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Transportation Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Transportation Planner

Columbus, OH · On-site

$66K - $78K/yr

B&N Transportation Planner Responsibilities: * Actively participate, produce/deliver, and/or lead tasks for a variety of transportation planning projects, including safety action plans, corridor ...

Transportation Planner

Glendale, AZ · On-site

$69K - $104K/yr

Under supervision of Transportation Planning Administrator, the Transportation Planner performs professional planning work relating to the City's transportation system. The ideal candidate for the ...

Transportation Planner

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$36 - $50/hr

Transportation Planner Own Your Future at Psomas Join a 100% employee-owned firm built for shared success and meaningful impact. Our Transportation Planning Team in Seattle has an opening for a ...

Transportation Planner

Marathon, FL · On-site

$81K - $130K/yr

Participates in transportation planning, analysis, and data collection activities. * Prepares reports, analyses, and recommendations for the Director of Planning & Environmental Resources, advisory ...

Transportation Planner

Austin, TX · On-site

$67K - $80K/yr

This unique hybrid role blends transportation planning and traffic engineering with project management and business development - an opportunity to make a real impact while growing our presence in ...

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION Transportation Planner | Richmond, Williamsburg or Virginia Beach, VA VHB's Virginia offices have an immediate opening for a Transportation Planner! This is an exciting ...

Transportation Planner

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$66K - $78K/yr

The Transportation Planner is responsible for securing carrier commitments and negotiating competitive freight costs to ensure domestic network coverage. This role operates with a high sense of ...

Transportation Planner

Marathon, FL · On-site

$81K - $130K/yr

Participates in transportation planning, analysis, and data collection activities. * Prepares reports, analyses, and recommendations for the Director of Planning & Environmental Resources, advisory ...

Transportation Planner

Richmond, VA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION Transportation Planner | Richmond, Williamsburg or Virginia Beach, VA VHB's Virginia offices have an immediate opening for a Transportation Planner! This is an exciting ...

Transportation Planner

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

$100K - $150K/yr

ABOUT THE POSITION Transportation Planner | Richmond, Williamsburg or Virginia Beach, VA VHB's Virginia offices have an immediate opening for a Transportation Planner! This is an exciting opportunity ...

Transportation Planner

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$68K - $81K/yr

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for a Full-Time Associate Transportation Planner for our Baltimore, MD, office. Be involved in projects with our Planning Team and be a part of a ...

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Transportation Planner information

See salary details

$39.5K

$74.3K

$110.5K

How much do transportation planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for transportation planner in the United States is $74,255.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,500.00 and $81,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a transportation planner?

A transportation planner develops plans for a city’s public transit system. As a transportation planner, you work alongside urban planners, engineers, and other professionals to create a comprehensive plan that benefits all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and those using powered transportation. Your primary job duties involve analyzing data, assessing the proposed land use area, reviewing local policies, and creating detailed proposals. Most transportation planners work on projects for cities and government agencies.

What does a transportation planner do?

A Transportation Planner is responsible for developing plans and strategies to improve transportation systems within cities, regions, or countries. They analyze data related to traffic, public transit, and urban development to recommend solutions that enhance mobility and safety. Their work often involves collaborating with government agencies, engineers, and the public to create efficient, sustainable, and accessible transportation networks.

How much do transportation planners make in the US?

Transportation planners in the US 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. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in senior roles can earn higher salaries, especially in urban areas or with specialized skills such as GIS or traffic modeling.

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

To thrive as a Transportation Planner, you need expertise in urban planning, data analysis, and traffic modeling, often supported by a degree in urban planning, civil engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, transportation modeling tools (such as Synchro or TransCAD), and sometimes certification like AICP is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills help you effectively collaborate and present complex information. These skills and qualities are vital to designing efficient transportation systems that meet community needs and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Transportation Planner vs Traffic Engineer?

AspectTransportation PlannerTraffic Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, transportation, or related field; often requires certification in planningBachelor's degree in civil engineering or related; often requires engineering licensure or certification
Work EnvironmentUrban planning agencies, government departments, consulting firmsTransportation departments, engineering firms, government agencies
Industry UsageFocuses on long-term transportation systems, land use, and policy planningFocuses on traffic flow, signal timing, and roadway safety

While both roles work within transportation and often collaborate, Transportation Planners focus on overall system design and policy, whereas Traffic Engineers concentrate on traffic operations and safety. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges faced by transportation planners when coordinating with multiple stakeholders on large projects?

Transportation Planners often collaborate with government agencies, engineers, community groups, and private sector partners. One significant challenge is balancing diverse interests and priorities, such as budget constraints, environmental concerns, and community needs. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential to facilitate consensus and ensure that project goals align with regulatory requirements and public expectations. Staying organized and adaptable helps planners navigate shifting project scopes and timelines.
What cities are hiring for Transportation Planner jobs? Cities with the most Transportation Planner job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Transportation Planner jobs? The most popular types of Transportation Planner jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Transportation Planner jobs? The top employers for Transportation Planner jobs are:
What states have the most Transportation Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Transportation Planner jobs include:
Infographic showing various Transportation Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,255 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

Transportation Planner

Roaring Fork Transportation Authority

Glenwood Springs, CO • On-site

$73K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Join the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA), the largest rural transit agency in the U.S., in the stunning Colorado Rockies. Known for innovative and reliable transit, RFTA connects vibrant communities while supporting sustainability and quality of life.
Company Name: Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA)
Title of Position: Transportation Planner
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Pay Range: Hiring/Starting pay range is $73,773 - $94,060/annualized, based on experience.
Benefits: Benefits include (but are not limited to): Paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and hearing insurance with FSA/HSA, short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), 401(a) and 457(b) retirement plans, EAP, ski pass, etc. For more detail - https://www.rfta.com/employment/benefits/
Position Purpose:
The Transportation Planner is responsible for the ongoing analysis, development, and refinement of RFTA's transit services with a primary focus on the development, tracking, and solution creation of service standards. This position will collect, analyze, and report on a variety of data related to service performance, including on-time performance, ridership, customer satisfaction and service efficiency. The Transportation Planner will work collaboratively with the Operations Department and other departments to identify and implement service adjustments that enhance the customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and ensure services meet the needs of the communities RFTA serves.
The Transportation Planner will also support the implementation of RFTA's first ever Master Plan, a strategic long-range transportation plan, by assisting with multimodal transportation plans and projects, conducting research and studies on active transportation, managing data collection, and producing reports on multimodal transportation that advance RFTA's vision and goals.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all-inclusive.
Service Standards and Performance Monitoring
  • Assist with the development, implementation, and monitoring of system-wide transit service standards and performance metrics in coordination with the Operations Department.
  • Conducts comparative studies of transportation system use, population structure, economic activity and other socioeconomic variables to prepare technical reports
  • Prepares regular performance reports for internal and external stakeholders, identifying trends, and providing data-driven recommendations for service improvements.
  • Collaborates with the Operations Department to investigate service-related issues and develop effective solutions.

Short-Range Service Planning and Analysis
  • Analyzes ridership data, demographic information and trends, and public feedback to identify needs for service adjustments and develop alternatives to achieve goals.
  • Assists in the planning and design of seasonal service changes and special event transportation.
  • Conducts field observations and collects data to support service planning efforts.
  • Responds to Jurisdictional project referral request by evaluating the impact of proposed land developments/events on transit services and provides recommendations and comments.
  • Work closely with the Mobility Coordinator to support First Last Mile Mobility program goals.

Data Management and Reporting
  • Manages and maintains databases related to service performance and planning.
  • Utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other planning software to analyze data and create maps and other visual representations.
  • Coordinates the reporting of transit operating and performance data to internal departments and external agencies as required.
  • Responds to internal and external requests for information and data analysis.

Stakeholder and Customer Engagement
  • Assists in gathering public input on service changes through surveys, public meetings, and other outreach efforts.
  • Responds to customer comments and inquiries regarding service performance and scheduling in a timely and professional manner.
  • Works with local jurisdictions and community partners on projects related to transit service and infrastructure.

Other Duties
  • Performs other duties and assumes other areas of responsibility as directed by the Regional Planning Director.
  • Supports long-range planning efforts with data and analysis as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Strong understanding of public transit operations and planning principles.
  • Experience in the development and analysis of service standards is highly desirable.
  • Experience with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS) is strongly preferred.
  • Confidence with public speaking to small and large groups.
  • Proficiency in data analysis, including the use of statistical methods and software.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required.
  • Ability to problem solve issues and reach consensus on collaborative solutions and alternatives.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, and to build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications:
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Urban and/or Regional Planning, Transportation, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field.

Experience
  • Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in transportation planning, preferably within a public transit agency.

Working Conditions:
This position typically operates in a professional office environment with occasional fieldwork to monitor transit services, which may include riding buses and visiting transit facilities. Occasional travel to attend meetings, public hearings, and community events may be required. Light physical effort required by handling objects up to twenty (20) pounds occasionally.
Application Deadline/Closing Date:
No deadline. Posting will remain until all open positions are filled.
How to Apply:
Please apply via the RFTA website. This position, and all current open positions, are located here - https://rfta.wd501.myworkdayjobs.com/rftacareers
Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
RFTA is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.