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Urban Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Urban Designer will serve on multi-disciplinary urban design and planning projects across the East Coast, from transit-oriented development (TOD) master plans, large scale mixed-use master plans ...

New

Urban Designer

Pasadena, CA · Hybrid

$90K - $125K/yr

Planning & Urban Design Work Environment: Hybrid Compensation: $90,000-$125,000 annually* Dudek ... Conduct site analysis and prepare development capacity studies based on industry-standard building ...

... development, planning and landscape architecture, MEP engineering, public works, resilience, right of way, structural engineering, subsurface utility engineering/utility coordination, surveying ...

Urban Designer

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$90K - $105K/yr

Our Urban Systems Lab leverages the firm's multidisciplinary studio environment to engage in ... Generating design and planning alternatives for infrastructure and development projects. * Leading ...

Our Urban Systems Lab leverages the firm's multidisciplinary studio environment to engage in ... Generating design and planning alternatives for infrastructure and development projects. Leading ...

Senior Project Architect

Dallas, TX · On-site

$120K - $135K/yr

Why This Role Stands Out This position offers the chance to lead complex urban development projects with real impact on neighborhoods and communities. You will work closely with developers ...

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Urban Development information

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$33K

$77.4K

$133K

How much do urban development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for urban development in the United States is $77,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $90,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can you do with an urban development degree?

An urban development degree prepares individuals for careers in city planning, urban design, and community development. Graduates can work as urban planners, development project managers, or policy analysts, often utilizing GIS tools and requiring knowledge of zoning laws and sustainable practices.

What is urban development?

Urban development refers to the process of planning, designing, and improving cities or towns to accommodate growing populations and enhance quality of life. It involves the construction and upgrading of infrastructure like roads, housing, public spaces, and utilities, as well as the implementation of policies for sustainable growth. Urban development aims to create livable, efficient, and resilient urban environments that meet the social, economic, and environmental needs of communities.

What do urban development professionals do?

Urban development professionals plan and design infrastructure, housing, transportation, and public spaces to improve city environments. They analyze community needs, create development proposals, and coordinate with government agencies, engineers, and architects to implement projects that promote sustainable growth.

What is the difference between Urban Development vs Urban Planning?

AspectUrban DevelopmentUrban Planning
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Geography, or related fields
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, project management, collaboration with developers and government agenciesResearch, policy formulation, community engagement, design
Industry UsageFocuses on implementing projects, infrastructure, and development initiativesFocuses on designing policies, land use, and long-term planning strategies

Urban Development involves executing projects and infrastructure improvements, while Urban Planning emphasizes designing policies and land use strategies. Both roles often overlap but serve different stages of city growth and management.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in urban development?

Urban development professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders, navigating complex zoning regulations, and addressing sustainability concerns. Projects may require collaboration with government agencies, community groups, and private developers, each with differing priorities. Additionally, professionals must stay updated on evolving environmental standards and urban planning technologies to ensure that developments are both innovative and compliant with local regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in urban development?

To thrive in Urban Development, you need a solid background in urban planning, architecture, or civil engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and professional certification such as AICP or RICS. Familiarity with GIS software, CAD tools, and urban modeling systems is typically required for effective project design and analysis. Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving skills enable successful collaboration and negotiation in diverse community settings. These abilities ensure that urban development projects are sustainable, compliant, and responsive to community needs.
More about Urban Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Urban Development jobs? Cities with the most Urban Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Urban Development jobs? The most popular types of Urban Development jobs are:
What states have the most Urban Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Urban Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Urban Development job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,438 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Urban Designer

AECOM

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


AECOM rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 80 rated construction


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
AECOM's Urbanism + Planning practice is actively seeking a creative and enthusiastic Urban Designer for our growing Urban Design Studio based in our Arlington, VA or Washington DC office (preference based on candidate's choice). The Urban Designer will serve on multi-disciplinary urban design and planning projects across the East Coast, from transit-oriented development (TOD) master plans, large scale mixed-use master plans, downtown revitalization, and public realm design projects. As part of a highly collaborative team of urban designers, planners, landscape architects, engineers, and economists, the urban designer will have the opportunity to have a high impact on transformational placemaking projects across the region for municipal, state, and private sector clients.
Responsibilities
  • Work independently under the guidance of studio leadership to prepare planning and urban design deliverables, including conceptual studies, draft designs, and final presentation materials for TOD, mixed-use master plans, site planning, downtown redevelopment, and public realm projects.
  • Apply strong conceptual design skills, generate planning and design ideas, and exercise sound professional judgment on projects involving complex urban sites across a range of scales and diverse social, environmental, and geographic contexts.
  • Prepare design drawings, diagrams, maps, renderings, presentations, and project documentation that clearly communicate planning concepts and urban design vision for TOD, residential, office, retail, mixed-use, and public realm projects, while applying knowledge of building systems, planning regulations, and urban design principles in accordance with project specifications, established design standards, and verbal and written direction using industry-standard digital and traditional design tools.
  • Lead research and analysis of urban context, including zoning, land use, site history, geography, mobility networks, urban character, natural resources, and development programs. Prepare precedent studies, building massing, and other planning and design studies to inform project outcomes.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate planning, urban design, architecture, landscape, and infrastructure considerations throughout project development.
  • Apply knowledge of planning and urban design principles, building typologies, spatial requirements, zoning and land use regulations, project phasing, and implementation strategies to support design decisions.
  • Lead discrete tasks and coordinate with other consultants throughout the planning and design process to ensure technical coordination and interdisciplinary alignment.
  • Prepare for and participate in marketing activities and client outreach meetings to bring visibility to AECOM's Urbanism + Planning practice.

***Design portfolio must be submitted by applicant in order to be considered for opportunity.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Urban Design, Planning, Architecture, or Landscape Architecture with minimum of 4 years of professional experience.
  • Experience with mapping, drafting, and rendering software including AutoCAD, Rhino, GIS, and Enscape.
  • Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign), and Microsoft Office.
  • Experience producing written narrative and graphics for reports and presentations, and presenting to internal and external audiences.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Urban Design, Planning, Architecture, or Landscape Architecture with 6+ years of professional experience.
  • Experience with Lumion.
  • Urban design and digital graphic skills, including authorship and production of 2D and 3D site plans, sections, elevations, building massing studies, diagrams, renderings, maps, and presentation graphics.
  • Experience with large-scale mixed-use master planning, TOD, infrastructure-integrated planning, and downtown district planning in a collaborative, fast-paced professional environment.
  • Experience designing and evaluating urban design concepts, planning strategies, and policy objectives through collaboration with public agencies, elected officials, clients, and community stakeholders.
  • Positive, proactive approach to teamwork and problem-solving.
  • Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Excellent time management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • AICP certification or active pursuit of certification preferred.

Additional Information
  • Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.
  • Relocation Support is not available for this role.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
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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