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Urban Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... 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 ...

Planner

Orange, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Intermediate Urban Planner to join our growing Planning Team. This role requires a strong understanding of overall planning strategy and project vision and will support ...

Join us. AECOM's Northern California Environmental Planning & Permitting team is growing and seeking an experienced Urban and Environmental Planner III to join our team. This hybrid position ...

Join us. AECOM's Northern California Environmental Planning & Permitting team is growing and seeking an experienced Urban and Environmental Planner III to join our team. This hybrid position ...

Join us. AECOM's Northern California Environmental Planning & Permitting team is growing and seeking an experienced Urban and Environmental Planner III to join our team. This hybrid position ...

Join us. AECOM's Northern California Environmental Planning & Permitting team is growing and seeking an experienced Urban and Environmental Planner III to join our team. This hybrid position ...

Join us. AECOM's Northern California Environmental Planning & Permitting team is growing and seeking an experienced Urban and Environmental Planner III to join our team. This hybrid position ...

Join us. AECOM's Northern California Environmental Planning & Permitting team is growing and seeking an experienced Urban and Environmental Planner III to join our team. This hybrid position ...

Join us. AECOM's Northern California Environmental Planning & Permitting team is growing and seeking an experienced Urban and Environmental Planner III to join our team. This hybrid position ...

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Urban Planner information

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$44K

$75K

$119K

How much do urban planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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.

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 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.
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 are popular job titles related to Urban Planner jobs? For Urban Planner jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Urban Planner job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,033 per year, or $36.1 per hour.
PLANNER VI (CITY/URBAN PLANNING) (SR-26) [6 vacancies]

PLANNER VI (CITY/URBAN PLANNING) (SR-26) [6 vacancies]

City and County of Honolulu

Honolulu, HI

$5K - $8K/mo

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


City and County of Honolulu rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

329th of 645 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Information Planning communities for today and tomorrow. The City and County of Honolulu is seeking to fill Planner VI positions across the island. As a Planner VI (City/Urban Planning), you will supervise and participate in the development, analysis and completion of planning projects, or assume project responsibility for a major special purpose study requiring initial development and management and where assignments are of a creative nature, and perform other related duties as required.

What You Will Do General duties of a City/Urban Planner VI include (but are not limited to) supervising and participating in: Conducting surveys and research to develop general and area plans (e.g., transportation, utilities, schools, and recreation). Preparing maps, layouts, designs, and development plans. Establishing planning goals, policies, standards, and project criteria

Producing zoning studies and reports. Analyzing social, economic, population, transportation, and land-use data. Presenting and discussing plans with community members and other government agencies.

There are five (5) vacancies with the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP). One (1) vacancy with the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Division Four (4) vacancies with the Planning Division ***Salary for the positions in the Department of Planning and Permitting is commensurate with applicable experience: $7,159 to $7,992 per month (SR-26) (includes shortage differential) pending approval.*** There is one (1) vacancy with the Department of Transportation Services (DTS), Transportation Mobility Division. ***Salary for the position in the Department of Transportation Services is commensurate with applicable experience: $6,535 to $7,644 per month (SR-26), pending approval.*** Enjoy excellent employment benefits including generous time off (up to 21 vacation days, 21 sick leave days, and holidays), comprehensive health coverage, retirement plan, career development, and much more

View details about all our available benefits by clicking on the "Benefits" tab at the top of this posting or visiting https://www.honolulu.gov/dhr/benefits/. Apply today and take the first step toward a lasting career. Additional Job Information Some notifications will be sent via e-mail

You are responsible for monitoring instructions and correspondence from this office by checking your email account in a timely manner. To ensure proper delivery, please make sure you: - use a valid e-mail account; - verify your e-mail address is entered correctly on your GovernmentJobs account; - are subscribed to e-mail notices; - check your spam folders; and - add infoneogov@honolulu.gov and info@governmentjobs.com to your contact list. Notifications may also be sent via text message if opted into the service

Data and text messaging fees apply. Minimum Qualification Requirements At time of application, you must be a citizen, national or permanent resident alien of the United States or a non-citizen eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment. EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with specialization in city planning, architecture, engineering, economics, sociology, public administration, or a related field.

Substitution: Work experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis. Such experience must have provided the knowledge, skills, and analytical ability normally gained from attainment of a bachelor's degree. For example: 1.

Four (4) years of professional work experience, in any occupation, may substitute for a general bachelor's degree. 2. Four (4) years of general work experience (does not need to be professional level experience) in urban planning may be substituted for a general bachelor's degree.

Education Verification: Education information must be listed clearly on your application. If available, please attach a legible electronic copy of your diploma, official transcripts, and/or applicable foreign credential evaluation to your application. As part of the hiring process, you may be asked to furnish documentation to verify your education to move forward for further consideration.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT: Four years of professional work experience in city planning or related planning activities. Applicable Skills Needed Knowledge of: The principles, practices, purposes, scope and techniques of the various phases of city planning, and the preparation, maintenance and operation of a comprehensive plan for a large metropolitan area Trends in Federal, State and local planning as they affect city planning Laws and ordinances relating to planning, zoning, land subdivision, and redevelopment The principles and practices of supervision Substitution: A Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from an accredited college/university may be substituted for one year of professional work experience in city planning or related planning activities. Education Verification: Education information must be listed clearly on your application.

If available, please attach a legible electronic copy of your diploma, official transcripts, and/or applicable foreign credential evaluation to your application. As part of the hiring process, you may be asked to furnish documentation to verify your education to move forward for further consideration. LICENSE REQUIREMENT: Possession of an appropriate valid driver's license, as required.

Examination Process If you qualify for the position, your name will be eligible for consideration for current vacancy/vacancies and future job openings with this job title. Screening will be based on the education, experience, and other job-related information provided in your application. Failure to provide sufficient information may result in your application being rejected or your receiving a lower rating.

All information provided on an application is subject to verification. As applicable, false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts are grounds for disqualification and/or termination of employment with the City and County of Honolulu.


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