City Planner Job Description

There is much work to do.

The United States' Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for urban or city planners will increase by 19 percent from 2008 to 2018. Spurred by the increasing importance of public projects, this growth could create as many as 7,300 jobs.

Function

City planners develop strategies for how to lay out an urban area, such as where to build new roads or erect certain structures. Planners also work with lawmakers to help draft zoning regulations.

Features

City planners often work on teams with city officials on special projects, such as creating more green spaces in a city, solving problems with parking shortages or addressing pollution and other environmental issues. Planners may also be involved in settling disagreements between landowners about how property should be used or where the borders of properties are.

Skills

Successful city planners possess analytical and organizational skills, knowledge of engineering and construction, decision-making and reasoning capabilities and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively. Familiarity with computer-aided drafting programs and geographic information system software is usually necessary as well.

Education

Most employers require city planners to have at least a master's degree in city, urban or regional planning. Before pursuing a graduate degree, planners typically receive bachelor's degrees in fields such as geography, environmental design or political science.

Compensation

As of May 2008, the average annual salary of urban or city planners was $62,400.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Urban and Regional Planners
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages