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Urban Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

New York City Council

Senior Urban Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

The New York City Council, an equal opportunity employer, is seeking a Senior Urban Designer to serve in the Planning and Land Use Division. The Planning and Land Use Division is comprised of city ...

Perkins & Will

Senior Urban Designer

Boston, MA · On-site

$110K - $118K/yr

As a Senior Urban Designer , you will be responsible for leading all phases of the design process with a high level of proficiency and expertise while adhering to firm and project goals and standards ...

CBT Architects

Urban Designer 4

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$91K - $100K/yr

... Senior Urban Designer. * Prepare graphics, narratives, and presentations that clearly communicate the design process and concepts using various mediums like 2d and 3d diagrams, storyboards ...

Perkins and Will

Senior Urban Designer

Boston, MA · On-site

$110K - $118K/yr

As a Senior Urban Designer , you will be responsible for leading all phases of the design process with a high level of proficiency and expertise while adhering to firm and project goals and standards ...

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

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How much do urban designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 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 can I do with an urban designer degree?

An urban designer degree prepares individuals for careers in city planning, landscape architecture, and urban design. Graduates can work for government agencies, private firms, or non-profit organizations, focusing on creating sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing urban environments. Skills in design software, zoning regulations, and environmental considerations are often essential in this field.

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.

How much money does an urban designer make?

Urban designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and education. Senior urban designers or those working in large firms can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. Skills in GIS, CAD, and sustainable design can influence earning potential.

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 does an urban designer 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.

Is urban design a good career?

Urban designers plan and develop the physical layout of cities and communities, requiring skills in architecture, planning, and environmental design. The profession offers opportunities in public and private sectors, often involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and may require proficiency with design software and knowledge of zoning regulations. Job prospects depend on regional development needs and individual qualifications.

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.
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Urban Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Urban Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,746 per year, or $35 per hour.

Senior Urban Designer

New York City Council

New York, NY • On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

The New York City Council, an equal opportunity employer, is seeking a Senior Urban Designer to serve in the Planning and Land Use Division.
The Planning and Land Use Division is comprised of city planners, attorneys, and administrative staff. They work collaboratively to: track and advise Council Members on land use applications, including Uniform Land Use Review Process (ULURP); Staff and facilitate Council hearings and votes for the Land Use Committee, Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, and the Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings, Resiliency, and Dispositions; design and implement community planning processes; conduct policy analysis & research to support informed decision-making; provide legal guidance and legislative drafting; offer education & ongoing support on planning and land use related topics; and provide technical assistance support to Council Members.
SALARY RANGE:
$110,000 to $125,000
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide urban design support to the Division on a variety of planning initiatives and policy proposals through site analysis, existing conditions research, conceptual designs, technical and illustrative drawings/renderings, digital massing models, graphic design assistance, and development of presentation materials and reports.
  • Assist the Director and Deputy Directors, to analyze and evaluate development proposals and rezonings.
  • Advise members of the Division on overall urban design and public realm concepts, objectives, and respond to the implications of urban design decisions on certain projects.
  • Identify and tracking short-term, long-term, and evolving urban design trends relevant to NYC development and report on these trends to the wider team.
  • Work closely and collaboratively with supported communities, and Council Members and staff to assist in the development of plans and other documents that are responsive to and reflective of the needs and interests of community members.
  • Provide guidance and mentoring to other staff.
  • Occasional after-hours availability may be required to address time-sensitive matters.
  • Perform other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelors degree in Urban Design, Planning, or Architecture (Master's degree preferred).
  • Minimum of five years of full-time experience in urban design.
  • Proven ability to visually represent complex urban systems and conceptual design ideas and collaborate well with colleagues and key stakeholders to inform design decisions.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and InDesign and ArcGIS.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability and desire to communicate effectively with people of all ages from diverse ethnic, socioeconomic, and gender backgrounds.
  • A passion for community engagement.
  • Ability to exercise sound and careful judgement.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks at once.
  • Commitment to public service.
  • Multilingual a plus.
  • Desire to take self-initiative while also enjoying working within a team.
  • Knowledge of New York City's built environment.
  • Ability to center equity as a guiding principle in all work.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
New York City residency is required within 90 days of appointment.
For eligible employees, health, dental and vision insurance coverage are offered upon hire. Retirement plans, deferred compensation plans, group life insurance, paid time off and paid holidays, training resources, health & fitness reimbursement and wellness programs are also available.
The New York City Council makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact EEOOfficer@council.nyc.gov.
HOW TO APPLY:
Qualified candidates should forward their cover letter indicating your match to the stated job requirements and your resume to:
E-MAIL: counciljobs@council.nyc.gov
MAIL: New York City Council
Attn: Personnel Services/Recruiting (SUD)
250 Broadway, 26th Floor
New York, New York 10007
FAX: 12124014711
While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
The New York City Council is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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