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This bar graph shows the annual salary for City Planners.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for City Planners.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 4%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives.
Create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables, such as population density.
Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.
Becoming a city planner is a rewarding career choice for those interested in shaping the urban environments that we live in. City planners, also known as urban planners, play a critical role in developing plans and programs for land use in towns, cities, and counties. They work to enhance the quality of community life by ensuring that the local environment is functional, attractive, and sustainable. If you're considering a career in city planning, here's what you need to know.
To start your career in city planning, you will need the appropriate educational background:
Hands-on experience is invaluable:
While not always mandatory, becoming certified can enhance your career prospects:
Developing the following skills is crucial for a successful career as a city planner:
Building a professional network is key:
The field of city planning is always evolving. Continuous learning is essential:
Understanding the job market will help you identify opportunities:
By following these steps and committing yourself to continuous improvement and learning, you can build a fulfilling career as a city planner. Your efforts will contribute to creating livable, sustainable communities for current and future generations.
To pursue a career as a city planner, you generally need:
City planners should have a diverse skill set that includes:
Yes, city planners can pursue certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), which requires:
Joining professional organizations can provide networking opportunities, resources, and career advancement. Some notable organizations include:
A city planner's job responsibilities often involve:
Advancement opportunities for city planners may include:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of urban and regional planners is projected to grow at a rate that is about average compared to all occupations. The need for planners will be driven by population growth, environmental concerns, and infrastructure development.
City planners can stay current by: