Transportation Planner

Your Fit

Income

$100K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

1.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Transportation Planner?

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.

Sample job titles:

Planner, Program Officer, Transportation Data Programs Manager, Transportation Planner

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Transportation Planner.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Transportation Planner earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$63K per year	$79K per year	$100K per year	$128K per year	$161K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $51K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Transportation Planner do?

Work environment

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.

Quick task list

Analyzes transportation data and trends to inform planning decisions.
Develops and evaluates transportation proposals and projects.
Collaborates with stakeholders to identify transportation needs and solutions.
Ensures transportation plans comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
Prepares reports and presents plans to government bodies, organizations, and the public.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Urban Transportation Planning: Focusing on transportation systems within cities, including public transit, road networks, and pedestrian pathways.
Regional Transportation Planning: Planning transportation networks and systems at a regional level, often involving multiple cities or counties.
Environmental and Sustainable Transportation: Developing plans that minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.
Transportation Policy and Research: Involving in policy-making, research, and analysis to guide transportation planning and regulation.
Transportation Technology and Innovation: Concentrating on the integration of new technologies, like autonomous vehicles and smart infrastructure, into transportation systems.

Description

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.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the development of efficient, sustainable, and equitable transportation systems.
Seeing tangible results in the community from successful planning projects.
Engaging in diverse tasks, from data analysis to public outreach.

You might make a good Transportation Planner if you are...

Interested in urban planning and infrastructure development.
Skilled in data analysis and problem-solving.
Adept at communicating complex concepts to varied audiences.
Passionate about sustainability and improving public infrastructure.
Capable of thinking strategically and planning for long-term objectives.

Pros:

Direct impact on improving community infrastructure and quality of life.
Opportunities for creative and strategic planning.
Growing field with the rise in urbanization and focus on sustainable development.

Cons:

Can involve navigating complex regulatory environments and political landscapes.
Balancing competing interests and constraints can be challenging.
Public consultation processes may be time-consuming and require patience.

How to become a Transportation Planner

Typical education

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.

High school preparation

Courses:

Geography to understand spatial relationships and land use.
Mathematics, especially Statistics, for data analysis.
Environmental Science to appreciate sustainability concerns.
Civics or Government to understand policy and regulatory frameworks.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in model United Nations or debate clubs to develop public speaking skills.
Involvement in community service projects, especially those related to urban development or environmental sustainability.
Engagement in after-school programs focusing on technology or engineering.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, civil engineering, or related fields.
Internships with city planning departments or transportation agencies for practical experience.
Consider a master's degree in urban or transportation planning for advanced opportunities.
Gain certifications relevant to transportation planning, such as from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

More resources

American Planning Association (APA) - Offers resources and guidance for planners, including those in transportation.
Transportation Research Board (TRB) - Provides a forum for transportation research and public policy development.
Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) - A professional society that provides resources and networking for transportation professionals.
Planetizen Courses - Offers various online courses in urban planning and transportation.
Urban Land Institute (ULI) - Provides research and publications on urban planning, real estate, and transportation.

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