Job title · SOC 19-3051

Urban / City Planner

Also known as: urban planner, city planner

Overview

Sourced

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

O*NET definition of Urban and Regional Planners (SOC 19-3051) · Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed.

38,460

in government (SOC 19-3051)

87%

of this occupation works for government

$87,900

median pay in government

Local · State

levels of government

Titles employers use

Community Development PlannerPlannerPlanning ConsultantPlanning TechnicianCity PlannerCommunity PlannerDevelopment TechnicianHousing Development SpecialistNeighborhood PlannerRegional Planner

How people usually get in Editorial

MUP; AICP. Requirements vary by employer; each employer page will list its exact rules.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership; U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), O*NET 31.0 Database; GovJobs Wiki (editorial). Data captured September 30, 2026.

Requirements

Sourced

Typical entry requirements (BLS, SOC 19-3051)

Education needed to enter: Master's degree
Related work experience: None
On-the-job training: None

Education workers say the job requires

Bachelor's Degree

40%

Master's Degree

56%

First Professional Degree

Share of surveyed workers in Urban and Regional Planners (SOC 19-3051) naming each level as required to be hired, 25 respondents, O*NET survey August 2021. Each employer sets its own minimum.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — education and training assignments by detailed occupation (Tables 5.3, 5.4); U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), O*NET 31.0 Database. Data captured September 30, 2026.

How to get hired

Sourced

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.

From the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile “Urban and Regional Planners”, published August 27, 2026 · Read the full profile. National guidance; each employer runs its own hiring process.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–35 edition (XML compilation). Data captured September 30, 2026.

Academy and training

Sourced

Training to become competent (BLS)

SOC 19-3051: None

Preparation level (O*NET)

Job zone: Extensive Preparation Needed

Academy length, curriculum and paid-training policies are set by each employer and state; they are part of the employer collection stage.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — education and training assignments by detailed occupation (Tables 5.3, 5.4). Data captured September 30, 2026.

Promotion ladder

Editorial

Civil-service class series: civil-service class series I → II → III → senior → supervisor → manager, each with a salary range. Typical structure for a civil-service class series; titles, steps and timing differ by employer.

Trainee / Assistant
Level I
Level II (journey)
Level III / Senior
Lead / Principal
Supervisor
Manager
Director / Division Chief

Source: GovJobs Wiki (editorial).

Pay

Sourced

Federal

$118,160

State

$90,770

Local

$85,980

All government

$87,900

Private sector

$98,980

Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.

Employer type	Workers	10th pct.	25th	Median	75th	90th
Federal	990	$91,560	$103,310	$118,160	$135,260	$153,940
State	4,110	$60,380	$75,140	$90,770	$104,840	$115,800
Local	33,350	$58,750	$68,850	$85,980	$108,040	$133,540
All government	38,460	$59,360	$70,460	$87,900	$108,180	$133,160
Private sector	5,780	$64,540	$78,450	$98,980	$127,660	$152,070

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.

State government pay plans

Official pay ranges for the job classes that match Urban / City Planner in 27 state civil-service plans. They cover state employees only, not cities, counties or school districts.

