What You Need to Know About Transportation Planner
Career 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.
What Do Transportation Planners Do On a Daily Basis?
- Define regional or local transportation planning problems or priorities.
- Collaborate with engineers to research, analyze, or resolve complex transportation design issues.
- Analyze information related to transportation, such as land use policies, environmental impact of projects, or long-range planning needs.
- Prepare necessary documents to obtain planned project approvals or permits.
- Define or update information such as urban boundaries or classification of roadways.
- Evaluate transportation project needs or costs.
What a Transportation Planner Should Know
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Transportation Management Consultant
- Transit Planner
- Transportation Analyst
- Strategic Planning and Development Vice President
- Transit Planning Manager
Job Opportunities for Transportation Planners
In the United States, there were 42,100 jobs for Transportation Planner in 2016. 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. The BLS estimates 4,200 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
How Much Does a Transportation Planner Make?
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.
How much do Transportation Planners make in each U.S. state?
| 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Transportation Planners
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 to Become a Transportation Planner
Education needed to be a Transportation Planner:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Transportation Planner?
Transportation Planners Sector
Transportation Planners work in the following industries:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Transportation Planner may also be interested in:
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.