What Does it Take to Be a Transportation Planner?
Job Description & Duties Prepare studies for proposed transportation projects. Gather, compile, and analyze data. Study the use and operation of transportation systems. Develop transportation models or simulations.
Transportation Planner Responsibilities
- Develop computer models to address transportation planning issues.
- Participate in public meetings or hearings to explain planning proposals, to gather feedback from those affected by projects, or to achieve consensus on project designs.
- Develop or test new methods or models of transportation analysis.
- Collaborate with engineers to research, analyze, or resolve complex transportation design issues.
- Design new or improved transport infrastructure, such as junction improvements, pedestrian projects, bus facilities, or car parking areas.
- Recommend transportation system improvements or projects, based on economic, population, land-use, or traffic projections.
Featured schools near , edit
What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Transportation Planner?
Below is a list of the skills most Transportation Planners say are important on the job.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Types of Transportation Planner Jobs
- Transportation Planner
- Seaport Planning Manager
- Transportation Modeler
- Traffic Engineering Director
- Planning Director
Job Outlook for Transportation Planners
There were about 42,100 jobs for Transportation Planner in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,800 new jobs for Transportation Planner by 2026. There will be an estimated 4,200 positions for Transportation Planner per year.
The states with the most job growth for Transportation Planner are Utah, Vermont, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, South Dakota, or South Carolina. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Transportation Planners Make A Lot Of Money?
The typical yearly salary for Transportation Planners is somewhere between $50,610 and $126,060.
Transportation Planners who work in Virginia, Maryland, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Transportation Planners in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $84,890 |
| Alaska | $74,550 |
| Arizona | $83,830 |
| Arkansas | $71,970 |
| California | $78,970 |
| Colorado | $81,380 |
| Connecticut | $77,930 |
| Delaware | $67,990 |
| District of Columbia | $102,300 |
| Florida | $78,510 |
| Georgia | $86,810 |
| Hawaii | $94,440 |
| Idaho | $57,570 |
| Illinois | $78,140 |
| Indiana | $82,010 |
| Kansas | $83,440 |
| Kentucky | $71,870 |
| Louisiana | $72,880 |
| Maine | $74,750 |
| Maryland | $98,920 |
| Massachusetts | $80,210 |
| Michigan | $75,380 |
| Minnesota | $94,380 |
| Mississippi | $70,590 |
| Missouri | $70,180 |
| Montana | $70,380 |
| Nevada | $79,120 |
| New Hampshire | $91,030 |
| New Jersey | $88,350 |
| New Mexico | $79,880 |
| New York | $84,940 |
| North Carolina | $73,420 |
| North Dakota | $68,190 |
| Ohio | $77,450 |
| Oklahoma | $74,190 |
| Oregon | $76,420 |
| Pennsylvania | $83,400 |
| South Carolina | $74,050 |
| South Dakota | $68,980 |
| Tennessee | $61,800 |
| Texas | $80,430 |
| Utah | $67,320 |
| Vermont | $81,360 |
| Virginia | $110,090 |
| Washington | $77,850 |
| West Virginia | $73,480 |
| Wisconsin | $73,870 |
| Wyoming | $67,870 |
What Tools do Transportation Planners Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Transportation Planners may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- SAP
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Structured query language SQL
- SAS
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Bentley Microstation
- Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
How do I Become a Transportation Planner?
Individuals working as a Transportation Planner have obtained the following education levels:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Transportation Planner?
Where do Transportation Planners Work?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Transportation Planner might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Transportation Planner sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Manfred Werner (Tsui) via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.