How much does a Transportation Planner make?
Transportation Planners design and manage systems for moving people and goods. They work on projects to improve public transport, road safety, and traffic flow. These professionals earn a good salary with room for growth. The average yearly salary for Transportation Planners stands at $72,395. This figure shows the potential earnings for those in this career.
The salary range for Transportation Planners varies. The lowest 10% earn about $36,900 per year. Those in the middle range earn between $55,200 and $64,400. The top 10% can make over $101,000 annually. These numbers highlight how experience and skills affect earnings. Higher salaries often come with more responsibility and specialized skills.
Transportation Planners can find jobs in government, private companies, and consulting firms. Their work often involves analyzing data and creating plans to enhance transportation systems. This career offers steady job growth and the chance for career advancement.
What are the highest paying cities for a Transportation Planner?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $125,755
In San Francisco, professionals design efficient transport systems. The city's focus on sustainability makes it ideal for planners passionate about green initiatives. Working with tech giants like Uber and Lyft can provide unique opportunities.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $113,155
San Jose offers a dynamic environment for transportation experts. The city's tech-driven economy demands innovative transport solutions. Collaboration with companies like Google and Apple can enhance career growth.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $108,196
Anchorage presents a challenging yet rewarding setting for transportation planners. The city’s unique geography and weather require specialized transport solutions. Working with local government and construction firms can lead to impactful projects.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $106,212
Seattle is known for its forward-thinking approach to transportation. Planners here work on integrating public transit with eco-friendly options. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft offer opportunities for urban mobility projects.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $104,359
In Philadelphia, planners focus on improving public transit and road networks. The city’s rich history and diverse population provide a unique backdrop for innovative transport solutions. Working with local government and transit agencies is common.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $103,303
Los Angeles offers a vibrant environment for transportation professionals. The city’s vast area requires efficient and innovative transport solutions. Working with major studios and tech companies can provide diverse experiences.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $101,950
San Diego provides a picturesque setting for transportation planners. The city's focus on tourism and clean energy creates opportunities for sustainable transport solutions. Collaboration with local government and tech firms is frequent.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $93,416
Boston's historic charm combines with modern urban needs in transportation planning. The city’s dense population and extensive public transit system offer unique challenges. Working with universities and tech companies can enhance skills.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $93,346
In Washington, DC, planners play a key role in managing the nation’s capital’s transport infrastructure. The city’s political landscape offers opportunities to influence major projects. Collaboration with federal agencies is common.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $90,668
Sacramento provides a balanced environment for transportation professionals. The city’s focus on regional planning and sustainability offers rewarding projects. Working with state government and local agencies is frequent.
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What are the best companies a Transportation Planner can work for?

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HDR
Average Salary: $111,140
HDR offers exciting opportunities for Transportation Planners across the United States. They work on a variety of projects that focus on sustainable transportation solutions. Locations include major cities like Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco.
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Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Average Salary: $102,752
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority provides dynamic roles for Transportation Planners. They focus on improving public transit and reducing traffic congestion. The company operates in Los Angeles County, making it a key player in the region’s transportation network.
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State of Connecticut
Average Salary: $96,439
The State of Connecticut offers rewarding positions for Transportation Planners. They work on statewide projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and mobility. The company operates throughout the state, providing diverse experiences for employees.
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State of Alaska
Average Salary: $94,940
The State of Alaska provides excellent opportunities for Transportation Planners. They focus on unique challenges like extreme weather and remote locations. This role involves projects in various parts of the state, offering a unique professional experience.
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AECOM
Average Salary: $94,546
AECOM is a global leader in transportation planning. They offer jobs that cover a wide range of transportation projects. AECOM operates worldwide, allowing Transportation Planners to work in diverse environments.
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State of Michigan
Average Salary: $69,559
The State of Michigan provides stable positions for Transportation Planners. They work on critical infrastructure projects to improve roads and public transport. This role allows planners to make a significant impact in the state.
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North Central Texas Council of Governments
Average Salary: $65,604
The North Central Texas Council of Governments offers roles focused on regional transportation issues. They work to improve traffic flow and public transit in the region. This role allows planners to influence local transportation policies and projects.
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BlueLinx
Average Salary: $65,000
BlueLinx provides opportunities for Transportation Planners focused on logistics and supply chain efficiency. They work on projects to optimize transportation routes and reduce costs. This role involves working across various locations to enhance operational efficiency.
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G&D Integrated
Average Salary: $39,167
G&D Integrated offers positions for Transportation Planners focusing on smaller-scale projects. They work on regional initiatives to improve local transportation networks. This role allows planners to gain experience in niche areas of transportation planning.
How to earn more as a Transportation Planner?
Becoming a Transportation Planner can lead to a rewarding career with good earning potential. With the right strategies, a Transportation Planner can increase their income. Key factors include gaining experience, obtaining certifications, and specializing in high-demand areas.
Experience plays a crucial role in salary growth. Employers value planners who have a solid background in the field. Starting at entry-level positions allows planners to build their skills and advance. Working on diverse projects enhances a planner’s portfolio, making them more attractive to potential employers. Certifications from recognized bodies can also improve earning potential. For instance, the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) offers credentials that are highly respected. These certifications show a commitment to the profession and can lead to higher paying positions. Specializing in areas like urban planning, traffic management, or sustainable transport can also boost earnings. These areas are in high demand, and experts in them often command higher salaries.
Networking and staying updated with industry trends are additional factors. Building a professional network can open doors to better job opportunities. Attending conferences and workshops keeps planners informed about the latest developments. This knowledge can make them more valuable to employers. Finally, pursuing advanced degrees or specialized training can lead to higher positions and salaries.
Focusing on these factors can help Transportation Planners earn more and advance their careers.



