What Does it Take to Be a Transportation Planner?
Position Description Prepare studies for proposed transportation projects. Gather, compile, and analyze data. Study the use and operation of transportation systems. Develop transportation models or simulations.
A Day in the Life of a Transportation Planner
- Prepare or review engineering studies or specifications.
- Direct urban traffic counting programs.
- 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.
- Produce environmental documents, such as environmental assessments or environmental impact statements.
- Define regional or local transportation planning problems or priorities.
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Transportation Planner Needed Skills
Transportation Planners state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Planning Director
- Traffic Analyst
- Transportation Analyst
- Transit Planning Manager
- Strategic Planning and Development Vice President
What Kind of Transportation Planner Job Opportunities Are There?
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 4,200 job openings in this field each 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.
Salary for a Transportation Planner
The average yearly salary of a Transportation Planner ranges 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 & Technology do Transportation Planners Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Transportation Planners:
- 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?
Are there Transportation Planners education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Transportation Planners Work
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Transportation Planner might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Transportation Planner in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Manfred Werner (Tsui) via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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