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Transportation Planner

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Transportation Planner?

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Who Employs Transportation Planners?

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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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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