Urban and regional planners shape the future of cities and communities by developing strategies for land use, transportation, and growth. The work is analytical and collaborative, and you'll need a master's degree to enter the field.
Pathly builds you a free, personalized roadmap and helps your counselor champion you along the way.
Urban and regional planners gather and analyze information about communities, then use that data to develop long-term strategies for development. You evaluate how proposed projects align with zoning laws and environmental standards. You communicate findings to government officials, developers, and the public. You work across departments and with people outside your organization to solve complex problems around housing, transportation, infrastructure, and economic development. The role requires strong writing and speaking skills to present plans and recommendations clearly.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Urban and Regional Planners earn a median of $89,320 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 3,400 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
This career requires a master's degree, typically in urban planning, regional planning, or a related field. Your education will cover law and government, geography, transportation systems, and administration. You'll develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, and data analysis. The preparation is extensive, so you should be ready for graduate-level coursework and projects. Consider internships during your studies to build practical experience and professional networks in planning agencies or consulting firms.
Most planners earn a master's degree, so the main decision is which program fits your interests and timeline. Use Pathly can map the urban and regional planner path that fits you to explore program options and create a plan with your counselor.
Many urban and regional planners must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You're drawn to investigative work that involves research, analysis, and problem-solving. You enjoy understanding systems and using data to inform decisions about complex issues.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
Your free AI guide weighs this career against your strengths and goals, and surfaces the colleges, trades, and scholarships that match, so you know if it truly fits before you commit.
Get a personalized, step-by-step plan to reach this career, with the training, coursework, and credentials tracked in one place. Link your school or IEC and your counselor in the loop.
Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).