How to Become a City Planner
By Kacie Kostelecky
City planners, also known as urban planners, design the layout and use of land within cities and communities to meet various needs. They typically plan for economic growth and development, transportation systems, street and road design, and zoning requirements. Additionally, city planners work to enhance the economic viability and growth of underdeveloped or underused areas. Their responsibilities may also include planning and developing new facilities such as schools, parks, community centers, and other public buildings.
A career as a city planner may require you to take on several key job responsibilities, including:
Collaborating with city, government, and public officials to plan land uses, building construction, and community growth.
Collecting and analyzing data from community surveys, market research, and economic and environmental studies.
Investigating community growth and development factors, including zoning and land use regulations.
Reviewing and administering government policies and site plans related to city land use.
Evaluating proposed plans for feasibility and making necessary changes to finalize and implement them.
Presenting proposed plans and projects to communities, planning commissions, and officials.
Staying updated on zoning laws, building codes, environmental policies, and other relevant regulations.
To Become a City Planner, you must:
To pursue a career as a city planner, you'll need to complete several educational and professional steps:
Complete Your Bachelor's Degree
Start by earning a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. While there isn't a specific undergraduate degree for city and urban planning, majors such as economics, architecture, civil and environmental engineering, environmental design, geography, and political science can prepare you for a master's program in urban planning. Many prospective city planners gain experience through internships after completing their bachelor's degree before continuing to a master's program.
Earn a Master's Degree in City, Regional, or Urban Planning
Continue your education with a master's in city, regional, or urban planning. These programs typically include coursework on urban planning laws, metropolitan planning, spatial analysis, GIS technology, and negotiation. If you didn't complete an internship after earning your bachelor's degree, you might have internship opportunities or workshop experiences during your graduate program.
Choose a Concentration in City, Regional, or Urban Planning
Specialize in a specific city and urban planning area, such as land use, transportation, or community design and development. During your graduate studies, you may find additional opportunities for internships and studio projects that prepare you for a career in your chosen concentration. For more information on community development initiatives in North Dakota, visit the Vision West ND priorities page.
Obtain Your Certification
While not all states require certification, the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) offers a voluntary AICP certification for city and urban planners. To obtain certification, you must pass an exam and renew your credentials every two years. If you specialize in environmental planning, you can also get a Certified Environmental Planner (CEP) certification, which also requires biennial renewal.
Average Salary for a City Planner
City planners, or urban planners, earn an average salary of $66,995 per year nationally, though this can vary by state, agency, and experience level. With experience, many urban planners advance to senior positions, earning an average salary of $85,903 per year. Other specializations within city planning, such as environmental planning, offer different salary prospects; for instance, environmental planners earn an average of $74,006 annually. Specializing in a particular area of city planning can provide additional opportunities for higher income, depending on the job market and location.
In North Dakota, urban and regional planners earn an average salary of approximately $62,300 annually.
Becoming a city planner is a rewarding career path that combines a passion for community development with the technical skills required to shape the future of urban environments. By completing the necessary educational requirements, gaining relevant experience, and obtaining certification, you can embark on a journey that allows you to make a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals. City planners play a crucial role in creating sustainable, vibrant communities that meet the diverse needs of their residents. As you pursue this career, remember that your work has the potential to positively impact the world around you, fostering growth, inclusivity, and innovation.