State	Job classes in the state plan	Annual range
Alabama	Transportation Planner, Transportation Planner, SR 2 classes · effective September 1, 2026 · Alabama State Personnel Department	$39,132 – $104,719
Arizona	Planner 2–4, Transportation Planner Senior 5 classes · effective July 9, 2022 · Arizona Department of Administration, Human Resources Division	$36,779 – $87,570
California	Transportation Planner, Associate Planner, Senior Planner (Specialist), +3 more 6 classes · effective September 14, 2026 · California Department of Human Resources (CalHR)	$59,136 – $158,052
Connecticut	Transportation Planner 1 (35 Hour), Transportation Planner 1 (37.5 Hour), Transportation Planner 1 (40 Hour), +3 more 6 classes · effective June 26, 2026 · Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS), Statewide Human Resources	$69,900 – $132,381
Delaware	Planner I–V, Principal Planner 6 classes · effective July 12, 2026 · Delaware Department of Human Resources, Classification and Compensation	$42,493 – $104,779
Florida	Planner I–IV, Community Planner, Planner IV - Ses 8 classes · effective July 1, 2026 · Florida Department of Management Services (DMS), State Human Resource Management	$34,760 – $89,021
Georgia	Planner 1–3, Planner 1 Non Exempt, Planner 2 Non Exempt, Planner 3 Non Exempt 6 classes · effective July 10, 2024 · Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS), Human Resources Administration — Compensation	$38,453 – $73,288
Hawaii	Planner I–VII 7 classes · effective July 1, 2026 · State of Hawaiʻi Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD)	$52,416 – $129,276
Idaho	Planner, Planner Senior 2 classes · effective June 8, 2025 · Idaho Division of Human Resources	$56,410 – $128,586
Illinois	Community Planner I–III 3 classes · effective July 1, 2026 · Illinois Department of Central Management Services	$63,936 – $118,512
Iowa	Transportation Planner 1–4 4 classes · effective June 19, 2026 · Iowa Department of Administrative Services	$50,398 – $124,883
Kentucky	Planner 1 class · effective September 16, 2026 · Kentucky Personnel Cabinet	$44,074 – $47,012
Maine	Planner II, Senior Planner 2 classes · effective August 30, 2026 · Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of Human Resources	$49,296 – $79,747
Maryland	Planner I–V, Planner IV Adv, Planner Lead/Advanced, Principal Planner 10 classes · effective July 1, 2026 · Maryland Department of Budget and Management (DBM)	$55,710 – $146,883
Massachusetts	Regional Planner I–V 8 classes · effective July 12, 2026 · Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Human Resources Division (HRD)	$67,058 – $140,142
Michigan	Transportation Planner-E, Transportation Planner-A 2 classes · effective October 1, 2026 · Michigan Civil Service Commission	$51,501 – $101,234
Minnesota	Planner, Planner Intermediate 2 classes · effective July 2, 2026 · Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB)	$50,752 – $78,853
Mississippi	Transportation Planner I–II 2 classes · effective July 1, 2026 · Mississippi State Personnel Board	$28,542 – $59,050
Nebraska	Transportation Planner I–III 4 classes · effective July 1, 2026 · Nebraska Department of Administrative Services, State Personnel Division	$43,545 – $85,733
New Jersey	Planner Trainee, Assistant Planner, Senior Planner, Principal Planner 8 classes · effective July 11, 2026 · New Jersey Civil Service Commission	$55,691 – $122,832
New Mexico	Planner, Senior Planner 2 classes · effective July 4, 2026 · New Mexico State Personnel Office (SPO), Compensation and Classification	$56,931 – $93,936
North Carolina	Community Planner I–III, Transportation Planner I–II 5 classes · effective February 1, 2026 · North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR)	$45,431 – $106,544
Ohio	Planner 1–3 3 classes · effective July 1, 2026 · Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS), Classification & Compensation	$49,192 – $95,846
Oregon	Planner 1–4 4 classes · Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS), Chief Human Resources Office – Classification & Compensation	$54,228 – $142,404
Pennsylvania	Planner 1–2 2 classes · effective July 1, 2026 · Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of Administration	$53,008 – $98,144
South Carolina	Transportation Planner I–V 5 classes · South Carolina Department of Administration, Division of State Human Resources	$40,086 – $146,166
Texas	Planner I–V 5 classes · effective September 1, 2025 · Texas State Auditor's Office (SAO), State Classification Team	$45,521 – $129,430

Lowest class minimum to highest class maximum. Hourly rates are converted at 2,080 hours a year, and other rates at the plan's pay periods; the plans publish the exact rates. Classes are matched to this job by title (GovJobsWiki editorial rule).

Sources: 27 official state pay plans, linked in each row.

Schedule

Sourced

Work schedule

Regular

76%

Irregular

24%

Seasonal

Typical work week

Less than 40 hours

40 hours

54%

More than 40 hours

46%

Share of surveyed workers in the occupation (O*NET work context, August 2021). Shift patterns and differentials depend on the employer.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), O*NET 31.0 Database. Data captured September 30, 2026.

Day-to-day work

Sourced

Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.4.7
Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives.4.6
Create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables, such as population density.4.6
Hold public meetings with government officials, social scientists, lawyers, developers, the public, or special interest groups to formulate, develop, or address issues regarding land use or community plans.4.6
Mediate community disputes or assist in developing alternative plans or recommendations for programs or projects.4.4
Recommend approval, denial, or conditional approval of proposals.4.3
Conduct field investigations, surveys, impact studies, or other research to compile and analyze data on economic, social, regulatory, or physical factors affecting land use.4.3
Evaluate proposals for infrastructure projects or other development for environmental impact or sustainability.4.3
Discuss with planning officials the purpose of land use projects, such as transportation, conservation, residential, commercial, industrial, or community use.4.2
Keep informed about economic or legal issues involved in zoning codes, building codes, or environmental regulations.4.2

The 10 most important of 19 core tasks for Urban and Regional Planners, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of August 2021.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), O*NET 31.0 Database. Data captured September 30, 2026.

13Derived

Exams and free practice tests

Sourced

Free practice tests

AICP Certification Exam (American Institute of Certified Planners)
Entrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep

Source: Open Exam Prep, Open Exam Prep free practice tests. Data captured October 1, 2026. Each link was opened and its exam title checked on the date shown.

By state

Sourced

Median annual wage for Urban and Regional Planners (SOC 19-3051) in each state, all employers (BLS state estimates do not separate government from private). Highest first.

State	Workers	10th pct.	Median	90th pct.
District of Columbia	120	$98,410	$137,000	$170,980
California	7,460	$77,430	$109,610	$166,950
Oregon	1,010	$68,630	$103,070	$132,290
Arizona	1,330	$62,670	$102,400	$127,660
Colorado	1,300	$69,670	$101,340	$140,750
Washington	3,180	$77,190	$100,990	$126,340
Nevada	270	$65,530	$100,040	$168,740
Connecticut	350	$72,300	$99,880	$140,090
Massachusetts	1,540	$69,150	$99,780	$134,310
Minnesota	860	$63,460	$97,060	$127,620
Alaska	230	$60,420	$93,860	$112,930
Illinois	1,140	$56,190	$91,360	$145,660
Rhode Island	160	$59,990	$90,210	$115,160
New York	2,420	$61,460	$89,630	$138,330
Maryland	900	$62,920	$88,570	$140,980
New Jersey	790	$60,990	$86,280	$137,790
Virginia	1,740	$61,790	$86,030	$133,520
Hawaii	450	$59,990	$85,590	$115,350
Vermont	100	$61,400	$84,750	$103,540
Utah	500	$56,730	$84,360	$125,070
Wisconsin	1,100	$50,230	$84,290	$116,240
Texas	2,190	$59,510	$82,830	$121,780
Kansas	250	$58,930	$82,330	$128,320
Oklahoma	350	$53,510	$81,520	$120,120
North Carolina	1,630	$58,830	$81,230	$112,110
Pennsylvania	860	$52,010	$80,810	$111,070
Montana	270	$57,310	$80,770	$109,970
Florida	2,620	$52,930	$80,720	$129,350
Missouri	440	$52,710	$80,720	$128,250
Georgia	1,150	$53,970	$80,030	$125,940
Ohio	760	$53,800	$79,950	$113,020
Maine	190	$56,480	$79,120	$112,810
Iowa	300	$55,550	$79,100	$107,370
Tennessee	310	$59,990	$78,970	$105,700
Michigan	1,380	$52,060	$78,510	$109,930
North Dakota	210	$61,070	$78,500	$129,930
New Mexico	270	$57,750	$77,710	$104,730
Idaho	350	$48,990	$76,500	$105,540
South Carolina	530	$52,530	$75,810	$112,400
Nebraska	360	$53,770	$74,830	$99,820
Louisiana	240	$52,510	$74,500	$115,980
New Hampshire	260	$55,900	$73,860	$109,240
South Dakota	210	$51,670	$71,180	$92,760
Indiana	620	$47,110	$70,760	$101,480
Alabama	520	$46,650	$70,710	$124,040
Wyoming	110	$52,230	$70,190	$110,170
Delaware	290	$52,120	$67,110	$101,680
Kentucky	180	$49,690	$65,000	$106,330
Arkansas	80	$42,990	$63,530	$95,960
West Virginia	160	$47,250	$61,390	$96,110
Mississippi	200	$43,370	$60,300	$110,410

51 states with published estimates.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates. Data captured September 30, 2026.

Not yet collected

These dimensions are part of every job page. We publish them only once they are sourced from official documents such as job postings, pay plans, union contracts and state standards.

05 Probation
Probation length and what ends it
Not yet collected
09 Benefits and pension
Pension plan and formula, retirement age and years, DROP, retiree health, Social Security coverage, 457(b) and PSLF eligibility
Not yet collected
10 Union contracts
Bargaining unit, union and the current contract, with its source and effective dates
Not yet collected
11 Transfers and lateral entry
Lateral entry policy, certification reciprocity, lateral bonuses and moves between agencies
Not yet collected
15 Employer directory
Every public employer that hires this job, with its own pay and rules
Not yet collected

At a glance

Job familyPlanning, Engineering & Environment

LevelLocal, State

Pay structureCivil-service class series

Occupation code19-3051 Urban and Regional Planners

PreparationExtensive Preparation Needed

Sources and verification

Alabama State Personnel Department — Alabama Merit Semi-Monthly Compensation Plan (effective 09/01/2026)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Alabama state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Arizona Department of Administration, Human Resources Division — Arizona State Personnel System Job Titles with Pay Ranges and Salary Schedules

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Arizona state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) — California State Civil Service Pay Scales — Section 17 Schematic Listing (with Section 16 Schematic Arrangement of Classes)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (California state government publication, CalHR); facts republished with a link to the source

Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS), Statewide Human Resources — Connecticut State Employee Compensation Plans and Job Class Specifications

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Connecticut state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Delaware Department of Human Resources, Classification and Compensation — Delaware classification plan (class report) and FY2027 pay grade tables

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (State of Delaware government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Employment Projections 2025–35 — education and training assignments by detailed occupation (Tables 5.3, 5.4)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public domain (U.S. government work)

Florida Department of Management Services (DMS), State Human Resource Management — Florida State Personnel System — Broadband Crosswalk (September 2026), Pay Grades and Broadband Pay Ranges (July 1, 2026)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Florida state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS), Human Resources Administration — Compensation — Georgia State Salary Plans (SWD and LAW) with Job Profiles — September 2026

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Georgia state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

State of Hawaiʻi Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD) — Hawaii Compensation Plans and Bargaining Unit Salary Schedules

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (State of Hawaiʻi government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Idaho Division of Human Resources — Idaho State Classifications and FY 2026–2027 Salary Structures

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Idaho state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Illinois Department of Central Management Services — Illinois CMS Alphabetic Index of Position Titles (FY 2027, effective July 1, 2026, corrected edition)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Illinois state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Iowa Department of Administrative Services — Iowa FY 2027 Classification Plan and Pay Plans

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Iowa state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet — Kentucky Classified and Unclassified 37.5 and 40-Hour Salary Schedule (effective September 16, 2026) and Job Class Specifications

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Kentucky state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of Human Resources — Maine State Government — Job Classification Specifications and Salary Schedules (BHR Salary Schedule Center)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public information (Maine state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Maryland Department of Budget and Management (DBM) — Maryland State Salary Plan (title order) and FY 2027 salary schedules (effective July 1, 2026)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Maryland state government publication, DBM); facts republished with a link to the source

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Human Resources Division (HRD) — Massachusetts Executive Branch Bargaining Unit Job Codes and Salary Charts

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Commonwealth of Massachusetts government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Michigan Civil Service Commission — Michigan Civil Service Commission Compensation Plan, Sections A (Alphabetic List of Pay Ranges) and B (Numeric List of Pay Ranges)

Official source · data captured October 1, 2026 · Public record (State of Michigan government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Mississippi State Personnel Board — Mississippi Variable Compensation Plan FY 2027 and MSPB Career Catalog

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Mississippi state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Nebraska Department of Administrative Services, State Personnel Division — Nebraska Classification & Pay Plan (July 1, 2026)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Nebraska state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

New Jersey Civil Service Commission — New Jersey State Title List and FY2027 salary schedules by Employee Relations Group

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (State of New Jersey government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

New Mexico State Personnel Office (SPO), Compensation and Classification — New Mexico Classified Service — FY27 Salary Schedule (effective 7/4/2026) and Classification and Pay Listing (effective 7/30/2026)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (New Mexico state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) — North Carolina Class Specifications and Graded Salary Schedules (DT, HP, LG, MH, NC, SW)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (North Carolina state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA) — O*NET 31.0 Database

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · CC BY 4.0

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. GovJobsWiki has modified some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public domain (U.S. government work)

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public domain (U.S. government work)

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–35 edition (XML compilation)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public domain (U.S. government work)

Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS), Classification & Compensation — Ohio State Classification Plan — Pay Range Booklet and Pay Range Schedules (rates effective July 2026)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Ohio state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS), Chief Human Resources Office – Classification & Compensation — Oregon Classification and Compensation: Job Profiles and Monthly Salary Rates by Representation

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Oregon state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of Administration — Pennsylvania Commonwealth Classification and Pay Plan (job classes and pay schedules)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

South Carolina Department of Administration, Division of State Human Resources — South Carolina Classified Pay Structure and State Job Classifications

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (South Carolina state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) — State of Minnesota Salary Plan — Classifications and Salary Ranges (report LR0067)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public data (Minnesota state government publication, MMB); facts republished with a link to the source

Texas State Auditor's Office (SAO), State Classification Team — Texas State Classification Plan — Job Description Index and Salary Schedules A, B and C (FY 2026–27)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public information (Texas state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

GovJobs Wiki — editorial structure and wording

GovJobsWiki editorial · not a sourced fact · GovJobsWiki editorial

Open Exam Prep — Open Exam Prep free practice tests

Non-government site · data captured October 1, 2026 · Links only; no questions or content copied

Page data last changed October 1, 2026. How we verify · Report an error

Urban / City Planner

Overview

Titles employers use

Requirements

Education workers say the job requires

How to get hired

Academy and training

Promotion ladder

Pay

State government pay plans

Schedule

Day-to-day work

Related jobs

Exams and free practice tests

Free practice tests

By state

Not yet collected