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
- Recommend transportation system improvements or projects, based on economic, population, land-use, or traffic projections.
- Prepare or review engineering studies or specifications.
- Define or update information such as urban boundaries or classification of roadways.
- Interpret data from traffic modeling software, geographic information systems, or associated databases.
- Prepare necessary documents to obtain planned project approvals or permits.
- Collaborate with engineers to research, analyze, or resolve complex transportation design issues.
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Transportation Planner Required Skills
These are the skills Transportation Planners say are the most useful in their careers:
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
- Planner
- Transportation Consultant
- Planning Director
- Transportation Analyst
Is There Going to be Demand 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.
Salary for a Transportation Planner
Transportation Planners make between $50,610 and $126,060 a year.
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
Becoming 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 Transportation Planners Are Employed
Transportation Planners work in the following industries:
Similar Careers
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.
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