts. * Assist with alternatives analysis, purpose & need ...

Transportation Planner

Chicago, IL ยท Hybrid

$70K - $84K/yr

Support railroad and rail-transit planning studies, including corridor, station-area, yard/terminal, grade crossing, and service planning efforts. * Assist with alternatives analysis, purpose & need ...

Transportation Planner 4

Plantation, FL ยท On-site +1

$68K - $81K/yr

CDM Smith currently has an exciting opportunity for a Transportation Planner to join our growing ... In this position, you will support multi-modal projects with a focus in transit-related work ...

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Transit Planner information

See salary details

$48.5K

$71.8K

$104.5K

How much do transit planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for transit planner in the United States is $71,762.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $76,500.00 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.

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.

More about Transit Planner jobs
What cities are hiring for Transit Planner jobs? Cities with the most Transit Planner job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Transit Planner jobs? The top employers for Transit Planner jobs are:
What states have the most Transit Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Transit Planner jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Transit Planner jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Transit Planner jobs are:
Infographic showing various Transit Planner job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,762 per year, or $34.5 per hour.
Transportation Planner I - Metropolitan Transportation Plan (Transit Planning)

Transportation Planner I - Metropolitan Transportation Plan (Transit Planning)

North Central Texas Council of Governments

Arlington, TX โ€ข On-site

$49K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Title
Transportation Planner I - Metropolitan Transportation Plan (Transit Planning)
Job Type
Full-Time
Category
Transportation Planning
Location
NCTCOG - ARLINGTON, TX 76005 US (Primary)
Travel
Job Description
Are you looking to join an award-winning organization with a culture built on innovation and public service? The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Dallas-Fort Worth region, which is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States.
The Transportation Department of the North Central Texas Council of Governments is seeking a Transportation Planner to assist with transit planning activities which support the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). This position will work with public and private transportation providers, local governments, communities, and other stakeholders to advance planning for high-speed rail, regional rail, and other multi-modal initiatives. Applicants wishing to be considered for this position should apply online at https://www.nctcog.org/Careers. All submittals should include a cover letter summarizing relevant work experience, as well as a current resume.
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Assisting with technical activities associated with transit system planning, service design recommendations, and analysis for established transit modes, high-speed rail, and emerging technologies
  • Working with supervisor to prepare transit planning and development documentation, including study reports and grant applications to advance project recommendations
  • Supporting major planning and project development activities such as NCTCOG's Metropolitan Transportation Plan, high-speed rail planning projects, regional rail and high-capacity transit corridor studies, and subarea studies
  • Working with supervisor to apply transit-related data such as performance, ridership, financial, demographic, land use, Census, travel demand model, and other factors in a planning capacity to support project advancement
  • Working with supervisor to assist with travel demand forecasting utilizing TransCAD or equivalent modeling methods, with a focus on long-range transit modes
  • Working with supervisor to assist local governments, transit agencies and public/private interests across the region on transit planning and funding initiatives/needs
  • Reviewing and working with supervisor to analyze and interpret federal, state, and local regulations and administrative matters pertaining to public transportation planning and funding
  • Assisting with technical support activities associated with Federal Transit Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, and US Department of Transportation grant applications and federally required environmental studies, including fulfillment of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements
  • Working with supervisor to assist with long-range transit demand and scenario planning analysis and activities
  • Providing technical assistance and support within the agency and to external partners
  • Drafting for supervisor review correspondence, technical reports, maps, charts, and other documents
  • Drafting presentations for supervisor review, with the opportunity to deliver presentations to staff and committee members

Required Skills
  • Familiarity with short-term and long-range transportation planning
  • Familiarity with quantitative methods; and familiarity with ArcGIS and travel demand forecasting desired
  • Good communication, both verbal and written communication, with the ability to listen to and follow instructions, coordinate with team members, and present ideas
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment
  • Good problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
  • Detail oriented, highly organized, with an ability to manage multiple assignments/tasks and work well in a deadline-driven environment without diminishing quality of work
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel

Required Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in analytical, quantitative methods (Business, Economics, Finance, Public Administration, Transportation Planning, Urban/Regional Planning, or related field preferred)
  • One year or less of work-related experience

Starting Salary Range
Minimum of $49,022.46 - $58,826.95 annually
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is a voluntary association of, by and for local governments, and was established to assist local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit, and coordinating for sound regional development. NCTCOG's purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and make joint decisions. Since 1974, NCTCOG has served as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for transportation in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area and is responsible for developing transportation plans and programs that address the complex needs of the rapidly growing area. The planning area for transportation includes the 12 counties of Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, and Wise. NCTCOG also serves as a designated recipient for Federal Transit Administration funds.
The agency offers generous benefits, a friendly atmosphere with open communications for cooperative decision making, and challenging opportunities. The environment encourages both individual and team growth, responsibility and innovation.
NCTCOG is recognized as military-friendly employer and values the knowledge, experience, and skills acquired during a military service career. All qualified veterans are invited to apply.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
NCTCOG is an equal opportunity employer/program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other classifications covered under federal, state, or local laws. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Background Check & Drug Testing:
All selected candidates must undergo a pre-employment background check and drug screening. Background checks include national criminal background check, employment history, motor vehicle record check, social security verification, education verification, and other elements as needed. NCTCOG is committed to a safe and drug free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing. All new hires are required to undergo a drug test which detects the presence of illegal drugs for months prior to testing. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping NCTCOG safe and drug free. In order to receive an offer of employment from NCTCOG, selected candidates must successfully pass the pre-employment background check and drug screening.
E-Verify:
The North Central Texas Council of Governments participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employee's authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.
Statement Concerning Employment in a Job Not Covered by Social Security:
โ€ข NCTCOG participates in a defined contribution plan as an alternative to Social Security. NCTCOG offers mandatory and elective retirement plans that have been developed specifically for public-sector retirement plan participants.
โ€ข Be advised if you are hired by NCTCOG, your earnings from this job are not covered under Social Security (i.e., you will not pay Social Security taxes). This means that you will not earn credits for Social Security retirement or disability benefits in this job. If you retire or become disabled, and you are eligible for a Social Security benefit based on other work, your earnings from this job will not be used to compute your Social Security benefit. Your earnings from this job are subject to Medicare taxes and will count for purposes of the Medicare program. For more information on how you may qualify for Social Security benefits, visit www.ssa.gov.
Job postings are kept open for a minimum of 10 calendar days and may close anytime thereafter at the discretion of the hiring manager.