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
How to Become an Urban or Regional Planner Urban and regional planners must be effective communicators when they meet with public officials, developers, and the public regarding development plans and land use. 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.
Education
Urban and regional planners typically need a master's degree in urban and regional planning or a related field. Admission to master's degree programs typically requires a bachelor’s degree. Programs usually do not specify a particular undergraduate degree for admission, but students may benefit from having a background in architecture, social science, business, or a related field. Accredited programs typically include coursework in subjects such as planning theory, land use law, and GIS for planning. Programs often have seminars and workshops, in which students learn to analyze and solve planning problems, and may offer concentrations in rural planning, urban revitalization, or other disciplines. Other Experience Some entry-level positions require work experience in a related field, such as architecture, public policy, or economic development. Students may gain relevant experience through internships while enrolled in, or after completing, their degree program.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Most states do not require urban and regional planners to be licensed. New Jersey is an exception; information about its licensing requirements is available from the regulatory board of New Jersey. Employers may prefer or require urban and regional planners to be certified. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop.
Your Next Step
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
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. Employment Demographic, transportation, and environmental changes will drive employment growth for planners. Within cities, urban planners will be needed to develop revitalization projects and address issues associated with population growth, environmental degradation, the movement of people and goods, and resource scarcity. Similarly, suburban areas and municipalities will need planners to address the challenges associated with population changes, including housing needs and transportation systems covering larger areas with less population density. Planners will also be needed as new and existing communities require extensive development and improved infrastructure, including housing, roads, sewer systems, parks, and schools. However, federal, state, and local government budgets may affect the employment of planners in government, because development projects are contingent on available funds. Urban and Regional Planners Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Urban and regional planners 4% Social scientists and related workers 4% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Urban and Regional Planners 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.
Duties
Urban and regional planners typically do the following:
- Meet with stakeholders such as government officials, developers, and the public regarding development plans and land use
- Gather and analyze data from field investigations and sources such as market research, censuses, and environmental studies
- Assess the feasibility of site plans submitted by developers and identify needed changes
- Recommend whether site plans should be approved or denied
- Stay current on government policies such as zoning laws, building codes, and environmental regulations
Urban and regional planners identify community needs and develop short- and long-term projects for certain areas. They help communities manage economic, social, environmental, and other issues. Examples include creating access to parks and sidewalks, expanding affordable housing, and making the region more attractive to businesses.
When working on a project, planners often collaborate with public officials, community members, and other groups to identify community issues and goals. They also analyze research and data to address issues and to meet goals. After they present a final project proposal to clients, planners may help to oversee its implementation.
Urban and regional planners use a variety of technology, such as statistical, data visualization, and financial management software. In addition, planners often use Geographic Information System (GIS) software to integrate data, such as for population density, with digital maps.
Urban and regional planners may specialize in transportation planning, community development, historic preservation, or other areas of focus.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Urban and regional planners held about 45,800 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of urban and regional planners were as follows:
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 74% |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 9 |
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 9 |
| Management, scientific, and technical consulting services | 2 |
Urban and regional planners may need to travel to inspect potential sites and proposed changes to existing sites.
Work Schedules
Most urban and regional planners work full time. Some work evenings or weekends to attend meetings with officials, planning commissions, and neighborhood groups.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Analytical skills. Urban and regional planners evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as market research studies, censuses, and environmental impact studies. Communication skills. Urban and regional planners prepare research reports and presentations. They must be able to effectively convey project details to a variety of stakeholders, such as public officials, interest groups, and community members. Decision-making skills. Urban and regional planners must consider a range of options when determining whether site plans should be approved or denied. Interpersonal skills. Urban and regional planners must be able to establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders. Leadership skills. Urban and regional planners must be able to manage projects, which may include delegating tasks and planning assignments.
More Information
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.
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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.