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Urban Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PlaceWorks

Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner

Santa Ana, CA · Hybrid

$27.88 - $41.83/hr

PlaceWorks is seeking a full-time Urban Designer/Planner to join our team in the Orange County (Santa Ana) office. We are looking for an entry-level individual or someone with a few years of urban ...

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Urban Designer information

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$53.5K

$72.7K

$89K

How much do urban designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for urban designer in the United States is $72,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Urban Designer vs City Planner?

AspectUrban DesignerCity Planner
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Design, Architecture, or PlanningBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Public Policy, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, public agencies, private firmsGovernment agencies, municipal offices, consulting firms
Industry UsageFocuses on aesthetic, functional, and sustainable design of urban spacesFocuses on policy, zoning, land use, and development regulations

Urban Designers primarily focus on the visual and functional design of urban spaces, while City Planners concentrate on policy, zoning, and land use regulations. Both roles collaborate to shape sustainable and functional cities but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

What does an urban designer do?

An urban designer plans and develops the physical layout of cities and neighborhoods, focusing on creating functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing public spaces. They analyze land use, collaborate with architects and planners, and use design tools like GIS software to develop master plans that improve urban environments.

Where do urban designers get paid the most?

Urban designers tend to earn the highest salaries in regions with strong infrastructure development and high living costs, such as major metropolitan areas. Salaries are also influenced by experience, specialization, and the size of the employing organization, with larger firms and government agencies often offering higher compensation.

How does an urban designer typically collaborate with other professionals during a project?

Urban designers frequently work in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with architects, landscape architects, engineers, city planners, and community stakeholders. Their role involves synthesizing input from these diverse professionals to create cohesive, functional, and aesthetically appealing urban spaces. Effective communication and coordination are essential, as urban designers often facilitate workshops, present design proposals, and integrate feedback into the planning process to ensure the project's success and community acceptance.

What Do Urban Designers Do?

An urban designer surveys an area before construction. These are often large-scale areas such as land for a shopping mall, a subway system, or a housing complex. Their job duties include surveying selected places, creating blueprints with computer software, and meeting with civil engineers to ensure planning is correct. Many urban designers focus on public spaces, such as developing a public building or city park. This career requires a master’s degree in urban design or a related field. Additional qualifications include design experience, an interest in public architecture, and strong computer skills.

How do I become an urban designer?

To become an urban designer, typically a bachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's degree for advanced roles. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in design software like AutoCAD or GIS, and obtaining professional certification such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) can enhance job prospects.

What can I do with an urban design degree?

An urban design degree prepares individuals for careers in city planning, landscape architecture, and urban design firms. Graduates can work as urban designers, planners, or consultants, often using tools like CAD and GIS, and may pursue licensure or certification to advance in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Urban Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Urban Designer, you need expertise in urban planning, spatial analysis, environmental design, and typically a degree in urban design, architecture, or landscape architecture. Proficiency in CAD software, GIS systems, and 3D modeling tools is commonly required, along with knowledge of zoning laws and building codes. Strong communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills help Urban Designers effectively engage stakeholders and create sustainable communities. These abilities are crucial for developing functional, attractive urban spaces that meet the needs of diverse populations and regulatory standards.
More about Urban Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Urban Designer jobs? Cities with the most Urban Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Urban Designer jobs? The most popular types of Urban Designer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Urban Designer jobs? The top employers for Urban Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Urban Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Urban Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Urban Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Urban Designer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Urban Designer jobs? For Urban Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Urban Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Urban Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 14% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,746 per year, or $35 per hour.
Urban Designer/Landscape Architecture Leader

Urban Designer/Landscape Architecture Leader

AECOM

Cleveland, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
Our award-winning urban design, landscape architecture, and planning practice is seeking Urban Designer or Landscape Architecture Design Leader who has a passion for working on complex civic-focused projects. This role is to be based in Cleveland or Columbus, OH.
A key quality of a candidate will be their ability to bring design leadership and foster a culture of design to an established design practice and a diverse set of internal and external collaborators. The successful candidate will work on local projects as we as well as projects in other locales across the country. Regardless of project location, the successful candidate must be a strategic thinker, drive a design process, possess excellent communication and organizational skills, and have a willingness and excitement to collaborate with partners across AECOM's multi-disciplinary platform.
The successful candidate will understand the value of leveraging the design platform that AECOM offers, which is access and collaboration with industry leading designers and technical experts in nearly every design and engineering field. The current and near-term projects that this position would support will be transformational to the communities in which they exist.
Internally, this position will provide the opportunity to serve as an integral part of a planning and design practice that includes planners, landscape architects, architects, interior designers, engineers, and business development professionals. The position will require the ability to present and clearly articulate design visions, concepts, internally and externally, as a function of facilitating the overall design process for complex multi-layered design problems and solutions.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in of Landscape Architecture or Urban Design + 6 years of relevant professional design experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
  • Professional landscape architecture license within the US

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in landscape architecture or urban design
  • Licensed Landscape Architect in Ohio (within 6 months of hire)
  • Ten plus years of relevant professional design experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
  • Proficiency in Autocad, Adobe Creative Suite, and at least one of the following 3D modeling and rendering platforms (revit, rhino, sketchup)
  • Support the further development of a design studio culture
  • Collaborator & Integrator
  • Minimum of 5 years of applicable design leadership experience.
  • Project leadership experience
  • Professional licensure within the state of Ohio
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, SketchUp, AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Proficiency in creating hand sketches for the purpose of facilitating design workshops and quickly communicating design ideas.
  • Familiarity with and past participation with business development activities such as marketing, proposals and client development.
  • Excellent internal and external communication of design vision
  • Excellent written communication, quantitative analysis, graphic design, urban design, presenting, and critical thinking skills.
  • Non-mandatory participation in civic-minded organizations
  • Evidence of third-party recognition of your work or projects you have played a significant role in, e.g., ASLA, AIA, design awards and/or publications and presentations with a focus on design

Additional Information
  • Sponsorship is not available for this role

About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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