1

Transit Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This is a standout opportunity for a planning professional who wants to do meaningful, career-defining work in one of the country's most active and high-visibility transit markets. You'll help shape ...

This is a standout opportunity for a planning professional who wants to do meaningful, career-defining work in one of the country's most active and high-visibility transit markets. You'll help shape ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 Planner

Fayetteville, NC ยท On-site

$56K/yr

Generate maps and analyze spatial data using Transit planning software and forecast travel patterns. Work with the Title VI Coordinator to develop public outreach activities and prepare media ...

Senior Transit Planner

New York, NY ยท On-site

$95K - $142K/yr

This position will be focused on expanding our transit planning practice in the New York City and greater Northeast market, including managing transit planning projects, developing staff, creating ...

Senior Transit Planner

Philadelphia, PA ยท On-site +1

$95K - $142K/yr

This position will be focused on expanding our transit planning practice in the New York City and greater Northeast market, including managing transit planning projects, developing staff, creating ...

Senior Transit Planner

New York, NY ยท On-site +1

$95K - $142K/yr

This position will be focused on expanding our transit planning practice in the New York City and greater Northeast market, including managing transit planning projects, developing staff, creating ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Transit Planning information

See salary details

$32K

$53.1K

$78.5K

How much do transit planning jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for transit planning in the United States is $53,060.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, data analysis, and transportation systems, often supported by a degree in urban planning, civil engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, transit modeling tools, and regulatory standards is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills help you collaborate effectively and advocate for community needs. These competencies are crucial for designing efficient, equitable transit solutions that improve mobility and serve public interests.

What are some common challenges faced by transit planners, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Transit planners often encounter challenges such as balancing limited budgets with the need to improve service coverage, managing stakeholder expectations, and adapting to changing ridership patterns. Addressing these issues typically involves effective data analysis, ongoing community engagement, and close collaboration with local governments and transit agencies. By staying flexible and open to innovative solutions, transit planners can develop effective strategies that meet both operational goals and community needs.

What is transit planning?

Transit planning involves designing and organizing public transportation systems, such as buses, trains, and subways, to efficiently move people within urban and regional areas. Transit planners analyze travel patterns, population growth, and community needs to develop routes, schedules, and services that improve accessibility and reduce traffic congestion. Their work ensures that public transportation is safe, reliable, and meets the needs of the community while considering environmental and economic factors.

What is the difference between Transit Planning vs Transit Operations?

AspectTransit PlanningTransit Operations
CredentialsDegree in urban planning, transportation, or related field; certifications like AICPExperience in transit systems; certifications in transit management or safety
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, analytical, planning meetingsFieldwork, dispatch centers, transit vehicles
Employer & Industry UsagePublic transit agencies, urban planning firmsTransit agencies, transportation companies

Transit Planning focuses on designing and developing transit systems, routes, and schedules, while Transit Operations manages the day-to-day running of transit services. Both roles are essential but differ in scope: planning is strategic and design-oriented, whereas operations are execution-focused.

More about Transit Planning jobs
What cities are hiring for Transit Planning jobs? Cities with the most Transit Planning job openings:
What states have the most Transit Planning jobs? States with the most job openings for Transit Planning jobs include:
Infographic showing various Transit Planning job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 72% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,060 per year, or $25.5 per hour.
Transit Planner

Transit Planner

STV

Portland, OR โ€ข Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

STV currently has an opening for a Transit Planner in our Pacific Northwest Transportation group with a focus on the Seattle/Puget Sound region, with the flexibility to be based in either our Bellevue, WA or Portland, OR office. This is a standout opportunity for a planning professional who wants to do meaningful, career-defining work in one of the country's most active and high-visibility transit markets. You'll help shape mobility solutions that improve connectivity, sustainability, and quality of life across a fast-growing region where transit investment continues to transform how communities move.

Why STV:

In the Seattle/Puget Sound market, strong transit talent has options. At STV, this role offers the chance to work on impactful regional mobility initiatives while building your career in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment. You'll join a firm known for helping shape communities through transportation planning, design, engineering, and infrastructure delivery, with the support of a national platform and the feel of a team where your contributions can be seen, valued, and accelerated. STV emphasizes flexible career paths, mentoring, technical development, and meaningful work that improves communities.

  • Work in one of the nation's most exciting transit markets, where regional investments and system expansion continue to create meaningful, visible planning opportunities across the Pacific Northwest
  • Take on projects that matter to communities in urban metropolitan areas of Seattle and Portland, as well as in rural communities in Oregon and Washington. Help shape how people connect to jobs, education, services, and each other through more effective and sustainable mobility solutions.
  • Grow your career with a firm that values mentoring, continuous learning, technical excellence, and multiple paths for advancement.
  • Collaborate across planning, engineering, architecture and construction disciplines, giving you broader exposure and the chance to contribute to integrated, real-world solutions.
  • Be part of a team where your ideas, initiative, and client contributions can make a real impact as STV continues to expand its presence in the Pacific Northwest.
  • This role will function as a task lead and emerging seller-doer, with direct interactions with clients.
  • Our hybrid schedule is designed to support both collaboration and flexibility, with three in-office days each week and working remotely two days a week.

What You'll Do:

  • Lead and support transit planning and analysis tasks for complex, multi-disciplinary projects across the Pacific Northwest, helping clients advance mobility, accessibility, and community-focused transportation solutions.
  • Contribute to the delivery of a wide range of transit planning assignments, including rail and bus studies, corridor and service planning, transit and multimodal access initiatives, feasibility studies, alternatives analyses, environmental planning efforts, and long-range transportation plans.
  • Develop clear, data-driven planning materials through multi-modal transportation analysis, GIS mapping, visual presentations, technical writing, and planning documentation that helps move projects from concept to implementation.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners, including technical subconsultants, to deliver high-quality work products and integrated planning solutions.
  • Support business development and future pursuits through proposal development, strategic positioning, and contributions that help grow STV's presence in the Seattle/Puget Sound market.
  • Build strong working relationships with senior leadership, clients, engineers, architects, planners, public agencies, contractors, stakeholders, and community members, with opportunities to play a visible role in shaping meaningful transit investments across the region.

What We're Looking For:

  • Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in transit and transportation planning
  • Bachelor's degree, master's degree preferred, or comparable professional experience in a related field such as Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, Public Policy and Administration, or other fields directly related to transportation and transit planning.
  • Experience preparing relevant analysis and reports, such as transit master plans, transportation analysis, alternatives analysis, environmental technical reports, and related planning documents.
  • Cross-modal understanding, with interest or experience in active transportation projects, mixed mode corridors, and road and rider safety.
  • Interest and experience in developing and managing your professional network in the Pacific Northwest through participation in industry events, continuing education in the field and network development.
  • Prior work supporting transit and transportation grant applications and grant funded projects is preferred.
  • Proposal writing and business development experience is preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required; experience with GIS or graphic illustration programs is preferred.

#LI-Hybrid #LI-MS1

Compensation Range:

$91,976.90 - $105,116.46

STV offers the following benefits Health insurance, including an option with a Health Savings Account Dental insurance Vision insurance Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care and Transit and Parking where applicable) Disability insurance Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment 401(k) Plan Retirement Counseling Employee Assistance Program Paid Time Off (starting at 16 days) Paid Holidays (9 days) Back-Up Dependent Care (up to 10 days per year) Parental Leave (up to 80 hours) Continuing Education Program Professional Licensure and Society Memberships

STV is committed to paying all of its employees in a fair, equitable, and transparent manner. The listed pay range is STV's good-faith salary estimate for this position. Please note that the final salary offered for this position may be outside of this published range based on many factors, including but not limited to geography, education, experience, and/or certifications.

Not sure this role is the perfect match? We encourage you to apply if STV's work and values resonate with you. We know great candidates don't always meet every qualification, and research shows women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they do. At STV, we believe strong talent comes from a wide range of backgrounds, and your skills and experience may align with this or another opportunity as we continue to grow.