Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Urban and regional planners typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited planning program to enter the occupation. Employers may prefer or require planners to be certified. PayThe median annual wage for urban and regional planners was $89,320 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of urban and regional planners is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 3,200 openings for urban and regional planners are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for urban and regional planners. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of urban and regional planners with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about urban and regional planners by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for urban and regional planners was $89,320 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of urban and regional planners is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 3,200 openings for urban and regional planners are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for urban and regional planners. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of urban and regional planners with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about urban and regional planners by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of urban and regional planners is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 3,200 openings for urban and regional planners are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for urban and regional planners. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of urban and regional planners with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about urban and regional planners by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Urban and regional planners develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities in cities, counties, metropolitan areas, and other jurisdictions.
Work Environment
Urban and regional planners usually work in an office setting and may travel to visit proposed sites. Most work full time, and some work evenings or weekends to attend meetings.
How to Become an Urban or Regional Planner
Urban and regional planners typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited planning program to enter the occupation. Employers may prefer or require planners to be certified.
Pay
The median annual wage for urban and regional planners was $89,320 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of urban and regional planners is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 3,200 openings for urban and regional planners are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for urban and regional planners.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of urban and regional planners with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about urban and regional planners by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Urban and regional planners usually work in an office setting and may travel to visit proposed sites. Most work full time, and some work evenings or weekends to attend meetings.
How to Become an Urban or Regional Planner
Urban and regional planners typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited planning program to enter the occupation. Employers may prefer or require planners to be certified.
Pay
The median annual wage for urban and regional planners was $89,320 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of urban and regional planners is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 3,200 openings for urban and regional planners are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for urban and regional planners.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of urban and regional planners with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about urban and regional planners by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for urban and regional planners.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of urban and regional planners with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about urban and regional planners by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about urban and regional planners by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.