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Urban Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MDLE is seeking an enthusiastic, motivated, technology-focused Urban / Military Planner for our federal team in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Charlottesville office is comprised of architects and ...

Urban Designer

Pasadena, CA · Hybrid

$90K - $125K/yr

Planning & Urban Design Work Environment: Hybrid Compensation: $90,000-$125,000 annually* Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California's water and wastewater agencies.

Urban Designer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Planning & Urban Design Work Environment: Hybrid Compensation: $90,000-$125,000 annually* Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California's water and wastewater agencies.

Urban Designer

Pasadena, CA · Hybrid

$90K - $125K/yr

Planning & Urban Design Work Environment: Hybrid Compensation: $90,000-$125,000 annually* Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California's water and wastewater agencies.

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Urban Planner information

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$119K

How much do urban planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 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 an 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 offers opportunities for impact, requires strong analytical and communication skills, and typically requires a relevant degree and certification. Job prospects are generally stable, with growth driven by urban development needs.

What jobs can you do with urban planning?

Urban planners can work in government agencies, private consulting firms, or non-profit organizations, focusing on land use, transportation, and community development. They often use GIS software and require knowledge of zoning laws and environmental regulations. Career options include transportation planner, land use planner, environmental planner, and urban design specialist.

How much does an urban planner make?

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. Those with professional certifications or advanced degrees may earn higher salaries, especially in urban or high-demand areas.

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 designs 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 does an urban planner 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 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:

Infographic showing various Urban Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,033 per year, or $36.1 per hour.

Urban / Federal Planner

MDLE LLC

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Creativity Meets Mission. 

There has never been a better time to join and be a part of MDLE! 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 fast-growing global team of planners, designers, and engineers, delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world. 

Job Description 

MDLE is seeking an enthusiastic, motivated, technology-focused Urban / Military Planner for our federal team in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Charlottesville office is comprised of architects and engineers focused on growing our successful services in the federal marketplace for clients all over the world. This position is expected to begin as soon as possible. In this role, you will be responsible for leading a project team from a variety of disciplines; integrating input from a broad range of stakeholders to create award-winning plans that build momentum toward positive change in communities and lives of those in the military.  

 
Responsibilities Include but are not limited to: 

  • Collaborate with diverse teams of interdisciplinary professionals to complete urban design and/or military community and campus planning projects.  

  • Gather information from multiple sources and calculate facilities requirements according to Department of Defense guidelines. Facilities may include buildings, infrastructure, and ranges and training areas. 

  • Manage and actively participate in writing the master plan or other installation planning documents as required. 

  • Direct and assist military planners and staff in the preparation of site and facility development plans based on the results of the facilities requirements analysis. 

  • Use various DoD data systems to analyze and record facilities requirements. 

 
Qualifications: 

Minimum Requirements 

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field; Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture or Geography  

  • 5 years of relevant experience 

  • Experience with Adobe Suite / Graphics Presentation  (InDesign, Photoshop) 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Strong background in either military or community planning 

  • AICP preferred or PE, RA, PLA/RLA or PMP 

  • Have or be able to hold a DoD security clearance and a U.S. passport 

  • Ability to travel internationally 

  • Ability to lead a team on projects 

  • Exceptional planning and mentoring skills 

Additional Information 

  • **U.S. CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION** - Can be REMOTE 

  • Live in the EST or CST time zone of the United States. 

  • Will consider remote hiring for the right candidate. Ideally, this position is for someone living in Charlottesville, Virginia or Greater New Orleans, Louisiana. Work can be a combination of in-office and at home remote work. 

  • Sponsorship is not available now or in the future for this role. 

Compensation and Benefits 

The salary range for this position is $57,500 - $118,500. This will be dependent on experience and expertise of the incoming candidate.  

Job Type: Full-time or Part Time 

Benefits may include: 

• 401k Retirement Plan 

• Medical and Dental insurance 

• Flexible schedule 

• Professional and personal development 

• Generous paid time off 

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