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Transportation Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Transportation Planner

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $99K/yr

The Transportation Planner will provide project assistance on a variety of transportation planning and traffic projects. The most frequent and essential work activities include: Complete ...

Transportation Planner

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $99K/yr

The Transportation Planner will provide project assistance on a variety of transportation planning and traffic projects. The most frequent and essential work activities include: • Complete ...

The Transportation Planner will provide project assistance on a variety of transportation planning and traffic projects. The most frequent and essential work activities include: • Complete ...

The Associate Transportation Planner plays a critical role in overseeing transit administration, transportation programming, and transportation initiatives that enhance efficiency, accessibility, and ...

The Associate Transportation Planner plays a critical role in overseeing transit administration, transportation programming, and transportation initiatives that enhance efficiency, accessibility, and ...

The Assistant Transportation Planner plays a critical role in overseeing transit administration, transportation programming, and transportation initiatives that enhance efficiency, accessibility, and ...

The Assistant Transportation Planner plays a critical role in overseeing transit administration, transportation programming, and transportation initiatives that enhance efficiency, accessibility, and ...

Join TKDA's Transportation Planning team and elevate your career in transportation planning. With us, you'll tackle meaningful projects, collaborate with industry experts, and find ample ...

Join TKDA's Transportation Planning team and elevate your career in transportation planning. With us, you'll tackle meaningful projects, collaborate with industry experts, and find ample ...

Join TKDA's Transportation Planning team and elevate your career in transportation planning. With us, you'll tackle meaningful projects, collaborate with industry experts, and find ample ...

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Showing results 1-20

Transportation Planner information

See California salary details

$39K

$73.3K

$109.1K

How much do transportation planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for transportation planner in California is $73,283.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,600.00 and $80,400.00 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.

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 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 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.

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 most commonly searched types of Transportation Planner jobs in California?

The most popular types of Transportation Planner jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Transportation Planner jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Transportation Planner jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Transportation Planner jobs?

Cities in California with the most Transportation Planner job openings:

Infographic showing various Transportation Planner job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,283 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Transportation Planner

NV5

San Diego, CA • On-site

$90K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


NV5 rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

143rd of 450 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

NV5 (NYSE: TIC) is a provider of engineering and consulting services to public and private sector clients, delivering solutions through six business verticals: Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 helps clients plan, design, build, test, certify, and operate projects that improve the communities where we live and work.

As engineers, architects, construction/program managers, environmental professionals and beyond, we play a significant role in shaping our communities through the services we provide. We are looking for passionate, driven individuals to join our team focused on Delivering Solutions and Improving Lives.

Responsibilities

NV5 is seeking a full-time Transportation Planner for our San Diego, CA office. The Transportation Planner will provide project assistance on a variety of transportation planning and traffic projects. The most frequent and essential work activities include:

Complete transportation planning and traffic design studies with limited supervision. Assist with mentoring and training other staff. Perform QA/QC review on assigned projects. Prepare project scopes and proposal material. Assist with public involvement activities including the preparation of newsletters, presentations, and other public meeting materials. Complete research and data collection, including field surveys. Maintain effective and successful communication with team, co-workers, and clients. Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and of the highest quality. Market NV5 to existing and potential clients and maintain positive client relationships. Represent NV5 at professional functions. Perform other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or advanced degree in City or Urban Planning
  • Minimum of 7 years of directly related professional work experience
  • American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification - preferred
  • Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
  • Excellent writing skills
  • Possess or be able to obtain a valid driver's license prior to employment-preferred

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. When properly requested and when feasible (without undue hardship to the organization), reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

  • Work will primarily be in the office setting with limited opportunities to be exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
  • Work will be primarily working with fingers by picking, pinching, typing and grasping often with repetitive motion.
  • Must have visual acuity for viewing a computer screen, the ability to talk, hear and sit for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to carry, lift and push/pull up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
  • Additional physical duties may be required as necessary. 

"The pay range for this California position is $90,000.00 to $99,000.00; however, base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience of the candidate. Restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. This information is provided per California Senate Bill 1162. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site."

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, creed, citizenship status, ancestry, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Employment Type: OTHER

What NV5 employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About NV5

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NV5 is a renowned company based in Los Angeles, CA, US, that operates in the architecture, engineering, and consulting industry. Officially established in 2009, this company provides technical engineering and consulting solutions that cater to public and private sectors globally. The firm is adept in a wide range of services, including infrastructure, energy, construction, program management, and environmental services. As part of its mission, NV5 seeks to deliver solutions that enhance communities and safeguard the environment meticulously.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US