What Does it Take to Be a Transportation Planner?
Example of Transportation Planner Job Prepare studies for proposed transportation projects. Gather, compile, and analyze data. Study the use and operation of transportation systems. Develop transportation models or simulations.
Daily Life Of a Transportation Planner
- Produce environmental documents, such as environmental assessments or environmental impact statements.
- Represent jurisdictions in the legislative or administrative approval of land development projects.
- Prepare necessary documents to obtain planned project approvals or permits.
- Recommend transportation system improvements or projects, based on economic, population, land-use, or traffic projections.
- Design new or improved transport infrastructure, such as junction improvements, pedestrian projects, bus facilities, or car parking areas.
- Prepare reports or recommendations on transportation planning.
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Qualities of a Transportation Planner
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.
Types of Transportation Planner
- Planning Director
- Traffic Analyst
- Transportation Management Consultant
- Transit Planning Manager
- Transportation Analyst
Transportation Planner Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 42,100 jobs in the United States for Transportation Planner. 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 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.
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 |
What Tools 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?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Transportation Planner?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Transportation Planner?
Where do Transportation Planners Work?
The table below shows the approximate number of Transportation Planners employed by various industries.
Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Transportation Planner may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Transportation Planner sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
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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