1

Transportation Planner Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

About the Role As a Load Planner/Builder at Atlas Tube , a division of Zekelman Industries , you ... Coordinate transportation activities while ensuring customer delivery requirements are met ...

Manager of Planning Office: Service Development Section: Planning General Summary Under general ... transportation data related to passenger surveys, ridership statistics and performance indicators ...

PLANNER PLANNING, PARKS & RECREATION SERVICE LINE POSITION SUMMARY Spicer Group is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Planner to support the Planning, Parks & Recreation Service Line through the ...

The Load Planner coordinates the efforts to operate a portion of our trucking fleet within a ... Basic Qualifications : 1+ years of experience in the transportation field; preferably as a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Transportation Planner information

See Michigan salary details

$34.4K

$64.7K

$96.3K

How much do transportation planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for transportation planner in Michigan is $64,720.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,700.00 and $71,000.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Transportation Planner jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Transportation Planner jobs in Michigan are:
What job categories do people searching Transportation Planner jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Transportation Planner jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Transportation Planner jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Transportation Planner job openings:
Infographic showing various Transportation Planner job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $64,720 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Transportation Planner 9-P11 - Bureau of Development

State of Michigan

Lansing, MI • On-site, Remote

$25.03 - $44.16/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


State Of Michigan rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description This position is responsible for reviewing and approving environmental clearance documents prepared by Local Agencies statewide and ensures that the projects comply with the National Environmental Policy Act's (NEPA's) mandate by identifying, analyzing, and documenting potential impacts from proposed transportation projects. This position works with Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Local Agency Program (LAP) section, Environmental Services Section (ESS) staff, and local government officials to coordinate the environmental clearance process, including identifying opportunities to integrate changes and environmental requirements into transportation planning. This position also includes providing technical assistance, responding to inquiries and concerns, and assisting with LAP environmental data and record management.

It also involves supporting the management and analysis of Planning Studies and other studies related to Local Agency project development activities and NEPA support. The "Salary" listed above is a range that reflects the minimum rate at the entry (9) level through the maximum rate at the experienced (P11) level. Based on education and experience, candidates will be reviewed to determine what level they are qualified for.

For additional information, please see the links below: Transportation Planner 9-P11 position description All about MDOT Based on operational needs and within established limits, remote work and alternate work schedule requests for this position may be considered. For information on benefits, visit www.mi.gov/employeebenefits or www.mi.gov/orsstatedc. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S

employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award

Required Education and Experience Education Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major with at least 30 semester (45 term) credits in one or a combination of the following: planning (city, community, environmental, regional, and/or urban), environmental studies and/or sustainability, environmental sciences, engineering, statistics, mathematics, geography, geographic/geospatial information systems, logistics and/or supply chain management, or economics. Experience Transportation Planner 9 No specific type or amount is required. Transportation Planner 10 One year of professional experience in the planning, mapping, or assessment of transportation, land use, environmental, or community systems equivalent to a Transportation Planner 9.

Transportation Planner P11 Two years of professional experience in the planning, mapping, or assessment of transportation, land use, environmental, or community systems equivalent to a Transportation Planner, including one year equivalent to a Transportation Planner 10. Additional Requirements and Information To be considered for this position you must: If applicable, attach a copy of your official college transcripts and/or foreign degree evaluation with your application. Click here for the State of Michigan (SOM) definition of an Official College Transcript.

Applicants who possess foreign degrees must have their academic credentials evaluated or converted into U.S. educational equivalents. Civil Service accepts evaluations from organizations listed on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc

View the entire job specification at: https://www.michigan.gov/mdcs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdcs/JOBSPECS/T/TransportationPlanner.pdf MDOT does not participate in E-Verify and does not sponsor visa applications. All newly hired state employees are required to submit and pass a pre-employment drug test and physical (if applicable) prior to their actual appointment. Criminal and driving records will also be checked if applicable

Any position offer will be conditional until results of the drug test, physical, criminal background, and driving records indicate eligibility for employment. The department reserves the right to close this posting prior to its original end date once a sufficient number of applications have been received. Your application for any position does not guarantee that you will be contacted by the Department for further consideration.

Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) software of any kind is prohibited in all areas of the selection process including, but not limited to, responses to application questions and responses to interview questions or exercises. If you have questions related to this posting, please contact Camryn Nauta at nautac@michigan.gov

Accommodations If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.


What State Of Michigan employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom