A Transportation Planner is a professional who develops plans and programs for the use of land and infrastructure related to transportation. They work to create transportation systems that are efficient, sustainable, and meet the needs of the public.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 1.7% (below average)
Annual job openings: 3 200
Direct AI exposure: 37% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 95% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Urban and Land Use Planners. According to the wage tables, average income is $96K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $59K per year | $79K per year | $96K per year | $114K per year | $135K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $31K above the national average. | ||||
Transportation Planners typically work in government agencies, urban planning firms, and consulting companies. Their work environment involves office settings for planning and analysis, as well as field visits to survey sites and attend public meetings. They often collaborate with engineers, urban planners, public officials, and the community.
Transportation Planners play a crucial role in shaping how people and goods move within and between communities. Their work involves understanding and balancing various aspects, including transportation demand, land use, environmental impact, and budget constraints. They utilize data analysis, modeling tools, and GIS technology to forecast transportation needs and plan projects.
Effective communication and public engagement are key aspects of this profession. Transportation Planners often present their findings and proposals to government bodies, stakeholder groups, and the public, requiring skills in public speaking and report writing. They also need to be adept at collaborating with a diverse range of professionals and community members.
The field of transportation planning is dynamic, continually evolving with societal changes, technological advancements, and policy shifts. Planners must stay informed about these developments to create responsive and forward-thinking transportation strategies.
Most transportation planner positions require a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, transportation engineering, or a related field, which takes about 4 years. Some roles, especially in high-level planning or policy development, may require a master's degree.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.