How much does a Transportation Planner make?
Transportation Planners play a key role in making cities and towns better places to live and work. They study traffic patterns and create plans for transportation systems. This job can be rewarding both in terms of job satisfaction and salary. On average, a Transportation Planner earns about $64,150 per year. This figure gives an idea of the income one might expect in this field.
The salary for Transportation Planners can vary based on several factors. These factors include education, experience, location, and the type of employer. Entry-level planners often start with salaries on the lower end of the spectrum. As they gain experience and take on more responsibility, their salaries tend to rise. Planners who work for government agencies or large consulting firms may see higher earnings compared to those in smaller firms or non-profits. Each step in their career can bring new opportunities for salary growth and professional development.
What are the highest paying cities for a Transportation Planner?
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $132,644
In San Jose, you can work on exciting projects that improve public transport and city planning. The tech industry needs experts to create smart transportation solutions. Notable companies like Google and Tesla offer opportunities.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $117,575
Anchorage offers a unique environment for transportation planning, focusing on cold weather challenges. Plan and develop systems for a city with diverse needs. State agencies and local companies provide many job openings.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $114,780
Seattle's transportation planners focus on making public transport efficient and eco-friendly. The city's tech and maritime industries demand skilled planners. Companies like Amazon and Port of Seattle offer many job opportunities.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $110,238
Baltimore’s transportation planners work to improve public transit and reduce traffic congestion. The port and industrial sectors need experts to enhance logistics. The city government and local firms offer various job openings.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $109,999
San Diego offers a dynamic environment for transportation planners focused on coastal and military logistics. The city's vibrant economy needs planners to create efficient transport systems. Local government and defense contractors provide many job opportunities.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $107,143
Denver’s transportation planners deal with high-altitude challenges and scenic routes. The city needs experts to improve both urban and mountain transport. The state government and major firms offer various job opportunities.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $104,603
Los Angeles offers a chance to tackle complex traffic issues in a sprawling city. Planners here focus on creating systems that handle heavy traffic. Companies like Uber and city agencies offer many job opportunities.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $100,013
Boston’s transportation planners work in a historic city with a focus on public transit. The city needs experts to manage congestion and improve public transport. Local government and universities offer many job opportunities.
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Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $96,811
Dallas offers a fast-growing city environment for transportation planners. The city needs experts to handle growing traffic and improve transport networks. Local government and major firms offer many job opportunities.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $95,727
In Washington, DC, transportation planners focus on managing high traffic and political demands. The city needs experts to improve public transport and manage heavy foot traffic. Federal agencies and local firms offer many job opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Transportation Planner can work for?
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Horrocks
Average Salary: $157,500
Horrocks offers rewarding Transportation Planner jobs. They focus on delivering innovative transportation solutions. Horrocks operates nationwide, with major offices in California and New York.
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CDM Smith
Average Salary: $119,603
CDM Smith provides exciting Transportation Planner roles. They specialize in environmental consulting. The company operates in multiple states, including Texas, Florida, and Illinois.
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AECOM
Average Salary: $118,880
AECOM offers competitive salaries for Transportation Planners. They focus on design, consulting, and management. AECOM has a global presence, with offices in many countries.
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Toole Design Group
Average Salary: $111,500
Toole Design Group provides dynamic Transportation Planner jobs. They focus on planning and consulting for transportation projects. The company operates mainly in the western United States.
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Caltrans
Average Salary: $110,501
Caltrans offers attractive Transportation Planner positions. They manage and develop California's transportation infrastructure. Their main operations are in California.
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Fairfax County Government
Average Salary: $104,748
Fairfax County Government provides rewarding Transportation Planner jobs. They focus on planning and development in Northern Virginia. Their offices are in Fairfax County, Virginia.
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Los Angeles Metro
Average Salary: $104,634
Los Angeles Metro offers exciting Transportation Planner roles. They manage public transportation in Los Angeles. Their operations span across Los Angeles County.
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City of Greenville, NC
Average Salary: $99,923
The City of Greenville, NC, offers competitive Transportation Planner jobs. They focus on urban planning and development. Their main operations are in Greenville, North Carolina.
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State of Connecticut
Average Salary: $91,114
The State of Connecticut provides solid Transportation Planner positions. They focus on state infrastructure and development. Their operations cover all regions of Connecticut.
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State of Michigan
Average Salary: $72,023
The State of Michigan offers Transportation Planner jobs with a strong focus on public transportation. They operate across the state, with major offices in Lansing and Detroit.
How to earn more as a Transportation Planner?
Earning more as a Transportation Planner involves focusing on certain key areas that can lead to increased pay and career advancement. Gaining specialized skills and certifications can open up higher-paying opportunities. For instance, certifications in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or traffic modeling software can make a candidate more valuable. Keeping up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies can also improve job prospects and salary.
Networking and building a strong professional reputation can lead to more job offers and higher salaries. Attending industry conferences, joining professional organizations, and engaging with colleagues on social media can create more visibility and opportunities. Another key factor is gaining experience in different types of projects and locations, which can make a Transportation Planner more versatile and in demand. Working on major infrastructure projects or in high-demand areas can often lead to higher pay rates. Finally, seeking out leadership roles or management positions within a company can provide significant salary increases and more responsibility.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Transportation Planner:
- Obtain specialized certifications
- Stay updated with industry trends
- Network and build professional relationships
- Gain diverse project experience
- Pursue leadership roles
