ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Urban Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KZF Design Inc

Planning Co-op

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

Urban Planner Co-op Location: Cincinnati, OH 45202 Department: Urban Planning ABOUT KZF DESIGN KZF Design is a multidisciplinary architecture, engineering, and planning firm proudly recognized as one ...

Quanta Services

Planner I

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site +1

... urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK ... HBK Engineering is hiring a Planner I in Walnut Creek, CA , to provide recent graduates and early ...

sycuan

Planner I -Planning & Development

El Cajon, CA · On-site

Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Urban Planning, Project/Construction Management, Civil Engineering or related field Skills and Knowledge: Essential: * Working knowledge of major/minor capital and ...

Town of Marana

Planner

Marana, AZ · On-site

$44K/yr

Bachelors degree in Urban/City Planning, Public Administration, or closely related field. Over six months experience in planning, geography, community development, public administration, or closely ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Planner III

Ontario, CA

... urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK ... This senior-level planning role requires extensive technical knowledge, project leadership, and ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Planner III

Ontario, CA · On-site

... urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK ... This senior-level planning role requires extensive technical knowledge, project leadership, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsUrban Planner Jobs

Urban Planner information

See salary details

$44K

$75K

$119K

How much do urban planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for urban planner in the United States is $75,033.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $84,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is urban planner a good career?

Urban planners develop plans and programs for land use and community development, often working for government agencies or private firms. The career typically requires a relevant degree, strong analytical skills, and knowledge of zoning laws and GIS tools; job prospects are generally stable with opportunities for growth in sustainable and smart city initiatives.

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 tools like GIS to create effective urban designs and policies.

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 jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Urban planners typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive roles, specialized consultants, or senior positions in related fields like real estate development or infrastructure management. Achieving this level often requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. Most urban planning roles have lower salary ranges, with top executives or private sector consultants reaching higher compensation levels.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In the field of urban planning, most roles require at least a bachelor's degree; however, high-paying jobs outside this field, such as sales managers, real estate brokers, or entrepreneurs, can earn $10,000 or more monthly without a formal degree. These positions often rely on experience, skills, and networking rather than formal education alone.

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 cities are hiring for Urban Planner jobs? Cities with the most Urban Planner job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Urban Planner jobs? The most popular types of Urban Planner jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Urban Planner jobs? The top employers for Urban Planner jobs are:
What states have the most Urban Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Urban Planner jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Urban Planner jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Urban Planner jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Urban Planner jobs? For Urban Planner jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Urban Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Urban Planner job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,033 per year, or $36.1 per hour.
Senior Planner (Environmental & Urban Planning)

Senior Planner (Environmental & Urban Planning)

Stantec

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Stantec rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 352 rated engineering

Job description

Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields with dedication, a creative spirit, and a vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties worldwide and are devoted to fostering a community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. Here, you can apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental professionals on work that's vital to our clients and the communities they serve.
Join a team that's naturally committed to the environment.
Your Opportunity
We're looking for a Senior Planner who thrives at the intersection of urban planning and environmental policy, someone who can manage or support the preparation of NEPA documents (EISs, EAs, CEs) and contribute to urban and regional planning projects. You'll lead or support projects that range from transportation and infrastructure planning to NEPA environmental review. This is a unique opportunity for a planner with a NEPA background who wants to expand into pre-NEPA infrastructure planning or an urban planner who's ready to deepen their impact through environmental compliance. You'll be joining a collaborative team of planners, engineers, scientists, and designers working on transformative projects across the Southeast and beyond.
This position is located in Tennessee and seeking individuals within a reasonable distance to Nashville, Knoxville or Chattooga.
Key Responsibilities
  • Manage planning projects, supporting all aspects of a project, including client contact, budget control and invoicing, schedule, personnel allocation/planning, public interest facilitation, and technical approach and subcontractor involvement.
  • Contribute to urban planning projects including comprehensive plans, corridor studies, land use planning, and community engagement.
  • Prepare and review technical reports, planning documents, and visual materials (maps, graphics, presentations).
  • Provide quality assurance and quality control for all final products to ensure technical accurateness and regulatory compliance.
  • Coordinate with clients, agencies, and stakeholders to ensure regulatory compliance and community alignment.
  • Manage or support public engagement strategies, including workshops, charrettes, and digital outreach.
  • Support proposal development and business development efforts across planning and environmental services.

Your Capabilities and Credentials
  • Planning experience in the Greater Nashville Metro area strongly preferred.
  • Project work with state DOTs and/or municipalities in Tennessee strongly preferred. Applicable and similar experience in other states will be considered.
  • Understanding of NEPA regulations and environmental permitting processes.
  • Understanding of urban planning principles, land use policy, and community development.
  • Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills with experience presenting at public workshops and facilitating meetings with regulatory/resource agencies.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with GIS and/or Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.
  • Team oriented with strong capability to motivate others.
  • Must be able to travel as needed for project assignments, meetings, conferences.
  • Must have a good driving record and valid driver's license.

Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of relevant experience in either NEPA or urban planning (cross-disciplinary experience preferred), preparing planning studies/environmental documentation and supporting public engagement.
  • American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification or desire to work toward certification preferred.

Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.
Benefits Summary: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).
Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.
The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements
Primary Location: United States | TN | Nashville
Organization: 1726 EnvSvcs-US Gulf East-Nashville TN
Employee Status: Regular
Business Justification: New Position
Travel: No
Schedule: Full time
Job Posting: 02/02/2026 12:02:33
Req ID: 1004045
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.

What Stantec employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply