What is 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.
List of Transportation Planner Job Duties
- Interpret data from traffic modeling software, geographic information systems, or associated databases.
- Analyze information related to transportation, such as land use policies, environmental impact of projects, or long-range planning needs.
- Evaluate transportation project needs or costs.
- Prepare necessary documents to obtain planned project approvals or permits.
- Represent jurisdictions in the legislative or administrative approval of land development projects.
- Analyze information from traffic counting programs.
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What Every 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.
Types of Transportation Planner Jobs
- Traffic Analyst
- Traffic Engineering Director
- Strategic Planning and Development Vice President
- Transit Planning Manager
- Transportation Management Consultant
Is There Job Demand for Transportation Planners?
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. 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.
Transportation Planner Average Salary
The salary for Transportation Planners ranges between about $50,610 and $126,060 a year.
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 do Transportation Planners Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Transportation Planners may use on a daily basis:
- 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?
Learn what Transportation Planner education requirements there are.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Transportation Planner?
Who Employs Transportation Planners?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Transportation Planner may also be interested in:
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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