Shigoto Zukan
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How to become urban and regional plannerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$89,320
25th–75th pct. $72,020–$110,030
Top pay (est.)
$174,800
Top 10% $134,490
Pay in 5 years
$98,200est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$108,000est.
$92,900–$125,400
Outlook score
47/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
86%
Very high
Job growth (10 yr)
+3.9%
3,200 openings / yr

How to become urban and regional planners

Typical education
Master's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Urban and Regional Planners

Key skills

Active Listening
4.4
Reading Comprehension
4.4
Speaking
4.2
Judgment and Decision Making
4.2
Critical Thinking
4.2
Systems Analysis
4.1
Writing
4.1
Complex Problem Solving
4.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Geography
5.5
Customer and Personal Service
4.9
English Language
4.9
Law and Government
4.7
Sociology and Anthropology
4.4
Mathematics
4.2
Administration and Management
4.2
Computers and Electronics
4.2

What the work involves

Developing Objectives and StrategiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersAnalyzing Data or InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionWritten ComprehensionNear VisionFluency of Ideas

Education of workers

Master's degree
56%
Bachelor's degree
40%
Professional degree
4%

Training before entry

None / short demo
52%
Up to 1 month
24%
1–2 years
12%
1–3 months
8%
6–12 months
4%

Related work experience

1–2 years
40%
4–6 years
20%
2–4 years
12%
6–12 months
12%
3–6 months
8%
None
4%
6–8 years
4%

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as urban and regional planners

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.