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Urban Planner Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

K&A Engineering

Substation Planner III

Garner, NC

$35 - $41/hr

The Planner supports large-scale annual capital and O&M programs and helps keep work aligned with changing priorities. Role Expectations: * Develop construction and maintenance work packages ...

City of Durham

Planning Specialist

Durham, NC · On-site

$53K - $78K/yr

Prior urban planning, customer service, building inspection, and/or local government work is desirable, as well as experience reading tax maps and property records. Training and mentoring will be ...

ICF

Principal Transportation Planner

Raleigh, NC

Master's degree in urban planning, public policy, economics, environmental science, transportation/civil engineering, or related subjects, or equivalent professional experience. * 10+ years of ...

Town of Cary

GIS PLANNER

Cary, NC

$69K - $107K/yr

... urban planning, computer science or related field with at least two years of experience working with GIS (including working with GIS software, database software, or other related software). The ...

Town of Clayton

Principal Planner

Clayton, NC · On-site

$76K/yr

Urban design and placemaking concepts; transportation/land use integration; housing policy and neighborhood planning. Research methods, demographic/economic analysis, and interpretation of planning ...

Town of Cary, NC

GIS PLANNER

Cary, NC · On-site

$69K - $107K/yr

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in geography, urban planning, computer ...

Pwc

Utility Network GIS Consultant, Manager

Raleigh, NC

$99K - $232K/yr

You will focus on utilizing Esri's software suite, such as ArcGIS, to analyze, manage, and visualize geographic data across various fields including urban planning, environmental management, and ...

Applied Industrial Technologies

Planner I

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Planner I The Planner I reports directly to the Mid-Atlantic Calibration Services Team Manager. This position is non-exempt. Travel up to 50% may be required based on project and client needs. This ...

Ontic

Production Planner

Creedmoor, NC · On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

You will report to the Planning & Warehouse Manager and will have an onsite work structure in Creedmoor, North Carolina . The Production Planner is responsible for planning, coordinating, and ...

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All JobsUrban Planner JobsUrban Planner Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Urban Planner information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$42.8K

$72.9K

$115.7K

How much do urban planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for urban planner in Raleigh, NC is $72,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,400.00 and $82,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much is an Urban Planner paid?

Urban planners 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 generally pay less, while experienced professionals or those working in high-cost areas can earn higher wages.

Is Urban Planner a good career?

Urban planners develop plans and programs for land use, transportation, and community development, often working for government agencies or private firms. The profession requires strong analytical skills, knowledge of zoning laws, and proficiency with GIS tools; employment prospects are generally stable with opportunities for advancement. Job satisfaction depends on interest in community development and environmental sustainability.

What do you do as an Urban Planner?

An urban planner develops plans and programs for land use in cities and communities, focusing on sustainable development, transportation, zoning, and public spaces. They analyze data, collaborate with stakeholders, and use planning tools like GIS to create proposals that improve urban environments and meet community needs.

What is the difference between Urban Planner vs City Planner?

AspectUrban PlannerCity Planner
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Geography, or related fieldSimilar credentials, often with additional local government experience
Work EnvironmentPublic agencies, consulting firms, non-profitsMunicipal government departments, urban development agencies
Industry UsageBroadly used across urban development projectsPrimarily within city government and local planning offices
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in urban developmentFocus on local government planning roles

Urban Planners and City Planners often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, focusing on developing and implementing urban development projects. However, Urban Planners typically work across various organizations and broader projects, while City Planners are usually employed within municipal governments focusing on local policies and zoning. Both roles are essential in shaping urban spaces, with their differences mainly in scope and employment setting.

What Do Urban Planners Do?

Urban planners identify community needs and make plans to develop, expand, or revitalize various communities or areas in their cities. Urban planners may assess plans for proposed development, like new schools, to ensure the investment will benefit the community by meeting the needs of a changing population. As cities grow and change, planners help communities manage shifting economic, social, and environmental needs. Some urban planners work large-scale plans, while some work in focused areas on specific issues. Good urban planners have at heart what is the best use of a community’s land and resources overall—residentially, commercially, and recreationally.

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

To thrive as an Urban Planner, you need a strong background in urban design, land use planning, and environmental policy, typically supported by a degree in urban planning or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, zoning regulations, and public engagement platforms is important, and certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) can be advantageous. Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical thinking are essential soft skills for collaborating with stakeholders and addressing community needs. These competencies ensure effective, sustainable, and inclusive planning that enhances urban environments and meets regulatory and community goals.

What qualifications do you need to be an Urban Planner?

Urban planners typically need a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field, with many roles requiring a master's degree such as a Master of Urban Planning. Professional certification, like the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), can enhance job prospects. Strong skills in GIS software, research, and communication are also important for success in the field.

What are some common challenges urban planners face when balancing community needs with regulatory requirements?

Urban planners often navigate the complex task of balancing the diverse needs of communities—such as affordable housing, green spaces, and transportation access—with local, state, and federal regulations. This can involve negotiating with developers, addressing resident concerns, and ensuring compliance with zoning laws and environmental policies. Effective collaboration with stakeholders and strong communication skills are essential to finding practical solutions that meet both legal requirements and community goals. Planners may also need to adapt quickly to changing priorities or unexpected obstacles, making flexibility a valuable asset in this role.

What does an urban planner do?

An urban planner is a professional who develops plans and programs for land use in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Their work involves analyzing community needs, considering environmental and economic factors, and designing solutions for transportation, housing, and public spaces. Urban planners work with government agencies, developers, and the public to create sustainable, functional, and attractive communities. They also ensure that development complies with zoning laws and environmental regulations.
More about Urban Planner jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Urban Planner jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Urban Planner jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Urban Planner jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Urban Planner jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Urban Planner jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Urban Planner jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Urban Planner jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Urban Planner job openings:
Urban Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Urban Planner job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,939 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Substation Planner III

K&A Engineering

Garner, NC

$35 - $41/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

K&A Power Group – is a privately held engineering firm delivering worldclass technical expertise and engineering excellence to power utility and industrial clients across the United States, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. We provide comprehensive consulting, engineering and design, program and project management, construction management, and EPC services, specializing in substation, transmission, distribution, and distributed energy resources.


We pride ourselves on attracting and developing top talent, building a culture of excellence, and building meaningful, long-term relationships with our employees, clients and communities, wherever they are in the world.

Powered By Innovation, Passion, And Purpose.

Start your K&A Career:

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Substation Planner III to join our team at K&A Power Group in Garner, NC. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work on exciting and challenging projects that make a real impact in the energy and utility sectors. You’ll be part of a dynamic, people-focused team where your expertise, ideas, and contributions will be valued and celebrated.

The Substation Construction Planner supports construction and maintenance activities for substation and transmission assets by developing detailed work packages, estimates, and schedules. This role works closely with field crews, project management, and grid operations to ensure work is executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with operational and regulatory requirements. The Planner supports large-scale annual capital and O&M programs and helps keep work aligned with changing priorities.

Role Expectations:

  • Develop construction and maintenance work packages, including scope, labor estimates, durations, materials, tools, and safety requirements
  • Review equipment history and identify special job needs or opportunities to combine work for efficiency
  • Coordinate with Construction, Project Management, Grid Operations, and other internal groups
  • Monitor work progress, document variances between planned and actual hours, and identify improvement opportunities
  • Support clearance coordination, emergency planning, and re-sequencing of work as needed
  • Ensure accurate completion of required documentation, including NERC-related records
  • Participate in planning, scoping, and pre-construction meetings; perform job site walk-downs as required

What we’re looking for:

  • Minimum 5 years of substation construction experience
  • Knowledge of ITOA processes
  • Switching and tagging qualified (or ability to obtain)
  • Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills
  • Combination of office-based planning and field-based site visits
  • Travel required to project and work locations
  • May be required to support emergency or urgent work outside of normal business hours

Pay Range $35-41/hour

Why Join K&A?

People-First Culture: We put our people at the center of everything we do, creating an environment where your professional and personal growth is a top priority.

Innovation & Learning: We encourage continuous learning and invest in your development through training, mentorship, and hands-on experience.

Collaborative Team Environment: We believe in the power of collaboration and working together to achieve the best outcomes for our clients and employees.

Recognition & Growth: We’ve earned our reputation through uncompromising precision and a commitment to excellence. As an agile and fast-growing company, we offer plenty of opportunities for your career advancement and growth.

Competitive Compensation & Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package for eligible classified employees, including but not limited to:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • FSA, HSA, and Dependent Care Spending Account
  • 401K (Traditional and Roth with Company Match)
  • Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Holidays and Flexible PTO
  • Tuition Reimbursement, Parking and Transit Reimbursement, and Pet Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability, Short-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
  • EAP (Employee Assistance Program)

Check out our career page for more information!

The salary range for this role considers a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to technical ability, experience and training, licenses and certifications, and other related skillsets. The disclosed range is an estimate and has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.